My son and I are familiar with the adventures of Prince Veera and Suku, and so this new offering from Chitra Soundar came as a delicious treat for us. A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth continues the adventures of the problem-solving duo as they accept the invitation of Raja Apoorva to visit Peetalpur to attend the summer festival.
My eight-year-old son enjoyed listening to how quickthinking Suku saved his bones from a wrestling match and how clever Prince Veera handled King Apoorva’s wrath while exposing the futility of his decision.
As we sailed through the pages, the stories sounded familiar to me (Chitra's note at the end of the book explains how she has adapted them for this generation of readers). Growing up in India, I had heard these tales as a child but for my son raised in the UK on treehouse story collection (his favourite) these were a delightful introduction to his origins and the power of stories to educate and entertain. He really enjoyed drawing his own conclusions before reading on how the puzzles were solved by Veera and Suku.
As a parent, it was gratifying to see Chitra weave in tiny morsels of wisdom
through the stories. The concept of friendship transcending social status, that arguments should always be resolved with “words and not swords” strikes
a good balance alongside lighthearted banter.
This collection also introduces some interesting
characters like Raja Apoorva and his daughter Princess Kanti, who add colour to these tales in their own characteristic way.
Picking a favourite was hard for us. The opening story Festivals
are Fun showcases the quickthinking Suku and the courageous Veera,
whereas Families do Quarrel is a lighthearted tale is about how rash decisions
can backfire. We enjoyed No figs for an Unholy saint about a neighbourly dispute and unexplained burglaries whereas an Improbable Dream brings this fantastic set to a great close as prince Veera and Suku's last puzzle before they take their leave from the Kingdom of Peetalpur but not
without a characteristic parting shot.
We really enjoyed the stories together and are not done yet. He is now reading them by himself. Overall, a superb set of stories aimed at young and older readers. I am already making plans to buy some copies as gifts!
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