#407 - The Tale of the Naughty Flying Mountains
by Anand Neelakantan and illustrated by Doodlenerve
“The Tale of the Naughty Flying Mountains” by Anand Neelakantan and illustrated by Doodlenerve. Published by Penguin. A mythological story from a long time ago when mountains had wings and could choose to fly until something happened to make them stay at a place.
Though it might sound quite preposterous, this is a story from an ancient era. Mountains did have wings and could fly wherever they wanted if they chose to. Himavan, the lord of the mountains, known to us today as the Himalayas was no exception to this. His glorious wings were hidden under his grand snowy cloak.Himavan was getting married to Mainavati who was the daughter of the ancient mountain Maha Meru.
The wedding was celebrated with pomp and splendour. All creatures were invited. Narada, the mischief maker, also came. Though he seemed to innocently move around, he had a sly look and was itching to create trouble. And he did so by provoking Vayu at first to go into a typhoon dance and then Maha Meru himself. He ensured that Maha Meru got to know about Himavan’s wings of which he had no knowledge till then. Maha Meru and later Mainavati were quite apprehensive about the wings. They were worried if the children born to her in the future would also have wings. What happened next? Did things start going downhill? Did Narada cause further damage with his mischief? What happened to the flying mountains? Read the humour and mischief filled tale to know all of these.
My almost nine year old and I enjoyed reading this book. The story was quite amusing with all the wordplay and we just couldn’t imagine mountains flying around in the sky of all things. Narada and his antics were the highlight of the story with a perfect concoction of slyness and mischief. Him chanting ‘Narayana Narayana’ in such an innocent manner and slowly lighting up a cracker of a plan kept my son giggling through the story. After all why can’t there be naughty people in the heavens! And what happens when one cannot resist his seemingly tempting offers and falls prey to his sinister schemes! Trouble and disaster are bound to occur. The kind that is going to make one laugh at the expense of the poor sufferers (mountains in this case). Things go downhill in the story quite literally! Overall an entertaining read dotted with some cheeky illustrations bringing the story alive in front of our eyes. This is the first book of a new humour packed chapter book series to introduce the stories from the puranas to children in a fun and entertaining manner.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6 and above.
Reasons to Read
For a witty and humorous story from the puranas that is bound to make the children roll down (the hill) with laughter.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India, for review. Thank you to Greeshma and Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!