Ganga: The River that Flows from Heaven to Earth by Vatsala Sperling, illustrated by Harish Johari and Pieter Weltevrede Ages 4-11 32 pages Bear Cub Books November 2008 Hardcover     The beautifully illustrated Ganga: The River that Flows from Heaven to Earth tells the story of the beloved Indian river Ganga (known as the Ganges in the West). Ganga was a divine child born in a small pool of water and raised by Brahma the Creator. She was lighthearted and graceful, giving much joy to those who knew her. When Ganga was still a young girl, however, she made the terrible mistake of laughing at the ill-tempered sage Durvasa when a gust of wind took his clothes. The enraged sage cursed her into being cast out from Heaven, to forever live on Earth as a river. At Ganga’s remorseful pleas for mercy, Durvasa softened and gave her a blessing as well: whenever Ganga was finally called to the Earth, she would be worshipped there as a Goddess who washed away the sins of all who bathed in her holy waters. Many human lifetimes later, the young prince Bhagirath prays to Brahma, asking him to release his daughter, Ganga, to wash away the sins of the prince’s ancestors and release their trapped souls. Brahma agrees, but explains that the full force of Ganga’s waters would wreak havoc on the Earth when released. Bhagirath then seeks Lord Shiva’s help in restraining the Goddess during her descent from Heaven. Lord Shiva agrees and traps the descending Ganga in his hair, thus restraining her impetuous flow. As Ganga slowly flows from the high peaks of the Himalayas (where Shiva lives) to the plains of India, all life flourishes at her touch, bringing great joy to millions of people and to the Goddess Ganga herself. This is a beautifully told story by Vatsala Sperling, who has narrated other tales from Hindu mythology as part of the series, including most recently, Karna: The Greatest Archer in the World. The traditional Indian-style watercolor and tempera paintings by Harish Johari and Peter Weltevrede are exquisite. This is a very nicely executed book for children interested in mythology and cultures from around the world. Although Ganga: The River that Flows from Heaven to Earth is listed for children ages 4-11, children younger than six may have a difficult time following the complex plot line.     web reviews   Usha Reynolds/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)