Bangkok--18 Jan--Art Pool
Award winning American author of seven books for children, Clare Hodgson Meeker is launching her latest work in Thailand with Manohra, The Bird Princess. With an undergraduate degree in music and a graduate degree in law, Clare uses her skills in both of these areas to research and write finely crafted, lyrical prose for children. Her first book was an adaptation of a famous Thai folk tale about two ricebirds. In 1995, Clare visited Thailand. Since then, the country has never ceased to impress her and she wishes to return soon.
The story of Manohra has been part of Thai culture and its folklore for thousands of years. Originating in ancient India in Buddhist or Jataka tales, the kinnaree are mythical creatures with human bodies and wings and legs of birds. These magical beings, known as shape-shifters, appear in different forms in folk tales around the world. This adaptation of the Manohra story celebrates the power of love that is capable of bridging the distance between people, places and cultures.
Although an already well-known classic in Thailand, the uniqueness of the book, Manohra The Bird Princess, lies in the fact that it is bi-lingual (English and Thai) and is illustrated by ten and a half year old, Busara Boussard, a student at Bangkok Pattana. Her fascination with Manohra’s story has led her to illustrate this traditional Thai legend with shocking pink and gold as the predominant colors, the former evoking love and the latter grandeur.
Manohra, The Bird Princess is now available at all B2S book stores in Bangkok at only 190 baht. Those interested in procuring bulk orders may contact Ibycus office at 02-932 9208 or email to: [email protected]
For more information, please contact
Mazza Paspatanapanich
Art Pool Co., Ltd. Tel. 0 2539 1966
Email: [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net