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Bibliography
Lewin, Ted and Betsy. Balarama: A Royal Elephant. Illustrated by Ted and Betsy Lewin. New York, NY: LEE & LOW BOOKS Inc. ISBN 9781600602658
Plot summary
Betsy and Ted share their experiences with the royal elephants while traveling in south India during 1997-1998. Narrating the details of their encounter with Balarama, the lead elephant selected for the grand parade during the Dasara festival, the Lewins also report on the care and preparation of these selected elephants. The book includes facts on elephants and a glossary of Hindi and Kannada terms used in the book.
Critical Analysis
The Lewins journey begins in the elephant camp of Karapur Forest in southern India where they meet Drona, the lead Royal Elephant. Impressed by his majesty and aura, the Lewins decide to return the following year to see Drona lead the Dasara parade. A tone of somber sadness fills the pages where the Lewins are told of the unexpected death of the lead elephant, but the climax begins to build on the castle grounds the morning of the parade with the extravagant details of the parade preparations (“Gorgeous silk and satin drapes dazzle us as they are thrown over the elephants and spill down their sides.”) and the tension over the impending performance of Balarama, the new lead elephant. The narration of Balarama’s majestic, flawless performance during the parade provides a satisfying conclusion.
Ted and Betsy Lewin’s combination of art mediums create a unique overall composition that will keep even young readers engaged in the story. Lavish, realistic watercolor paintings that stretch across both pages are juxtaposed against light-hearted sketches that balance the mood. The architecture, people, animals, topography, and culture of southern India are realistically depicted in rich watercolors of almost photo-quality detail. Colorful words spring to life off the parade-route page (Thump Thump boom boom boom ba-boom clack clack) that accompany bands, performers, costumed stilt-walkers, and mounted police guards depicting the rich cultural beauty of India.
Some of artwork nearly took my breath away. While the story is compelling, the illustrations make the book. Though younger children may not sit still for a cover-to-cover reading, they will be captivated by the images and verbal summaries of the scenes. Older students studying India in social studies classes will find this book to be an exquisite addition to their understanding of the culture. Students who are hooked by the story will enjoy the glossary and section on elephant facts.
Reviews and Honors
· Kirkus excerpt: “An extended snapshot of the animal, its care and importance to the people of India, the book provides a pleasing mixture of the authors' observations, descriptions of local traditions and a stately depiction of the great beast, all holding together nicely in a flowing narrative.”
· Booklist excerpt: “The combination of compelling travelogue and images is immediate and dramatic. Kids will also enjoy the extensive back matter, which includes elephant facts and a glossary.”
· Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee 2011
· Horn Book 01/01/10
· Kirkus Review 08/15/09
· Library Media Connection 11/01/09
· Publishers Weekly 09/07/09
· School Library Journal 09/01/09
· Wilson's Children 10/01/10
Connections
· Compare the illustrations to other books illustrated by Ted and Betsy Lewin.
· Create a webquest on the Dasara festival that utilizes KidsSearch or Searchasaurus databases by EBSCOhost.
· Encourage older children to research historical treatment of elephants in selected geographical areas.
Books for younger children on the culture and customs of southern India:
· Heine, Theresa. Elephant Dance: A Journey to India. ISBN 1-905236-79-4
· Gunderson, Jessica. The Elephant Dancer: A Story of Ancient India. ISBN 1-40485-219-0
