The Four Avengers Versus the Elephant: Two Tales from the Panchatantra by Meena Arora Nayak (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

2148th BLOG POST 

15th Book of 2025

Reading children’s books can be quite interesting when you want to read something light while having tea or coffee at someone’s home—especially when they have kids for whom such books have been purchased. I took advantage of a similar opportunity and read a book titled “The Four Avengers Versus the Elephant” published by Aleph. The book consists of two tales from the Panchatantra, retold by Meena Arora Nayak.

 

The book is meant for children above the age of nine, as the author has ensured that even though her stories are targeted at kids, they are written in a way that imparts knowledge beyond the basics. I, as someone in my mid-30s, could also find wisdom in the way these stories are narrated. Nayak uses conversations between animals as a medium to deliver life lessons and Chanakya-like insights. Many dialogues are written in a manner that resembles explanations of ancient Sanskrit shlokas.

 

The first story focuses on the qualities and responsibilities of a king. Within the same tale, the author highlights how a vulnerable animal like a hare can outsmart a mighty lion who is ready to kill and eat him. The way the hare leads the lion to his own death is told very intelligently and gives hope to anyone who considers themselves weaker than others.

 

Similarly, the second story narrates how four small animals and insects unite to defeat an elephant who had been troubling one of their friends. This story beautifully signifies how the power of unity can bring even the most powerful to their knees.

 

Overall, I loved reading this book. I rate it 4 stars out of 5. I just feel that children’s books like this shouldn’t be priced as high as they often are — hopefully, publications can find a way to make them more affordable.

 PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

Thanks!

WRITING BUDDHA