Traditional children's tales launched in English

Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories
Joan Suynaga, transl.; Salim Martowiredjo, illus.
Periplus Editions, November 2005
65 pp. (hardcover)

Periplus Indonesia, in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched last Sunday a children's book, Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories, an anthology of traditional Indonesian stories.

The launch at the Grand Hyatt was officiated by State Minister of Communications and Information Sofyan A. Djalil, as well as UNICEF Ambassador Ferry Salim. The event also included a story- telling session by Putri Suhendro, a performance by students of Global Jaya and a special appearance by Miss Indonesia 2005 Nadine Chandrawinata.

The 65-page book consists of eight popular stories, including Kancil Steals Cucumbers, The Magic Headcloth, The Frog, The Caterpillar Story and Timun Mas.

The stories are retold for an international audience by Joan Suyenaga, a writer, translator and editor based in Yogyakarta.

The stories offer a taste of how the universal values of courage, cleverness, true love, kindness and loyalty are transmitted to children.

Full-color illustrations of Indonesian rural life by artist Salim Martowiredjo, who has won a number of prizes and awards for his work, accompany the stories.

Periplus in cooperation with UNICEF will donate a portion of proceeds generated from book sales toward developing the welfare of mothers and children in Indonesia. -- The Jakarta Post