The Story of Babur, a new book with illustrations by Jane Ray, has been released by Scala Arts & Heritage to great reviews!
“This dynamic retelling of the memoirs of Babur, founder of the Mughal empire and Uzbek national hero, features the triumphs and reverses of his military and political career, with richly coloured illustrations.”
The Guardian
“The Story of Babur: Prince, Emperor, Sage’, written by Nepalese children’s author Anuradha, and illustrated by award-winning artist Jane Ray, is a lucid and lively retelling of the Baburnama, the first true autobiography in Islamic literature, originally penned by the mighty Central Asian king, Babur (1485–1530) also the founder of the Moghul Empire.”
Asian Voice
“This adaptation for youngsters will introduce them to this classic of World Literature.”
Asian Leader
“It is a very accessible read, full of details of interest to a child reader. Babur’s is a story that deserves to be more widely known, and there are many lessons and discussions that can come out of a reading of this book.”
International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
“A perfect introduction to the Baburnama for young readers, giving them a flavour of this classic of world literature and Babur’s exciting adventures of discovery and conquest.”
Outside in World
“At the start of each chapter Ray helps set the scene with her richly colored, detailed illustrations. Other embellishments are scattered throughout the text, which draw attention to important places or objects in the story. They are stunning and add so much to the text.”
KidsReadtheWorld Blog
Even the author, Anuradha, spoke highly of Ray, saying, ” Working with Jane, the illustrator, was a wonderful experience. Her art has breathed life into my story. I absolutely love the colors, the imagery and the detailing that she has put into the illustrations of Babur.”
Jane Ray has illustrated over 60 children’s books, working with authors such as Michael Rosen, Carol Ann Duffy, Jeanette Winterson, Dianne Hofmeyr and Kevin Crossley-Holland. Her work is regularly exhibited at Primavera Gallery in Cambridge. Jane won the Smarties Award for books aimed at 6- to 8- year-olds in 1992 for The Story of Creation and has been shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award (1989), the Kate Greenaway Award (1991, 1992, 1995, 2001, 2005, 2008) and the Kurt Maschler Award (1995).
The Story of Babur: Prince, Emperor, Sage is a lucid and lively retelling of the Baburnama, the first true autobiography in Islamic literature, originally penned by the mighty Central Asian king, Babur (1485–1530) also the founder of the Mughal Empire. This adaptation for younger readers (Key Stage 2) will introduce them to this classic of world literature and to Babur’s exciting adventures of discovery and conquest: from his native Fergana and the cosmopolitan Samarkand (in modern Uzbekistan) across the glittering cities of Afghanistan and finally on to Hindustan.