Balarama

Lewin, B., & Lewin, T. (2009). Balarama: A Royal Elephant. Ill. by Betsey Lewin. Lee & Low Books. ISBN 9781600602658

In this majestic story, we follow authors Ted and Betsy Lewin as they explore Southern India to see the elephants. First they meet Drona, an elephant with an incredible aura. They plan a return trip to see Drona lead the procession on the last day of Dasara, a centuries-old festival, the following year. Upon their return, they learn of Drona’s accidental death. The Royal Elephant Balamara has been chosen to lead in his place. Throughout the story we learn about India, it’s traditions and customs, and the Dasara festival.

The book includes two pages of elephant facts, and short biographies of Royal Elephants of the Mysore Dasara. There is also a glossary and pronunciation guide for Hindi and Kannada words found in the book.

The Lewins’ book is about the Royal Elephants and Balamara’s rise to the top. However, the beauty of the book is in the authors’ obvious delight in their growing knowledge of Indian culture. The book is written in such a way that you learn a great deal under the guise of hearing a story. The illustrations are colorful and rich. Realistic paintings are intermingled with cartoon-style drawings depicting their adventure.

Book Review Excerpts:

“…it's a gorgeous glimpse of a continuing custom.”
Horn Book Magazine, January/February 2010, Vol. 86 Issue 1, p102, 2p

“Ted Lewin's brilliant, realistic watercolors capture the sun-drenched pageantry of Mysore as well as the dusty, filtered light of the forest, while Betsy Lewin's lively cartoons aptly depict the action and personalities involved…If the art doesn't grab children, the elephants surely will. Wonderful.”
School Library Journal, September 2009, Vol. 55 Issue 9, p144, 1p

Connections:

-This book could be the center of a unit exploring Indian culture.

-You could also make connections with the history of elephant capture, training, and protections.

Awards:

2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Award

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.