Stories of the Islands

Praise

★ “Angkasa skillfully breathes new life into these narratives, providing a fresh look from the perspective of the female characters. . . . While targeted at a middle-grade audience, older readers who love folktales will also cherish these old stories presented in fresh, dynamic new ways.”—Booklist, Starred Review  

★ “Expressive art transports readers through the rolling waves, flowing rivers, and lush forests that make up the seventeen thousand Indonesian islands.”—The Horn Book, Starred Review

★ “In illustrating her feminist versions, Angkasa, who was born and raised in Jakarta, pays visual homage to her Javanese cultural history by, for example, garbing her characters in sarongs and selendangs.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
 
“This inspiring trio of stories encourages readers to look with a mindful eye at folk or fairy tales that they may have heard for years to see whose story is actually being told and ponder what the tale would look like from an entirely different perspective.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Innovative paneling offers complexity to the storytelling, and eye-catching patterns add cultural specificity to sometimes formulaic tales.”—Publishers Weekly

“A beautiful, powerful addition to the pantheon of feminist folktale reimaginings.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A beautiful collection of folktales that succeeds in depicting strengthened female agency while promoting a healthy consideration for others.”—School Library Journal

“A marvelous example of bringing the old and the new together to create something that contains the best of both worlds. A beautiful potential future for folktales worldwide.”—A Fuse #8 Production

“Brimming with spirit, this is a book all about connection and empowerment. Angkasa’s gorgeous rendering and vivid storytelling will pull you right in.”—Tillie Walden, author of On a Sunbeam