Guru Nanak /hc: The First Sikh Guru by Rina Singh

by Rina Singh

In this biography, exquisitely illustrated in the Indian miniature painting tradition, young readers learn about Guru Nanak’s life, his spiritual journeys in which he spread his divine message from the Himalayas to present-day Sri Lanka to Mecca, and his teachings as expressed through his daily life and his poetry. 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 and revolutionary for his times. His attempt to define a universal humanity resulted in Sikhism – a religion that embraces everyone. Singh's version of the guru’s life is based on the janam sakhis (birth stories) as well as the Sikh scriptures.

Genres: Religion, Biography

Hardcover

First published September 6, 2011

About the author

RINA SINGH was born in India and immigrated to Canada in 1980. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Concordia University and a teaching degree from McGill University. Before moving from Montreal to Toronto, she taught creative writing to gifted children. She has since written several critically acclaimed books for children. Her book A Forest of Stories has been translated into several languages, her poems and short stories have appeared in several Canadian literary journals, and she has exhibited photography in many Toronto galleries. Rina Singh teaches art and drama in Toronto, where she lives with her restaurateur husband and their two children.

Reviews

[Pooja Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one sitting, great concise history of Guru Nanak's beginnings and travels.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated, informative and inspiring biography of the founder of the Sikh religion.

[Secret Jyot · Rating 5 out of 5]

About Sikhism, it is very detailed and nice

[aman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a simple biography with beautiful artwork

[Eve]

In this book, children get an introduction to Sikhism by learning about Guru Nanak's life. Children will learn how Guru Nanak was raised in a humble family with limited resources. Nanak questioned the practices of traditional religions, and sought a spirituality that was available and applicable to everybody. Nanak traveled the eastern hemisphere– from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to Mecca– spreading his message to whomever would listen. This book promotes children's understanding of how religions are often started: with a single person traveling the world with a message that he or she believes will help people lead better lives.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a series of stories that follow the travels and teachings of Guru Nanak, who founded the Sikh religion, readers learn about this extraordinary man who enjoyed talking to holy men as a child. As he grew older, he began to question the religious tenets held by those around him. Because he saw no difference between Hindus or Muslims, he was considered a radical and something of a heretic. The softly colored miniature paintings were created in gouache and watercolor pencil, lending an Indian flavor to the illustrations.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love children's books about Eastern religions and religious figures. Too few exist and this was well done. I have a better understanding is Sikhism now. An entertaining read and nice artwork.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy to understand and well written biography of the founder of The Sikh religion.