A 21st century retelling of a 2500-year-old story: Artist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana: Divine Loophole tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king. From princesses in peril to gripping battles, scheming royals, and hordes of bloodthirsty demons, this incredible retelling of the classic Ramayana for kids is the ultimate adventure story presented with an unforgettably modern touch. Fans of Sanjay Patel's books, including The Little Book of Hindu Deities and Ganesha's Sweet Tooth , will be entranced by this ancient story brought to life with more than 100 dazzlingly colorful illustrations. Readers of all ages who love Hindu as well as Celtic, Roman, Chinese, and Greek mythology, and mythological creatures, will enjoy this timeless tale and its essential themes of duty, honor, and loyalty.   RAMAYANA ILLUSTRATED FOR A NEW GENERATION: Even readers familiar with this ancient tale will find delight and new understanding in these pages. This keepsake volume includes more than 100 colorful full-spread illustrations, a detailed pictorial glossary of the cast of characters who make up the epic tale, and sketches of the work in progress. GREAT FAMILY READ-ALONG: A hit with parents eager for enthralling books to share with the whole family, Ramayana: Divine Loophole 's "incredible illustrations and simple story for kids make this perfect bedtime reading for children aged five and above . . . [A] fun, technicolor way to introduce Hindu mythology to your children." (theswaddle.com) PIXAR ARTIST AUTHOR: Sanjay Patel is a wildly talented artist whose work as an animator and storyboard artist for Pixar Animation Studios includes Monsters, Inc. , A Bug's Life , Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 , Ratatouille , and The Incredibles . His short film Sanjay's Super Team was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.  Perfect for: Readers who love Hindu goddesses, Indian mythology, and ancient adventure tales - Educational material for classroom or homeschool curriculum - Gift giving for Diwali, birthday, graduation, or any special occasion - Fans of Pixar movies, Classic Tales from India , The Illustrated Mahabharata , and D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths Artist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king. This illustrated tale features over 100 colorful full-spread illustrations, a detailed pictorial glossary of the cast of characters who make up the epic tale, and sketches of the work in progress. From princesses in peril to gripping battles, scheming royals, and hordes of bloodthirsty demons, Ramayana is the ultimate adventure story presented with an unforgettably modern touch. Q&A with Author and Illustrator Sanjay Patel Q: What was your inspiration to tell this story? Patel: Well I finally read the thing. I mean I suck at reading and everything. But I came across a great adaptation of the Ramayana by an author named Ashok Banker. I actually discovered the book via Nina Paley's blog. She's the one woman force behind Sita Sings the Blues, the feature length animated work about the same subject. After reading a few pgs on Amazon I ordered the first book by Mr. Banker which weighed in at over five hundred pgs. Keep in mind that was just book one of a seven part series. I just read and read and the thing slowly unlocked. And what I found was an ancient mythology with themes and symbols that were timeless and essential. Really meaningful stuff all wrapped up in a visually rich world of epic adventure. The story was just begging to be illustrated. Q: How did you get started working at Pixar? Patel: The only thing I was ever good at was copying drawings from comic books. I just drew, and nothing could ever get me to stop. All throughout school I was considered "the artist," which really just meant that I could make really bad drawings for people’s letterman jackets. A friend told me about Cal-Arts and animation. The school was the key. Most of Pixar’s directors have come straight out of Cal-Arts and its character animation program. I just walked in their footsteps and they ended up recruiting me after my second year. I've been at Pixar ever since, close to thirteen years now. Q: Describe your creative process. How do you create your illustrations? P