Ira Saxena
CLOUD EATER
Written and illustrated by Chewang Dorjee Bhutia
Tulika, 2019, pp. 24, R245.00
An unusual folktale of a giant-girl with rare characteristics of North Eastern hills. In a nutshell, it is a story of a mighty giant girl who likes to swallow clouds for fun. Banished by one village for the damage she caused she saves another from being submerged in rain by eating the rain clouds. The girl tramples over the gender stereotypes in a natural happy environment.
Most folktales, perhaps originating from the heart, hold the capacity to appeal to the depths of the heart that provides them with the essential distinction of crossing into global vistas. This one told in simple verse performs the needful to please gratify the sentiments. It is a typical old-world style folktale presenting the ups and downs of conflicts and acts of goodness at the same time concluding in peace and contentment. As in most folktales, a simple plot contains an undercurrent of virtues and eternal humanity prevails. Most remarkable are the unique illustrations which are predominantly imaginary, out of ordinary perspectives and artistic in content. The scenes of the North-Eastern hills of India are depicted beautifully in picturesque compositions and produced effectively. A delightful production by Tulika.