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The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories
Kings and misers, princes and paupers, wise men and foolish boys, the funniest and oddest men and women come alive in this sparkling new collection of stories. The clever princess will only marry the man who can ask her a question she cannot answer; the orphan boy outwits his greedy uncles with a bag of ash; and an old couple in distress is saved by a magic drum.
Sudha Murty’s grand parents told her some of these stories when she was a child; others she heard from her friends from around the world. These delightful and timeless folk tales have been her favourites for years, and she has recounted them many times over to the young people in her life. With this collection, they will be enjoyed by many more readers, of all ages.
Sudha Murty’s grand parents told her some of these stories when she was a child; others she heard from her friends from around the world. These delightful and timeless folk tales have been her favourites for years, and she has recounted them many times over to the young people in her life. With this collection, they will be enjoyed by many more readers, of all ages.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2006
146 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Sudha Murty
180 books2,985 followersSudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science, and is now the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written nine novels, four technical books, three travelogues, one collection of short stories, three collections of non-fiction pieces and two books for children.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 30, 2021
• r e c o m m e n d a t i o n •
I often turn to Sudha Murty's books when I'm in a reading slump or just to cheer myself up. And it always works. This particular collection of folktales took me back to the days when I was a child, spending my summer holidays with Panchatantra. This book consists of previously told popular folktales written by others and told for generations along with new ones penned by Sudha Murty, each unique in its own way. They revolve around morals, urging people to be and do good with an occasional one or two stories of mischief. You needn't be a kid to read these and that has always been the beauty of her books. The language is so simple yet leaves no room for complaints but in fact makes you go back for more. Her humbleness reflects in her writing, making it impossible not to like them. This one too was one such book.
The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories is a collection of 37 folktales, each different than the other. At the very beginning, Sudha Murty tells the readers how she chose not to include any stories of Gods and animals, removing the supernatural aspect that they carry but to bring those stories together in which people who are in trouble cleverly extricate themselves by wit. There are stories of how rich cheat the poor but end up with their plans backfired. Tales of good Samaritans stepping in to dictate justice, ministers of Kings chosen for their sharp minds, princesses finding their match in clever and ordinary men; these enjoyable narratives were wonderful to read. This book comes as a reminder that even though material wealth is volatile, knowledge is something that invariably stays.
I often turn to Sudha Murty's books when I'm in a reading slump or just to cheer myself up. And it always works. This particular collection of folktales took me back to the days when I was a child, spending my summer holidays with Panchatantra. This book consists of previously told popular folktales written by others and told for generations along with new ones penned by Sudha Murty, each unique in its own way. They revolve around morals, urging people to be and do good with an occasional one or two stories of mischief. You needn't be a kid to read these and that has always been the beauty of her books. The language is so simple yet leaves no room for complaints but in fact makes you go back for more. Her humbleness reflects in her writing, making it impossible not to like them. This one too was one such book.
The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories is a collection of 37 folktales, each different than the other. At the very beginning, Sudha Murty tells the readers how she chose not to include any stories of Gods and animals, removing the supernatural aspect that they carry but to bring those stories together in which people who are in trouble cleverly extricate themselves by wit. There are stories of how rich cheat the poor but end up with their plans backfired. Tales of good Samaritans stepping in to dictate justice, ministers of Kings chosen for their sharp minds, princesses finding their match in clever and ordinary men; these enjoyable narratives were wonderful to read. This book comes as a reminder that even though material wealth is volatile, knowledge is something that invariably stays.
April 13, 2021
A wonderful book of amusing stories. Each story had a character to admire and lesson to remember. It was a captivating read.
May 1, 2019
Picked up this book for a very young cousin and ended up reading it, cuz you know, it’s Sudha Murthy.
Her books are lucid with interesting stories.
The missing star in the rating is because of the illustrations. They could have been a bit better and more relevant to the timeline of the stories.
Her books are lucid with interesting stories.
The missing star in the rating is because of the illustrations. They could have been a bit better and more relevant to the timeline of the stories.
September 12, 2011
the book reminds me of my childhood stories... and my grand ma who recited them...
October 30, 2020
It was a really good collection of priceless stories. The stories were filled with great wisdom!
August 30, 2017
After having read 'How I taught my grandmother to read and write' which I highly recommend which gave me an idea of Sudha Murthy, this book contains a lot of simple short stories with powerful messages.
I'd rate this book a 5 star as it brought back of memories from childhood. the stories that my mum and grandmum used to tell me growing up gives me a sense of nostalgia. This book contains around 25 simple stories each giving a message how Karma works and other novel ideas.
I'd definitely recommend to read this book.
I'd rate this book a 5 star as it brought back of memories from childhood. the stories that my mum and grandmum used to tell me growing up gives me a sense of nostalgia. This book contains around 25 simple stories each giving a message how Karma works and other novel ideas.
I'd definitely recommend to read this book.
February 10, 2016
This book really cracked me up! It is written in a really nice Indian style. Moral stories and more fun. I say this is a really fun book!
September 6, 2018
Back to my childhood memories
February 3, 2022
Really good stories for children and adults alike
Short Stories of some 3-4 pages
Its fun to read
Each story made me smile in the end
Must read yes
Short Stories of some 3-4 pages
Its fun to read
Each story made me smile in the end
Must read yes
December 4, 2021
This is a Sudha Murthy book, that’s it pick it up and read.
I often read her books whenever I feel like I need to cheer myself up and just one chapter and instantly I fall in love with everything around me again 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I often read her books whenever I feel like I need to cheer myself up and just one chapter and instantly I fall in love with everything around me again 🥰🥰🥰🥰
December 28, 2021
Good collection of stories, these can be read and narrated to the kids in home.
July 2, 2021
It's a very simple and quick read. Anyone can take it up owing to its simplicity and easy language
August 27, 2024
I feel the title could have been a bit catchier because the stories are magical enough to capture one’s attention. Captivating the young reader's imagination with simple stories is difficult. The author has maintained a wonderful balance of stories conveying the essential moral values of life yet keeping it humorous.
The lessons will transport the young readers to fictional village life set in King’s rule. A nameless story or story with characters dealing with unusual conditions will surely trigger the creative aspect of kids.
Communicating the moral values of life and their significant impact on life is the most difficult part which the author has carried out elegantly. The author's writing style has chosen simple words that kids can understand easily and will increase their vocabulary.
The common theme of the stories is the strength of being honest hardworking, and loyal. How the liar, greedy suffer. One should be clever enough to outsmart others since we live in an unfair world but at the same time how honesty pays off handsomely. The book also teaches how money is important for survival.
If you are looking for a book to tell your kids, I will recommend the book because after reading different genres of books where often the difficult words of language overpower the context this book will remind you that simplicity is hard but not impossible.
The lessons will transport the young readers to fictional village life set in King’s rule. A nameless story or story with characters dealing with unusual conditions will surely trigger the creative aspect of kids.
Communicating the moral values of life and their significant impact on life is the most difficult part which the author has carried out elegantly. The author's writing style has chosen simple words that kids can understand easily and will increase their vocabulary.
The common theme of the stories is the strength of being honest hardworking, and loyal. How the liar, greedy suffer. One should be clever enough to outsmart others since we live in an unfair world but at the same time how honesty pays off handsomely. The book also teaches how money is important for survival.
If you are looking for a book to tell your kids, I will recommend the book because after reading different genres of books where often the difficult words of language overpower the context this book will remind you that simplicity is hard but not impossible.
January 13, 2025
37 stories that are too good for everyone irrespective of age, teaching us wisdom while inculcating enthusiasm in the readers. This collection has some stories which Sudha Murty heard from her grandparents and a few from her friends. No wonder they are her favourite.
Kings, ministers, princesses, merchants, wise men, old men, ordinary men, clever girls, shepherds, poor people and many other lively characters transmit knowledge and values through their stories. While some are funny and witty, few pose as lessons for life and many imbibe morals with depth in us.
They all seem like stories in our everyday lives but even the normal becomes extraordinary when it has life-altering words entwined in it. These stories are no less. I always walk up to the kid's section and look for moral stories whenever I visit a bookstore. And this book offered me what I have always loved. Potent words in simple stories. The morals will hit the bull's eye for sure.
Very much recommended!
Kings, ministers, princesses, merchants, wise men, old men, ordinary men, clever girls, shepherds, poor people and many other lively characters transmit knowledge and values through their stories. While some are funny and witty, few pose as lessons for life and many imbibe morals with depth in us.
They all seem like stories in our everyday lives but even the normal becomes extraordinary when it has life-altering words entwined in it. These stories are no less. I always walk up to the kid's section and look for moral stories whenever I visit a bookstore. And this book offered me what I have always loved. Potent words in simple stories. The morals will hit the bull's eye for sure.
Very much recommended!
March 3, 2025
“The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories” took me on a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. As I read through the collection, I felt a deep sense of happiness—even though I couldn’t always remember where or when I had first heard some of these stories. Some felt like distant memories, while others wrapped around me like a warm mother’s hug, bringing a quiet sense of peace.
As adults, we often forget that magic exists. But as children, we felt it everywhere—in stories, in imagination, in the simplest moments. This book rekindled that feeling for me. It reminded me that honesty and kindness are enough to lead a good life, and it brought back that sense of wonder I had long forgotten.
It also helped me break out of my reading slump. The short, 2-4 page stories may not have been gripping in the traditional sense, but they were deeply comforting—like reminiscing about the past and rediscovering the innocence we once had.
As adults, we often forget that magic exists. But as children, we felt it everywhere—in stories, in imagination, in the simplest moments. This book rekindled that feeling for me. It reminded me that honesty and kindness are enough to lead a good life, and it brought back that sense of wonder I had long forgotten.
It also helped me break out of my reading slump. The short, 2-4 page stories may not have been gripping in the traditional sense, but they were deeply comforting—like reminiscing about the past and rediscovering the innocence we once had.
June 18, 2021
The Magic Drum and other Favourite Stories by Sudha Murthy- Why I read love to read Children’s story books? The stories are short. We can relate to them. The moral of the story comes by end of the story. This book reminded me of my childhood when other books, Jataka Katha, Ramayana tales, Mahabharata tales, stories of Saints were charming reading for all of us. Present book has 37 simple folktales about how people are untruthful sometime, greedy, spendthrift, miser. These habits invite trouble. Their presence of mind helps them to come out the tight situation. Author has brought forward the fact that a kingdom needs just and wise men in authority to bring peace, development and prosperity to all. Each story has been written in simple language and readers can relate to each situation. Thanks for the effort.
September 16, 2018
What a great read...reminded me of my childhood and it cracked me up a few times during the read. Loved it.
The book has covered 37 simple folktales about how people's lies and deceit landed them in trouble and how presence of mind and wisdom got them out of such a mess. These little stories make us realise how small things multiply to bigger things in life and affect us in a grander way. The author with her wit tried to instill the morale of being authentic not just with oneself but also with others and that karma finds its way to get justice restored; a kingdom needs just and wise men in authority. Beautifully written by Sudha Murty ma'am. Simple stories with great value, written in even simpler, understandable and relatable manner.
The book has covered 37 simple folktales about how people's lies and deceit landed them in trouble and how presence of mind and wisdom got them out of such a mess. These little stories make us realise how small things multiply to bigger things in life and affect us in a grander way. The author with her wit tried to instill the morale of being authentic not just with oneself but also with others and that karma finds its way to get justice restored; a kingdom needs just and wise men in authority. Beautifully written by Sudha Murty ma'am. Simple stories with great value, written in even simpler, understandable and relatable manner.
May 25, 2020
Anytime heard of stories about A bottle of potion which turns things into gold, A princess who thinks she was a bird, Two thieves who can cry out as a Dog & Crow and a shepherd with a bag of words...
The Magic Drum and other favourite stories is a collection of stories with kings and queen's, princesses and Prince's, misers and paupers, the strangest of men and women showing their wit's, cleverness and intelligence in order overcome the different situations and obstacles in front of them. sudha mam have narrated excellently, using simpleton language making easy to go through and makes these characters come to alive while reading. I liked it throughout and in.
The Magic Drum and other favourite stories is a collection of stories with kings and queen's, princesses and Prince's, misers and paupers, the strangest of men and women showing their wit's, cleverness and intelligence in order overcome the different situations and obstacles in front of them. sudha mam have narrated excellently, using simpleton language making easy to go through and makes these characters come to alive while reading. I liked it throughout and in.
May 12, 2020
Collection of short stories for kids. Sudha Murthy’s grandparents told her some of these stories when she was a child other she heard from her friends from around the world. These delightful and timeless folk tales are her favorites for years and she or he has recounted them repeatedly over to the children in her life. With this collection, they’re going to be enjoyed by more readers, of all ages. One of the best Sudha Murty books for Kids. Checkout this article i found online about https://dailybugle.in/sudha-murthy-bo...
May 9, 2021
Age no Bar
A simple read to break the reading slump. Short, simple and innocent tales with morals.
The stories remind us if the complexities of adult life and how happy we were as kids. These stories will help build a healthy human mind.
I especially liked the story Emperor of Alkavati for reminding us that it is the circumstances that shape our personality. It takes a skilful observer to detect the skills in a child and groom her/him to use the skills constructively.
A great addition to our children's library to inculcate a reading habit from an early age.
A simple read to break the reading slump. Short, simple and innocent tales with morals.
The stories remind us if the complexities of adult life and how happy we were as kids. These stories will help build a healthy human mind.
I especially liked the story Emperor of Alkavati for reminding us that it is the circumstances that shape our personality. It takes a skilful observer to detect the skills in a child and groom her/him to use the skills constructively.
A great addition to our children's library to inculcate a reading habit from an early age.
May 12, 2021
I really like the Magic Drum and other Stories by Sudha Murthy because it is full of short stories of all genres except horror owing to the fact that it is a children's book. All the stories have moral, for example, not to be greedy or not to lie. There are no pictures but the adventure and the mystery make up for that. I really enjoyed reading this book !!
- Book review by Meera Rohith (Age 8)
- Book review by Meera Rohith (Age 8)
March 8, 2019
The most good books which I read was Sudha Murthy's. It was the heart touching moral values which I read. They give us a lot of information about what is happening around. First of all these stories are good for childrens and teenagers too. The most interesting part which I liked was 'The Expensive Coconut' and 'The Magic Drum'.
April 28, 2020
I have always loved listening to Sudha Murthy read children's stories on radio. And equally enjoyed reading her books. This one's a quick read as it is full of short folk tales. To anyone who wants to break that reader's block, pick up any of her short stories collection and you won't be disappointed!
May 27, 2021
"Really? Do they give gold coins for lifting rocks??" was the question from a kid when I narrated a story in this book. But these are the stories I grew up with. Wonderful read. Takes you to good old golden childhood days if you grew up in a village. Stories with some message and also people behavior.
July 16, 2021
This collection was the first piece of literature by Sudha Murthy that I had laid my hands on.
It has a great collection of moral stories that can be either read for pleasure or as a bedtime story. The different cast of characters and their persona are well portrayed.
Overall this is a good one for pastime reading.
It has a great collection of moral stories that can be either read for pleasure or as a bedtime story. The different cast of characters and their persona are well portrayed.
Overall this is a good one for pastime reading.
September 14, 2017
I love Sudha Murty books - but this one is not top of list for me. Legends and fables from the vernacular of India have been recollected here. No creative language which I remember as a stark contrast, nor any story which didn't follow a tangent you already expect in fables. Okay-ish.
June 29, 2019
This book is good in terms of stories and the moral behind each story but the other stories of Sudha Murty where she has written her real life experiences are far more inspiring to read than this book.. Anyways the best story in this book was "Nine Questions for a princess"
March 6, 2021
Its more of a moral science book to me rather than a collection of short stories. Really brilliant, for children to develop reading habits.
Other than that, I can't say much about it. The language is simple and the lessons are fantastically conveyed.
Other than that, I can't say much about it. The language is simple and the lessons are fantastically conveyed.
July 25, 2017
l need to read this book
December 10, 2017
Nice small stories :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews