Born to a king who had long prayed for a child, Princess Savitri was both beautiful and wise - so much so that no man dared to ask for her hand in marriage. At her father's instructions, she went out into the world to find a man worthy of her, and she settled upon Prince Satyavan, refusing to renounce him even after she learned from a seer that he had only a year to live. When that year had elapsed and Yama, the god of death, came to claim Satyavan, Savitri followed after, winning three wishes from the deity in reward for her devotion. Through these wishes, and through her cleverness, she brought blessings on her father and father-in-law, and she won back her beloved...

According to author Aaron Shepard's brief note, the story of Princess Savitri is a popular episode from The Mahabharata, one of the great epic poems and story cycles of ancient India, and a sacred text in the Hindu religion. This retelling of the tale was Shepard's first children's book, and it is immensely engaging. Savitri is an appealing heroine, and her story reminded me of tales from various other traditions, in which spouses sought to win their loved one back from death. In the west, the most famous of these is the Greek myth of Orpheus and Euridyce, which ended in a far less happy way than that of Savitri and Satyavan. The accompanying artwork here, done by Vera Rosenberry, was quite lovely. Recommended to young folklore and mythology lovers in general, and to anyone looking for children's retellings of Hindu myths, specifically. ( )

A princess chooses a worthy and virtuous man to marry even though he will die in a year. On that day Savitri goes against the god of death to save her husband. Savitri is clever, independent, and strong.

The tale of Savitri is a part of India's national epic. Princess Savitri is looking for a husband. She finally finds a virtuous man named Satyavan. Savitri decides to marry Satyavan even after learning that he will die in one year. The couple spends one year happily together. When Yama, the god of death, comes for Satyavan, Savitri follows them into the underworld. Yama, impressed by Savitri's loyalty and bravery, grants her several wishes. However, he refuses to give back her husband's life. Finally, Savitri wishes to have children with Satyavan. She did not directly ask for her husband's life back, so Yama must release Satyavan in order to fulfill Savitri's request. Savitri and Satyavan live long and happy lives together.

This book is a retelling from India's national epic; "The Mahabharata."
Princess Savitri chooses to marry Satyana, but the seer, Naranda tells her that Satyana will die within one year. Her father asks her to choose another husband, but she refuses. On the day Satyana dies, Savitri meets with Yama who is taking Satyana's soul away. Savitri gets Yama to grant her favors, in turn she tricks him into bringing Satyana back to life.
The illustrations are very beautiful and bright.

I really enjoyed this book. Myth is not really a genre that I have read much of but as I read the book I felt myself get sucked in and couldn't wait to find out what would happen in the story. I don't know if it is a book that I would use much with first graders but if I taught a higher grade it is definitely something I would read to my students.