Unique retelling of Sita's story in the Ramayana through the voices of key characters like Rama, Lakshmana, Valmiki, Mandodari  Sita has been sent to Valmiki's ashram, at Rama's command never to return. This extraordinary novel is her story-she who, as much as Rama, is at the heart of the Ramayana, one of the greatest living epics. It is also the story of Lakshmana, crushed by guilt on Sita's abduction; of Soorpanakka, shocked at Ravana's being struck by love, alien to the rakshasas's code; and of Rama's turmoil when confronted by public gossip about Sita, his beloved wife. Through the remembrances of these and other characters, Sita comes alive as a figure of womanhood.  Inspired by myriad age-old and culturally diverse retellings, Vayu Naidu creates a rich, deeply moving and original work of fiction. Sita's Ascent illuminates the physical and emotive landscape of a woman in exile, who crosses the desert of loss and ascends the abyss of abandonment with the power of love that transforms the narrators and the listeners.

Sita's Ascent

Vayu Naidu

Penguin??Books

Stories from India (Multicultural Stories)

A collection of traditional stories retold from the folktales and epics of India, including "Dead Man Walking," "Valmiki--the Highway Poet," and "The Goddess with her Hands Full."

Children's Books

Naidu, Vaju

Literature & Fiction

Heinemann/Raintree

Geography & Cultures

Audio read-along books for children based on folktales from different regions of India. The narration by renowned singer Usha Uthup in English is highly entertaining and expressive. The book illustrate authentic folklore characters and regional artwork in vibrant colors. Children can sing along with the music. Several songs are presented in a world music format, concluding with a key take home message. 
This is a folktale from the State of Rajasthan, India. Peacock becomes leader of the forest, and because of his beauty, Surya the daughter of the Sun king wants to marry him. Even after they marry, Peacock is concerned with his looks and makes his wife simply cook and clean. After being sent back to earth by the angry king, Peacock is replaced by another leader and learns that looks alone are not what matter. 
One full colour soft bound 22-page book, one 22-minute audio tape, lyrics to the songs, and a special learning insert. Narrated by Usha Uthup.

Eyes on the Peacock's Tail

Sky Music India Pvt Ltd

Audio read-along books for children based on folktales from different regions of India. The narration by renowned singer Usha Uthup in English is highly entertaining and expressive. The book illustrate authentic folklore characters and regional artwork in vibrant colors. Children can sing along with the music. Several songs are presented in a world music format, concluding with a key take home message. This is a folktale from the State of Bengal, India. In this tale, the children of a village are frightened away daily by a cobra, as they take the cows to graze. One day, a monk arrives in the village and to the delight of the villagers teaches the cobra how to control his temper. From then on, the cobra is befriended by the village children and they all live happily together...that is, until a new boy in the village takes vengeance on the cobra. Learn how non-violence is just as important, as it is to know when to strike back. One full colour soft bound 22-pa! ge book, one 22-minute audio tape, lyrics to the songs and a special learning insert. Narrated by Usha Uthup..

Hiss, Don't Bite!

Recommended for kids 7 & up  Audio read-along books for children based on folktales from different regions of India. The narration by renowned singer Usha Uthup in English is highly entertaining and expressive.  The book illustrate authentic folklore characters and regional artwork in vibrant colors. Children can sing along with the music. Several songs are presented in a world music format, concluding with a key take home message.The stories are written by Dr. Vayu Naidu, internationally renowned storyteller and writer.  She is the founder and artistic director of Brumhalata Intercultural Storytelling Company based in Birmingham, UK.  A glossary of key ethnic words and a learning guide accompanies each title.  The audio book is a joint production of Sky Music (India) and Tulika Books (India). A folktale from the State of Bihar, India.  Kalia and Swapan are poor villagers who make shoes.  After many years of living in poverty Swapan tells her husband that she wants money, and a lot of it.  So, Kalia asks the holy man to grant him a ghost (genie) that will always get money for him.  Bhootram, the ghost then appears, but warns that he will gobble up him and his wife, unless Kalia always gives him work to do.  After only a few days, Kalia and Swapan run out of things for Bhootram to do, so once again the Kalia turns to the holi man to help him save his family. One full colour soft bound (8.5  x  7)  22-page book, one 22- minute audio tape, lyrics to the songs and a special learning insert

A Curly Tale (Under the Banyan Series)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Vayu Naidu. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Vayu Naidu

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Vayu Naidu. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Sita's Ascent

Stories from India (Multicultural Stories)

Stories from India (Multicultural Stories)

Eyes on the Peacock's Tail

Hiss, Don't Bite!

A Curly Tale (Under the Banyan Series)