How the Onion Got Its Layers

by Sudha Murty

Have you noticed how the onion has so many layers? And have you seen your mother's eyes water when she cuts an onion? Here is a remarkable story to tell you why.
India's favourite storyteller brings alive this timeless tale with her inimitable wit and simplicity. Dotted with charming illustrations, this gorgeous chapter book is the ideal introduction for beginners to the world of Sudha Murty.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Indian Literature

23 pages, ebook

Published April 23, 2020

About the author

Sudha 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.

Reviews

[Mridula Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tiny tale from a Kingdom devoid of an heir, Murty brings in the magic of prophecies and the consequences of misconduct in her latest novel. The illustrations that support the tale are heartwarming and gorgeous. The story in itself is a micro-tale and will take you an all of 5 minutes to read, grasp and enjoy. A perfect read with your evening tea.

[Ayushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute little book that I've wanted to add in my collection. The illustrations are so pretty, and such a cute story in 31 pages.

[YashasRudra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who thought a 31 paged book would be so magical and interesting.
It was short, crisp, and beautiful.
I mean what a brilliant idea relating skirts with the layers of an onion.

it was magical and a beautiful book.

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a faraway land, the kingdom prospered, and the crops were surplus but the king and the queen were sad. They prayed to the Goddess of the forest to bless them with a child. The Goddess granted them their boon and the palace was filled with peals of laughter of a beautiful girl child, Beena. Beena had only one shortcoming, she was so fond of clothes, that she refused to wear the same one twice. Her parents decided to send her to the Goddess of Forest, to solve their ordeal. The Goddess granted a boon that she would wake up to a new set of clothes every day but there was a condition. What was that condition? Read the book to find out.

The story gave me major folktale vibes. Sudha Murthy hands the realms of imagination to her mind and spins a captivating tale that doesn't fail to entertain. The colourful illustrations on a plain white background give a different feel. The simplicity of the language forms an instant connection. Murthy revives the stories that featured kings, queens, goddesses, and mystical lands and gives it her personal touch. The message imparted by the book is that envy pushes one towards their peril.

[dikhya mohanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘How the Onion Got Its Layers’ by Sudha Murthy is a 45-page children’s book that depicts a princess and her kingdom. The book looks completely magical and traditional which will give you an old-time representation.
I just loved the design or the illustrations which are so beautiful that even if you are not reading the book, it will still attract you to look at it. The saris, jewellery and hairstyles represent the modern and somehow a relatable tale. As this is a children book so the story is as simple as that a kid of any age kind can understand it properly.
I have always been fascinated by the story and writing of Sudha Murthy and of course, she is always adored by the children. Her simple writing is the most amazing part of all her books. Her stories bound us to have that imagination. Children often imagine certain things or incidents or characters that actually help their brains to develop. And reading such evocative writings of her help them even more.
Overall, the book is enjoyable and I am sure the kids will fall in love with the colourful illustrations and the simple writing.
Genre- Children’s Literature / Fiction
Pages – 45
Rating – 4/5

[Anukriti Borkataki · Rating 5 out of 5]

In How the Onion Got Its Layers, Sudha Murthy presents a deceptively simple yet philosophically rich tale that transcends its surface as a children’s story. The narrative centers on a young, royal princess whose life of abundance breeds a desire for a new dress every day — not out of need, but from sheer indulgence. Her longing becomes obsessive, symbolic of unchecked consumerism and vanity. Murthy, drawing from Indian oral storytelling traditions, subtly infuses the tale with ecological and spiritual wisdom. As the princess's demands escalate, nature — personified as Mother Earth — quietly intervenes, transforming her into an onion: a being of countless layers, each representing a day’s desire, a garment she never truly needed. Through this transformation, Murthy delivers a profound critique of material excess, particularly in societies where privilege is normalized and gratitude fades into entitlement. The onion’s layers become not just physical but metaphorical — a peeling back of ego, greed, and illusion. In doing so, Murthy reaffirms an ancient Indian worldview: that balance with nature, humility, and self-awareness are essential to inner peace. The story may be rooted in a fable, but its resonance is enduring — especially in a world increasingly driven by wants rather than needs.

[Jameela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is targeted towards the little audience, say from the age group of 3 and above. Sudha Murthy is adored by children because of her simple yet evocative writing. Her stories are quite realistic and are set in a completely palatable background. Well, this book by her is a little different,The story revolves around a young princess who has an obsession for clothes, seems a little hatke from the title right,Well, that’s the catch😉.The story is interesting and has an unanticipated climax.It’s an amazing story and put up in simple words that kids can read and understand.Beautiful illustrations grab attention, the narrative is straight forward and easy to understand for kids.Sudha Murthy's books are like a teacher who guides the reader wit some unsaid moral message that you understand maybe with time or with repeated reading😅

[Akanksha Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story is difficult to narrate when it is just a simple traditional tale. But that is what Sudha Murthy's forte is, she is so effortless and at the same time raises curiosity to know the next turn of events in the story. The book is targeted towards the little audience, i might say from the age group of 4 and above. Beautiful illustrations grab attention, the narrative is straight forward and easy to understand for kids.As always Mrs Murty successfully spreads his magic to spellbound her readers through a plain tale said brilliantly.
Grab on a copy for your little one to know actually why and how the onion has got its layers?

[Archita Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you noticed that the onion has many layers?
Have you seen your mother's eyes water when she cuts an onion. Here's a truly remarkable story to tell you why..

Well, yes. If you know me, you'll know how much I love Sudha Murthy. This is a beautiful short story about a princess with gorgeous illustrations which are adored by an art lover like me. The books is totally recommend for adults & children likewise. This book is a reasonably thin book with hardcover available on Amazon at 159ish! Check it out!

Loved this book & all from Sudha Murthy. And it's her birthday today. So yaay, Happy Birthday, favorite author, Sudha Amma.

[Ankita Dhupar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about KIng and Queen who blessed with a baby girl after praying of goddesses in Jungle. They named her Beena. She was blessed with a flaw, that she will wear everyday a new dress. To know about the flaw consequences and secret behind the 🧅 onion’s layer read this book.
I just love this book.
This book language is easy and a imple .
Book is having fine best quality pictures and pages. Kids will also enjoy this quick read .
Sudha ji is one of my favourite,all time.

[Nandhini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sudha Murthy is our all time favorite author who makes timeless tales interesting with her inimitable wit and simplicity...
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How the Onion Got Its Layers is a tale that revolves around the Princess Beena, who loves wearing new clothes every day. It’s an amazing story and put up in simple words that kids can read and understand...
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This colorful book is beautifully illustrated by Priyanka.

[Enakshi J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

How the Onion Got Its Layers does justice to its name because the story is about how an onion got its layer! It’s enjoyable and funny. The children are sure to fall in love with colourful illustrations.

Read the complete review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...

[Nivedita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and imaginative. Not exactly the "fairytale style" happy ending, but not too sad either. My 8 year old daughter loved it. Illustrations are gorgeous! Beautiful writing style. Perfect as an early chapter book.

[Shweta Kesari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again a beautiful thought is woven into a story. With this story, comes a lesson that everything has a price. Our wishes and our demands also have a hidden price tag attached to them, which we gladly ignore.

[ashwini Sawale · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How the Onion Got Its Layers" is a charming collection of folktales from India, retold by Sudha Murty. This delightful book explores the origins of everyday objects and natural phenomena, showcasing Murty's signature storytelling style.

[Deepanshu Galyan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short. Sweet. With all the flavours of grandma' story. Perfect bedtime tales for children.

[Ameya Satheesh]

I un

[Rachita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story for kids 😃

[Shivakukatla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quiet unique fictional story with ravishing illustrations.

[Kasthuri BV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little princess tale and the story of onion ❤️

[S PALLAVI KRISHNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and suggest for good mood lovers and mom's for their story loving children

[Sraavani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book. Kids will enjoy! Not to mention that there is deeper value to be understood by the kids.
Your beauty is defined by your personality not the clothes/outfit....

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book with colorful illustration is for young readers.

[Sanika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read for kids.

[Anindita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations

[Gajendra Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book for the kid, I started flipping with afternoon tea cup and before my first sip it was over. Nice read

[Anvitha Aniruddha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The explanations within the story are very good.

[Kalaivani D.R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't fit for new things everyday is like Beena live simple life

[Sangeetha Vikranth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing loved it
Worth reading it
Young can read

[Srinivasan Nanduri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick and feel good read