Anna Johansson – illustratör

“Once,” says the old man to the animals, “a hunter lived in this forest. Your grandparents lived in fear of him. The twang of his bow sent them running. Then something happened to change that forever . . . ” In this ancient parable from India, a forest-dwelling hunter learns that cruelty has consequences and that compassion has rewards. When the hunter meets the wise man Narada, “Do unto others as they would do unto you” takes on a very concrete meaning as the sage leads the hunter on an imagined journey in which the hunter becomes the hunted. When the hunter realizes how his actions affect other living things, he has a change of heart and begins to live in peace with the animals he once pursued. Kosa Ely adapts this traditional Indian tale into an inviting narrative that presents the universal golden rule in a new and appealing way. Anna Johansson’s richly detailed illustrations evoke the animal kingdom and enchanted forests with fine lines and luminous colors. The Peaceable Forest is the ideal picture book for inspiring young readers to respect life in all its forms.

In this one-of-a-kind trilogy based on the Ramayana, the darkness in the kingdom of Ayodhya continues to spread as Rama, rightful heir and favored son of King Dasharatha, is cast out of the city after an unthinkable betrayal. Facing a fourteen-year exile, Rama—accompanied by wife Sita and brother Lakshmana—embarks upon a journey that will spark a legend. While struggling to survive in the mythical forests of ancient India, the trio encounters divine sages, unexpected allies, and an array of blood-drinking demons hell-bent on revenge. Throughout these ordeals, Sita discovers the true extent of her unique powers, Lakshmana battles with his own internal demons, and Rama struggles to make peace with his destiny in a kingdom on the verge of collapse. Alternately told through the perspectives of Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana, Queen of the Elements reveals an entirely new side to this classic saga.

This deluxe illustrated novel adaptation of the Ramayana—the classic Hindu epic—pairs divinely inspired art with intimate portrayals of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Ravana, and many more. Welcome to the royal city of Ayodhya, a realm ruled by the Sun dynasty, where peace reigns among the citizens while discord simmers behind the palace walls. A prophecy predicts that a son of the Sun dynasty will slay the immortal Ravana and defeat his demon army—but how will a mere human succeed where all the gods have failed? Meanwhile, Ayodhya’s emperor is torn between his own needs and the needs of the empire. His rebellious third wife, raised as a warrior, is haunted by her past. A defiant servant, stigmatized by her deformity, is willing to destroy the empire to achieve her own aims. A prince, unaware of his own divine origin, falls in love with a princess so extraordinary even the all-seeing sages cannot fathom her destiny. Shape-shifting blood-drinkers from the celestial realm fill the forests around the city, and the time of prophecy is drawing near—but will the blessings of the gods be enough to fend off the darkness growing in the heart of Ayodhya? A truly original reimagining of the classic Indian epic, the Ramayana, as told primarily through the eyes of the women behind the throne, Shadows of the Sun Dynasty reveals an entirely new perspective on an ancient story. Set in a world of kings and queens, celestial battles, invisible foes, and family rivalries, this epic tale forges legends in the fires of betrayal and prophecy.