I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the tales in this book. I don't know much about Indian culture, so it was nice to read and get a little more insight.

Really great set of Indian folktales! The illustrations were really cute and tied into the story well and it was interesting how each of the stories connected to the last! I wasn't expecting that, I was thinking it would just be different folktales. Definitely an interesting look at a different culture and their stories!

A solid collection of folk tales. It follows the standard format of relaying lessons through the example of the wise and kind ruler. But the lessons are conveyed in a cheerful, playful, non-condescending manner. While it's clearly set in India there's a universality to the messages that transcends location.

Full of wonderful stories that we enjoyed sharing with our children and reading ourselves. A lovely book everyone should read.

I am fascinated by Indian culture so I was delighted to see this offered on NetGalley. Nothing is more helpful to learn about other cultures than fables meant to teach children. You get a simple understanding of complex ideas, plus there are beautiful illustrations and fun characters. The themes addressed in this book are great lessons for readers of all ages and would make a great read aloud for any classroom or bedtime. I look forward to adding this book to my personal collection.

I will be ordering this book from our local independent bookstore and I am hoping they’ll allow me to host a reading of the book with some Indian sweets.

This is okay. There is nothing exceptionally wrong with it, but it just felt simplistic and slightly disconnected to me. There were enjoyable parts but I came away thinking that it was trying to Lloyd Alexander-ish but it wasn't quite clever enough. It didn't help that several of the problems and solutions (notably the baker who wants to charge for someone smelling his bread) have been in other stories, so it is not really original either.

The illustrations looked cute but they were kind of disconnected in my e-book copy.

***Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC***

This was such a pleasure to read, it was filled with some of the most humorous and rewarding stories, that were rich in personality, charm and the flavours of India. There were several short stories that made up Mangoes, Mischief and Tales of Friendship and I genuinely enjoyed each and every one of them, as all of them offered something new, but still kept a familiar cast of characters and setting. All of the stories centred around Prince Veera and his friend Suku and what they would get up to from day to day, as the lives of young people are always so full of adventure. I’m fond of both of the boys, but Prince Veera was just so adorable and wise beyond his 10 years, that he easily became my favourite, he was such a conscientious young man and his love for his people and his role as a prince was so touching. Suku was not of any royal blood or high social standing, but a scholarship that he had earned, meant that he took his lessons with the prince at the palace. These two boys were as thick as thieves and were always there to help each other get in and out of mischief. Suku did seem to be a lot more impulsive and hotheaded than Prince Veera, but both boys showed huge maturity for their ages, having very strong desires to stand up for what they believed in and help those in need. And it is those very attributes that led us on some fantastic journeys with the two of them.

The stories were very varied in their subject matter, but the one that stood out for me is the first story where the Prince helps his father with his kingly duties when he falls ill. Prince Veera sets up a mini court where he hears the complaints and concerns of his people, some being more serious than others, with people being wronged by their very neighbours, but almost all of them were extremely funny. For instance, “Another wanted to charge rent to the birds that sat on his roof. A woman came to complain that the roadside tree gave more shade to her neighbor’s house than her own”, no matter how ridiculous the case, Prince Veera took each one as seriously as the other and saw it as his princely duty to offer each person some sort of solution, and with the help of Suku and others in the kingdom he did just that. It was riveting to see how prince Veera went about solving all of these problems, and it was remarkable how this led to some of the most ingenious solutions. This was no easy task as it was very difficult to determine who was telling the truth in the dispute, and therefore, who should be rewarded and punished, and how. This spoke beautifully to the Prince’s character and what an amazing leader he would one day be.

Although the prince is highly intelligent and used his temporary stand in for the king, to make sure that the kingdom was being run in a just way, teaching lessons to those who would do wrong to others, there were still things that he was ignorant of and had to learn himself. This was most notably seen in one particular dispute between a poor man and a sweet shop owner, who thought that the man should pay him for filling himself up on the smell of his sweets alone. The sweet shop owner’s argument was that “It takes a lot of butter and sugar to get that smell…that smell attracts many customers into the shop. If they all came just to smell my sweets and never buy any, I wouldn’t make any money”. When asked to explain himself, the poor man said that he couldn’t afford to buy the sweets and enough filling foods for his family to survive on, with the meager amount of money he had. This opens the Prince’s eyes considerably as “He didn’t realize that people had to choose between vegetables and sweets. He was surprised that Kapi decided to buy vegetables instead of sweets. I’d definitely choose the sweets he thought”. It was so endearing to see him learning like this and take it all in his stride to help make better informed decisions about things in the kingdom.

To conclude, this was a beautiful collection of short stories that focused on one of the sweetest Princes and his brash, but kindhearted friend. These stories were light-hearted and colourful, yet they contained some beautiful messages about doing the right thing and how we can teach others to treat one another better. There were so many lessons threaded throughout the stories, that the prince either gave to those who needed to change their ways, including his very own father – the King, or ones that he, himself, learnt along the way, “We have to teach him a lesson, my friend,” said Prince Veera. “we can’t let him continue to cheat anymore”. I had so much fun reading these and think that children would enjoy them just as much, as the stories were entertaining but had a graspable depth to them. The illustrations featured throughout was a really nice touch and I loved how they emphasized certain aspects of a story. I would completely recommend this to everyone.

Originally published in the UK as two separate books: A Dollop of Ghee and a Pot of Wisdom, and A Jar of Pickles and a Pinch of Justice, this collected volume of eight Indian folktales introduces readers to Prince Veera and his best friend, Suku, who stand in for Veera's father, King Bheema, and preside over cases brought to the king's court. Suku is a farmer's son who studies with the prince as a scholarship student, and Prince Veera is a clear-headed tween who respects his family and seeks his friend's opinion on matters. These "trickster tales" are inspired by traditional Indian folktales and have a wry sense of humor that kids will love. Together, the two will unmask a greedy man who leases a well to his neighbor - but charges him for the water; humble a merchant who attempts to charge people for enjoying the delicious smells coming from his sweets shop, and prove to the populace - including Veera's own father, the king - that bad luck is not contagious, nor can a man's bad luck rub off on anyone.

The book is illustrated throughout by award-winning author Uma Krishnaswamy, who creates beautiful, eye-catching artwork. Chitra Soundar's stories are small morality plays, with strong messages to deliver, delivered with humor and warmth. I love this book and can't wait to get it on my shelves. I'm looking forward to more Indian mythology, folk, and fairy tales in the coming year or two, especially with the success of mythology-based fantasy by Sayantani Dasgupta (The Serpent's Secret) and Roshani Chokshi (Aru Shah and the End of Time), Read a sample chapter courtesy of Candlewick Press here.

How does one charge customers who only want to smell the sweet candy and not buy any? I know! This one isn't as original as one would think. I know a tale which uses soup or stew. So I'm not totally convinced these are all original stories.... Still, they are entertaining and I'm not familiar with the others, so, maybe those are original! Makes no difference- the stories are fun and kids of all ages will enjoy the stories! Nice addition for a folktale collection needing stories from India.

E ARC from Netgalley.com



Prince Veera and his friend Suka are very interested in the king's court, and when the king is ill, decide they would be able to make good decisions concerning the welfare of the people. They end up having very good ideas about how to cleverly serve justice, such as allowing the baker who wants to charge for the smell of his bread to hold the payment but then return it, having enjoyed the feel of having money. The boys get into some more mischief, just hanging out, but the eight tales hinge on their clever ability to decide how cases should be handled.

Strengths: This was a fun, short book of stories with two engaging friends learning to be just and clever. I enjoyed reading it.
Weaknesses: I could have used more background information about when this what set, and about details of living in India. These are apparently original tales, but do have a classic feel, so I wonder if they are based on folk tales.
What I really think: My folk and fairy tale books tend to only circulate if teachers assign a project with them, and it's been a while since the 6th grade has done the retelling of a folk tale, set in another country. This would have been absolutely perfect for that. It's certainly good on its own, so I will probably buy it if I have money left. It's just not going to circulate terribly well, which is too bad.

Anticipating waiting for my Doctor’s appointment I threw this book in my bag ensuring that I would have something to read. Who would believe that you could really enjoy waiting in a doctor’s office?! The time flew by as I devoured the stories.

This is the most wonderful little book. Under two hundred pages, it is loaded with wisdom, common sense, and the notion of fair play. What makes this all the more charming is that it is all being dispensed by a ten-year-old Prince and his best friend.

I would recommend these stories to everyone of all ages as there is so much to be learned and reinforced. Buy a copy for a young person, read it to children, and take the time to enjoy all its messages.

Thank you Librarything, Candlewick Press and NetGalley for an ARC.

Prince Veera and his best friend Suku, a commoner who studies with the prince, solve tricky problems as they conduct court when the king can't. I know several of the tales from other folkloric traditions - but the retellings here are definitely Indian. A fun global offering; recommended for 7-10 year olds.

I loved the Indian feel of the book and that cover. The stories were based on Indian folk tales set in imaginary kingdom of India. The Prince Veera and Suku reminded me of Birbal and his wits.

The book was written in two parts with same characters and same theme. Both parts started with the same but slight different introduction of King Bheema‘s kingdom, his son- Prince Veera, and Veera’s best friend- Suku, who was poor farmer’s son but very smart and intelligent like Prince Veera.

Both boys were 10 yrs old with sharp and witty mind and had a great ability of solving affairs of king’s court. One day when king was ill they took king’s place and solved many cases of kingdom’s people and that’s how they started their own court in absence of king helping people.

King Bheema was most humble, generous king and great father. I admired King for giving his son opportunity of solving the cases, letting him play with a farmer’s son, how he understood both boys and never minded when his son pointed out his mistake.

I loved Prince Veera’s bravery who stood up against the King himself and making him realize his mistake. Suku was great friend who stayed by Veera’s side and like his friend he was brave and humble. He shaded light on the cases which were overlooked by Prince or King and gave the best advice.

Both kids learned lot from their cases. I liked how thy developed with each stories understanding people of kingdom and turning wise, humble, cleverer with each case, teaching lessons, making fair decisions in favor of needy and helpless people without crossing their lines and hurting anyone’s feeling.

I loved to read some silly cases and it was amusing to see both kids solving them so effortlessly. Each story in book gave insightful messages about justice, treating people right and fair and being wise and honest.

First story of the book, Veera’s first case was my favorite- It was with a message of poverty and how some people don’t have a privilege to buy expensive eateries. Kids and I myself love sweet and when we are given an option between vegetable and sweet we definitely go for sweets. Who doesn’t like them! But author conveyed very good message here through this story that one should appreciate what they are getting for food whether it’s expensive sweet or cheap but healthy vegetables.

Other stories were about lie and thievery and how conscience of guilty person works; about superstition and hasty judgment of people because of their own carelessness; about not to fool yourself by exaggerated false praises of people; and many neighbor feuds

Then there was a relative alert! It was my another most favorite – In this story Prince Veera’s infamous granduncle came to spend summer in his kingdom and tested Veera and Suku’s ability of running the court which was not at all easy. It was about the facing problems, accepting challenge and teaching lesson even to a relative but with all respect and without hurting their feelings. It was also about bravery, speaking for right and standing up against unfairness.

All of them were interesting making readers intrigued to read how these two small kids were going to outsmart people on their own tricks. Second part of the book was funnier and wittier than first one.

Illustrations were beautiful. They were exactly like pictured on cover but b/w resonating the theme of the story. They would have looked prettier with color but I like them anyway. I wish there were more stories in the book.

Overall, it was fun to read with pots of wisdom and wits blended in Indian flavors that all kids would love to taste. I highly recommend this book to all young readers.

*** Note: I received e-ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author, publisher, and NetGalley. ***

Prince Veera and his best friend Suku are given a task to preside over the court of his father, King Bheema, after witnessing the court in action. Both boys feel as if they can lead the kingdom to a place of civil harmony with their clever ways. They quickly learn that it isn't always easy to make a fair decision, and that sometimes it takes a bit of wit. From the stolen jewels in the pickle jar, to the well and water dispute, these two boys are put to the test to find the most reasonable solution to every problem. Told through a series of eight adorable folktale-esque stories, this book is a perfect bedtime story to expand every child's cultural horizons. 

I absolutely loved this book. Not only were the characters adorably relatable and clever, but the lessons that each individual chapter told provide perfect opportunities for teaching moments at home as well as in the classroom. Whether the lesson be on folktales, friendship, central message, or learning about the culture of India, this book is a perfect fit.

I thought this would be interesting in the beginning but I quickly lost passion in this book and felt that it would be better for a different reader.

Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship by Chitra Soundar was a delightful, pleasant book. Each story tells a different tale but they are all interconnected. The stories were a great light hearted version of fables, lessons learned but without being overly moralistic. I really enjoyed the friendship between Prince Veera and Suku and their relationship with the King. I like how Veera and Suku work together to solve the problems of every day people. I thought the stories showed how much Prince Veera cares about his friend Suku and the citizens of his kingdom. The illustrations were simple and appealing. I can imagine reading the stories being read out loud and any child enjoying them.

A short, fun collection of Indian folktales told through the eyes of the Prince and his farmer best friend. The boys are compassionate and clever. I enjoyed their friendship, the classic stories, and the Indian culture. Recommended, especially for a classroom.

This collection of stories focus on King Bheema, son, Prince Veera and his friend, Suku. The tales are based on Indian folklore and are set within an imaginary kingdom. Readers get a wonderful taste of life and customs in India as people bring their problems to the king for arbitration.

The prince helps out in court now and then and always manages to outfox those who try to deceive or treat others unjustly. Prince Veera's friend, Suku (of a lower station) provides the eyes of ears of subjects in the kingdom. The friends often pair up to right wrongs and put arrogant people in their places. I highly recommend this book for the whole family!

Mixed throughout the stories are delightful illustrations that enhance the Indian flavor of the stories. Mangoes, Mischief and Tales of Friendship will be available on January 1, 2019.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.