How The Firefly Got Its Light
The Adventurous Tale of Jugnu Rani
by Pradyumna Kumar

with illustrations by Pradyumna Kumar

An enchanting tale about a firefly who realises that every creature has its own place and purpose in the Universe.

Jugnu Rani, a tiny firefly, ponders over her insignificance and witnesses the gradual distancing between trees and humankind. She observes the disciplined life of ants and the hard work of the bees, and feels that her existence is useless. But Suraj Dada, the Sun, reminds her that every creature has a place and purpose in the universe. One day, when the forest is in danger, Jugnu Rani discovers the light within her and finds her purpose. Soon no one is afraid of the dark anymore.

Rendered in the Mithila style of painting, this story is a charming introduction to human relationship with the environment.

Translated from Hindi by Urvashi Butalia.

Additional Information
The story and illustrations won the Grand Jury Prize at the 15th Noma Concours  for Picture Book Illustrations, 2006.

While commenting on the winning entry, the jury had said:
"Any number of stories seem to pour forth from the work, which has a unique decorativeness and is very finely and exquisitely drawn. The frame decoration is beautiful and enjoyable, making it seem as though you are looking at a tapestry. In the personification of wood and use of colour, one senses not only the following of tradition but also the artist's individuality."

216 x 280 mm | 8.5 x 11 in
Paperback | 36 pages
40 colour illustrations