Super cute and super informative. It now has pride of place as our bathroom book. ( )

A convenient introduction to some deities, demons, and other aspects of Hinduism with colorful (but for my taste a bit too "cutesy") illustrations. Personally, I found it a bit trivializing, hence only 3***, but YMMV. ( )

Sanjay Patel, the author and illustrator of 'The Little Book of Hindu Deities, is an academy award nominated director. The table of contents lists six categories of deities with multiple listings under each."With dozens of gods and goddesses (and one sacred stone), [this book] is chock-full of monsters, demons, nobles warriors, and divine divas. . ." Source: the book's back cover. A glossary is included.

This review, complete with adorable pictures, and others posted over at my blog.

This is an excellent little book for those of you who like reading about various gods and enjoy fantastic, bold illustrations.

I think this book is suitable for a younger audience, as well as adults who are looking for a quick overview of the different deities and appreciate Patel’s art style (how can you not?!) There are some gods who have a more violent nature (and one who lusts after his own daughter) but there’s nothing so graphic that those reading middle-grade level books couldn’t handle.

I’m head over heels for Patel’s art style – I actually didn’t know this book existed until I received it for Christmas, but two of his other books are on my wish list. I fell in love with his style after featuring another blogger's copy of Ramayana on my blog. I love the bright color pallet and the simple design and I know I’ll come back to this over and over. I would love it if Patel did a whole series of different deities in this style like Greek/Roman, Celtic, etc! ( )

A short, fun introduction to the major Hindu deities, and their convoluted relationships, as well as a description of who is avatar to whom. The pictures are droll and humorous, and help to add a bit of color and life to the discussion of the unfamiliar gods and goddesses. I had been through a graduate level philosophy class that explained all this, but not in nearly as cogent or entertaining a manner. This book can be read and enjoyed by adults and children alike. It is far from being an encyclopedic look at Hinduism, but it doesn't pretend to be. ( )