Synopsis This retelling of the story of Krishna, draws from the puranas, from folk tales and legends to paint a picture of one of the most deeply loved deities. Krishna, the dark one, is also the one who draws us close to him. Divine, at the same time endearingly human, he is at once the beloved child, the stealer of hearts, the loyal friend, the astute statesman and king, the valiant hero, the simple cowherd, and the great philosopher and teacher. Shanta Rameshwar Rao’s retelling of Krishna’s story is moving and charming, full of the wonder of his grace, and at the same time, very contemporary. The story is further brought to life by Bulbut Sharma’s paintings especially commissioned for this book. Drawing on contemporary, traditional and folk genres they add another, rich dimension to the book. the motif and symbols, drawn in the style of the sanjhis of Mathura evoke Vraja and the presence of Krishna.