The Broken Tusk
Stories of the Hindu God Ganesha

retold by Uma Krishnaswami
illustrated by Maniam Selven

1997 Scientific American Young Readers Book Award
Elementary School Library Collection, 21st ed.

"An attractive introduction to Hindu tradition for young people." —School Library Journal (7/97)

"An elegant and eminently readable volume that’s a vital addition to any multicultural shelf. . . . Happily clarifies the swirling complexity of Hindu tradition while also enabling readers to empathize with this most likable and humorous god. . . . Opens perceptual doors to a great and still vital Eastern tradition—a gift indeed." —Kirkus Reviews (6/15/96)

"It is rare to find a collection of Hindu folktales for middle readers; this one features stories about the god, Ganesha, who is easily recognized because of his elephant head. Krishnaswami introduces the stories by recalling her own introduction to Ganesha and goes on to offer a mythological context for the tales. These introductory chapters are aimed at adults, but the 17 stories themselves will hit the mark for the intended audience. . . . The pen-and-ink illustrations have child appeal, and readers will be aided by the pronunciation guide and glossary. A useful addition to library shelves" —Booklist (10/1/96)

About the Author

A native of India, Uma Krishnaswami lives in New Mexico with her husband and son, and writes, teaches writing, and talks to schools and library groups across the country about writing and mythology. She has one other book published by Linnet, Shower of Gold: Girls and Women in the Stories of India, and another title on the way about using the national parks to teach history to children.

For our complete list of Folktales and Storytelling books, click here.