Guru Nanak /hc

The First Sikh Guru

by Rina Singh, illustrated by Andree Pouliot

tagged: religious, asia, eastern

Description

The Sikh faith, the world’s fifth largest religion, began with the teachings of Guru Nanak in the fifteenth century and evolved with the nine gurus who followed him. Their writings as well as those of Hindu and Muslim mystics are collected in the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Nanak tells the story of the first guru of the Sikhs, who was born in 1469 in India at a time when there were great tensions between Hindus and Muslims. Born into a humble Hindu family, Nanak was an extraordinary child who from a very young age questioned the rituals of religion and the ways of the world around him. He grew up to be a great spiritual teacher, revolutionary for his times, declaring that there was no difference between Hindus and Muslims, that men and women were equal and that caste was irrelevant. His attempt to define a universal humanity resulted in Sikhism -- a religion that embraces everyone.

This biography, exquisitely illustrated in the Indian miniature-painting tradition, tells the story of his life, including his spiritual journeys, the miracles he performed to illustrate his teachings, and his poetry.

About the Authors

Rina Singh est une autrice jeunesse canadienne inspirée par les histoires vraies traitant de justice sociale et d’environnement. Ses livres, acclamés par la critique, ont gagné de nombreux prix, notamment Grandmother School, qui a remporté le Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize en 2021, Diwali: A Festival of Lights, en nomination pour un prix Red Cedar, et Once, a Bird. Rina vit à Toronto.

Andrée Pouliot is a visual artist who has exhibited her paintings in Canada, the US, the UK and India. She is also the founder and creative director of Soma Blockprints, an Indian export company specializing in woodblock printed fabrics. She is passionate about India and has studied Indian classical dance, mythology, textile arts, miniature painting and Hinduism. She lived in Delhi for many years, and now divides her time between Jaipur and Ottawa.

Contributor Notes

Rina Singh was born in India and came to Canada thirty years ago. She is a poet, artist and the author of several children's books, including The Foolish Men of Agra (Key Porter), Trickster Tales (Scholastic) and A Forest of Stories (Barefoot Books, UK and US), which has been translated into four languages. In addition to her writing, she teaches art and drama to children.Andrée Pouliot is a visual artist who has exhibited her paintings in Canada, the US, the UK and India. She is also the founder and creative director of Soma Blockprints, an Indian export company specializing in woodblock printed fabrics. She is passionate about India and has studied Indian classical dance, mythology, textile arts, miniature painting and Hinduism. She lived in Delhi for many years, and now divides her time between Jaipur and Ottawa.

Grade:: p to 12
Reading age:: 0

Editorial Reviews

Nanak is one of the great spiritual teachers of our times. This biography gives us insight into his active, influential life.

— Book Bits

...pleasant...

— School Library Journal

Guru Nanak: The First Sikh Guru is a simply and naturally written book. It is also an elegantly produced book that you will treasure.

— Sikhchic.com

...an attractive introduction to the peaceable origins of an important religion.

— The Horn Book Magazine

Out of print

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Librarian review

Guru Nanak: The First Sikh Guru

by [BookCentre]

Guru Nanak founded the Sikh faith in India more than 500 years ago. This biography, illustrated in the Indian miniature-painting tradition, tells the story of his life — his spiritual journey, the miracles he performed to illustrate his teachings, and his poetry. Also included is a map showing Guru Nanak’s travels, a brief history of the gurus who followed him, a glossary and suggestions for further reading.

Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. Fall, 2012.