Delightful Tales
From ancient times, people who lived in both the East and the West shared a great interest in relating and listening to stories. These stories were handed down from generation to generation orally, and later evolved into great children's literature. Stories that existed orally were absorbed into the Jataka Tales. They were originally in Pali verse, but later elaborated as Jotaka Atthakatha and translated into Sinhala. All these tales were well known in India, but after being translated to Sinhala, became stories of Sri Lankan Buddhists. No other book has influenced Buddhists in Sri Lanka as much as the Jataka Tales. People gathered in hundreds at the temples to listen to the Jataka Tales. These tales depict the life of a Bodhisatva. Therefore, all virtues that should embody a noble character, such as energy, firmness, wisdom, loving-kindness, generosity, and honesty, are give prominence in these stories. These tales not only increase the wisdom of the reader or listener, but also help to discipline and inspire him. In Sri Lanka, many Jataka Tales have been dramatized and illustrated as wall-paintings in temples.
In Delightful Tales, many Jataka Tales are simplified so that children of all ages can read, listen to, and understand them. From five hundred and forty-seven tales, I have chosen twenty-one stories that I believe will trigger the imagination and interest of a child. They deal with animals, human beings, and sometimes even supernatural beings. The animals are very human in their approach to life. Every tale carries an underlying message, though it may not be emphasized. I hope every reader, whether young or old, will enjoy reading these stories as much I as I did writing them.
Precious Tales I and II
Precious Tales I and II are about the Buddha's mission of compassion in this world and the way he dealt with the problems of all beings.
These stories are illustrated and written in simple language so that children will be able to read and understand them.
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