A twelfth-century Sanskrit parallel to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea" is just one of the surprises in this unusual collection of fairy tales from the Indian subcontinent. There are animal fables that recall both Aesop and Uncle Remus, and long wonder tales with all the strange enchantment of the Arabian Nights. Wily peasants, scheming rajahs, and saintly brahmans mingle in stories full of spice and wit. Luck and fate are the chief concerns, but magic and bravery play their part as well.

These nineteen stories have been selected with an introduction and notes by folklorist Neil Philip, and retold for today's children by Caroline Ness. Jacqueline Mair's richly detailed illustrations draw on her experience travelling and studying in India to produce a book that is vibrant with life and full of the scents and colors of India.