Pattan's Pumpkin: An Indian Flood Story
by Chitra Soundar (Author) Frane Lessac (Illustrator)
A vibrant variation on the traditional flood myth from the Irular tribe in Southern India. When Pattan finds a yellow-flower vine wilting in his valley, he replants and cares for it, watching as a pumpkin appears and grows taller than the goats, taller than the elephants, as tall as the very mountains. When a terrible storm rages across the valley, Pattan wonders if perhaps his pumpkin can save the seeds and grains and saplings, the goats and birds and bison, and protect them all as the storm clouds burst and the waters rise.
Frané Lessac's brilliantly hued artwork is a feast for the eyes, while Chitra Soundar's thoughtful retelling is a fascinating example of the kinds of stories told the world over -- and the differences that make each version unique.
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PreS-Gr 2--This story is based on a traditional tale of the Irula people, who live in the hills of southern India. Pattan and his wife are farmers, responsible caretaker of their land and their various animals, including the insects. One day, Pattan finds a sickly plant and takes it home to care for it. This is a plant with "personality": "The plant liked its new home. Its yellow flowers smiled at the sun." One yellow flower produces a pumpkin that grows to tremendous proportions. When serious rains threaten the farm and the animals, Pattan and his family are able to hollow out the pumpkin and fit everyone inside, then float to the safety of the plains. Eventually they return home, raise many children, and continue to grow pumpkins. The story is nicely paced, and the excitement of the perilous journey comes to life. Pattan and his wife are likable characters. The gouache illustrations have a charming naive quality that should have considerable child appeal. VERDICT This title can be read independently or in a group setting and would be an asset to any folktale collection.--Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Tales
India
Pumpkin
Deluge (Hinduism)
