There is a Holy Trinity of Hindu gods: Brahma (who is often considered the main god, the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer or transformer of the universe). Each god has their own unique manifestation of the Divine and each one has a family with offspring that are also gods, but minor gods. Like all religious beliefs, Hinduism is full of stories about these gods, their creation, and their manifestations. It can be both an exciting and confusing exercise to study Hindu gods, but their stories can be broken down and simplified for all to understand.

Lakshmi Narayani’s children’s book, Hindu Mythology Stories: Hindu Gods, Goddesses and Their Stories, is a great way to introduce Hindu gods to young readers. The author has compiled a selection of stories significant to the Hindu deity manifestations. Each story is told with care, providing enough backstory to make sure the young reader isn’t confused by all the details. The book is well laid out, beginning with a brief introduction to Hindu gods and their manifestations. This is followed by three sections: Dashaavatar stories (there are ten stories in this section), Krishna Stories (which includes six stories), and, finally, Contest Stories (which includes four stories). There are boldly colorful illustrations depicting the gods which add another interesting dimension to this collection. This book is a fascinating introduction to Hindu gods and Hindu mythology. Although written for young readers, this book will certainly spark interest in older readers as well.

Hindu Mythology Stories: Hindu Gods, Goddesses and Their Stories by Lakshmi Narayani is a fun and educational book about the three main Hindu gods and their families. Shiva is the Destroyer or Transformer, Vishnu is the Preserver, and Brahma is the Creator in Hindu mythology. This book recounts some stories regarding these three gods as well as their wives and children.

Hindu Mythology Stories by Lakshmi Narayani is a really well-written book that is informative but also really interesting. Considering this book is directed toward children, I would say it does an amazing job of introducing the main figures of Hindu mythology in an interesting and easy-to-understand manner. The depictions of the gods and goddesses also help with the visualization which I think will be appealing to young children. One of the stories I personally found quite interesting was the story of Buddha (The Majestic Monk) as the name Buddha is one most people would have heard at some point. However, not many people know the story behind the figure.

I found myself enjoying the new knowledge I acquired especially on figures I have previously heard about. Being able to learn more about Hindu mythology also gives a lot of insight into the culture as well which I think is really important when it comes to young children. Overall, I think this book was really well put together and interesting. It serves as a great educational book to help broaden young children’s minds.

Most people in the west have grown up listening to the stories of the Greek gods or even gods from Norse mythology like Thor or Odin. Get ready to dive into the rich lore and mythology of ancient India with Hindu Mythology Stories: Hindu Gods, Goddesses and Their Stories by Lakhsmi Narayani. This children's picture book contains an overview of Hindu gods and the various avatars with well-told stories that entertain as well as provide some gentle lessons for kids. The book opens with an introduction to the Hindu Holy Trinity of gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with illuminating excerpts on their specific roles in the formation of the universe. There are also ten stories featuring the different avatars of Vishnu, six stories about Krishna's mischievous adventures (one of Vishnu's avatars), and four Avengers-style face-offs between the gods.

As an Indian myself, I've grown up listening to these stories and feel happy that Lakhsmi Narayani has chosen to place Indian mythology on the world stage through this beautifully written children's picture book. Hindu Mythology Stories is a concise introduction to the vast lore of tales related to Indian mythology. Narayani has an accessible writing style that is thoroughly engaging to read. The illustrations complementing the stories add another dimension to the characters, giving readers an idea of how the gods of Hindu mythology look. The book is neatly divided into four parts so readers can go back and read their favorite stories at will. A great picture book for anyone interested in ancient Indian myth and lore.

Hindu Mythology Stories: Hindu Gods, Goddesses, and Their Stories by Lakshmi Narayani is an ideal beginner’s guide to the colorful stories of Hindu mythology. This 99-page collection introduces readers to the major Hindu gods, their colorful divine origins, and their adventures. The book is divided into four sections. Hindu Gods and Goddesses introduce you to the holy trinity of the gods consisting of the three families led by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Dashaavathar Stories narrate the tales of the ten avatars of Vishnu with a useful vocabulary guide to help you with Hindu religion terms. Krishna Stories are six tales concerning the life and times of Krishna. Contest Stories is where most of the action is, as it tells the face-off and challenge stories among the holy trinity of Hindu gods.

Why introduce your kids to Hindu mythology? Every culture has its own colorful stories to tell, and people’s religious beliefs get interwoven with these stories. Because of this, Lakshmi Narayani provides a handy guide and even a comparative analysis of Hindu gods to those of Greek, Roman, and Norse deities that many of us are familiar with. Like other myths, Hindu mythology features an array of interesting gods, but it can be challenging to learn about them. Hindu Mythology Stories does not cover everything you need to know, but it is sure to give you a head start. A book that appeals to all ages encourages young readers to ask for more, spark their curiosity, and raise questions about these gods. It can challenge their sensitivity yet at the same time, allow their perspective to evolve and find alternative answers to our origins. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves mythological stories.