From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4 - Novesky retells the less-popular but authentic version of how the Hindu god Ganesh came to have the head of an elephant. Basing her text on the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, she recounts how the lovely goddess Parvati fell in love with the blue-skinned god, Shiva, and longed to have his child. After a year, a baby is born, but when the gods come to celebrate, Parvati insists that the god Shani look upon her son, forgetting that whatever he looks upon is destroyed. When the baby's head turns to ash, the god Vishnu restores him to life by replacing the head with that of an elephant. Parvati tells the story to the Elephant Prince as he sits on her lap, and the constancy of her love and affection is captured beautifully in both text and illustrations. Wedman's watercolor, gouache, and gold-leaf illustrations have a shimmering loveliness and are replete with charming details. Harish Johari and Vatsala Sperling's How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head (Bear Cub, 2003) is based on the other version of this tale, in which Parvati creates Ganesh herself to guard her privacy, and its lengthier narrative is more suited to older readers. Elephant Prince is a welcome addition to folklore shelves. - Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. Glittering gouache paintings reminiscent of classic Indian miniatures illustrate this retelling of a Hindu myth about how the god Ganesh was born and acquired his elephant head. Novesky's straightforward text is accessible and well-paced for read-alouds. But it's the shimmering artwork that will really attract attention. Working in the saturated palette of gemstones and tropical flowers, Wedman paints exquisitely detailed scenes set in lush gardens, forests, and palaces, which make the story's magical, dramatic shape-shifting and cast of gods and mortals feel close and real. A fine addition to mythology and religion shelves. For another take on the myth, suggest Harish Johari and Vatsala Sperling's How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head (2003). Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

-Shirin Yim Bridges, author of Ruby's Wish, winner of the 2003 Ezra Jack Keats Award
"Evocative and lyrical... truly luminous with gem-like light."

Book Description
Elephant-headed and big-bellied, mischievous and sweet, the god Ganesh is one of the most familiar faces in the world. But why does he have the head of an elephant? Set in the Himalayas in a time of gods and goddesses, "Elephant Prince" tells the story of a remarkable bond between a mother and her son, a remorseful god, a generous elephant and the boy who became Ganesh. Belgin Wedman's jewel-toned illustrations, reminiscent of classical Indian miniatures, complement this poetic story of one of the most beloved gods of all.

From the Publisher
Elegantly illustrated, this book introduces young readers to the wonders of Hindu mythology and highlights the universal bond between mother and child. High-end production features 5-color printing (gold)!

About the Author
Amy Novesky is a children’s book editor of award-winning picture books. After traveling in India, she was inspired to retell this traditional Indian story about a mother and her son. This is her first picture book. Her second, a book about Georgia O’Keeffe’s travels in Hawaii, is forthcoming. She lives in Northern California with her family. Belgin Kaya Wedman was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She holds a BFA degree from California State University and further pursued her studies at UCLA and Art Center College of Design. While developing her talents she traveled to India, which left a lasting impression on her color pallet and painting style. She has illustrated several titles, including "Sacagawea, Lewis, and Clark" and "Gods, Goddesses and Monsters."

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal