Books published by publisher Periplus Editions

With beautiful illustrations done in the traditional Balinese style, this multicultural children's book celebrates an important Balinese festival.The Galungan festival in Bali marks the victory of dharma (order) over adharma (disorder). It is celebrated by the Balinese Hindus, who believe that during these ten days of prayers, offerings, and feasting, their revered ancestors return to their former homes to be welcomed and entertained.Using this entrancing setting, Swiss illustrator and painter Elisabeth Waldmeier relates the exhilarating festival of the fun-loving Balinese people through the eyes of a former child dancer, Sadri, who descends to his previous home to participate in the annual rapturous village celebrations. A delightful story accompanying enchanting and detailed illustrations, this book will captivate both children and adults alike.

When Gecko cannot sleep because of the fireflies' light and Woodpecker's hammering, he complains to Raban the lion, chief of the jungle animals on the island of Bali, but as Raban follows the thread of complaints from animal to animal he begins to see a larger truth.When Gecko cannot sleep because of the fireflies and Woodpecker, he complains to Raban the lion, chief of the jungle animals of Bali, but as Raban traces the complaints from animal to animal he begins to see a larger truth.

This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents a classic Balinese fairy tale providing an entertaining look into a rich oral tradition. Featured as a "Top Pick" on TravelForKids.com, "Gecko's Complaint" tells the story of a Gecko who once lived on the island we now call Bali, in a jungle dense with flowers and vines. After hundreds of fireflies disturb Gecko's sleep, he complains to kindly Raden, the jungle's lion leader. In his efforts to get to the bottom of Gecko's troubles, Raden discovers all too much complaining and far too many irritable animals. Can Raden help the animals with their troubles? Can peace and happiness return to the jungles of Bali? A simple yet absolutely delightful Balinese folktale for kids, this bilingual edition, which features both English and Indonesian text, is a perfect introduction to the true spirit of Bali. The Indonesian island of Bali has a strong art and storytelling tradition folktales that have been passed down from generation to generation. As a nation with over 18,000 islands, Indonesia has hundreds of traditional languages and cultures, each with myths and legends to tell. With its backdrop of volcanoes, earthquakes, dense jungles, diverse wildlife and people, it is not surprising that Indonesia is rich with fabulous, imaginative tales."