Hathi Chiti Now Endorsed by Sesame Street Gift Guide Giveaway

Endorsed by Sesame Street creator Christopher Cerf, Hathi Chiti (Hathi meaning elephant and Chiti meaning ant in India) is a new brand of children's products (ages 3+) that uses eastern-themed products as a way to educate children about different cultures around the world, including their Hathi Chiti Books for Kids. Here is the tale of Haiti and Chiti and how they began to compile this book collection (taken directly from the website):

Having met a long, long time ago in India, Hathi and Chiti set out together on a rather big adventure. What were they looking for? Well, no one really knows the details, but it has to do with making a movie and looking for an Arabian prince;)
Along their way they’ve run into a host of interesting characters and have had more than their share of curious run-ins. One day, they decided to collect up all of their stories—the ones they heard from other people and some based on their own experiences—and create a collection of lovely stories for little children.  Check out Hathi Chiti’s Tales of India collection and get caught up in the adventure!

The first 2 books in the new Hathi Chiti Books for Kids series, "In the Indian Night Sky" and "The Traveller, the Tiger, and the Very Clever Jackal" both written by Reshma Sapre. Both tell a folk tale from India and are beautifully illustrated that children find intriguing (at least my 4 year old did), they also have little lessons for children to learn. 

In the Indian Night Sky tells the tale of how the moon became such a welcome sight in the night sky. Here is the synopsis from the jacket cover:

Set in the black of night, where the celestial beings send the rains off into their downpour, see what happens when Sun, Moon, and Wind are guided through the night under the ever-watchful eye of their mother, Star of the North Sky.

Lessons we got from this book included: when you follow directions (and listen to your mother) your outcome will be much more positive.

The Traveller, The Tiger and The Very Clever Jackal tells the tale of an elderly gentleman who desires another adventure and gets a little more of one than he desired. Here is the synopsis from the jacket cover:

Old Raaheeji's tale is a whimsical reminder that you are never too old to wise up.Follow old Raaheeji deep into the woods where he is about to meet his demise, until he happens upon a particular Jackal in the woods.

The lessons we learned from this book included: Exercise caution and using common sense in making your decision. Letting someone talk you into something that you know you shouldn't can be quite costly. I also pointed out (mostly to my husband) that if Raaheeji had listened to his wife, he wouldn't have been in such a predicament in the first place.

I believe that introducing multiple cultures at a young age is one of the keys to promoting acceptance and understanding of others and to defeating cultural prejudices. Hathi Chiti Books for Kids really seems to be helping in this arena. Folk Tales are passed down from generation to generation for a reason, so it is fun to learn those folk tales from other cultures and to point out the lessons they carry. 

In the Indian Night Sky and The Traveller, The Tiger and The Very Clever Jackal are very well written and artistically illustrated, and would make excellent additions to a home, school or public library. The next 2, "Patnaxi's Crezy Long Journey Home" (about the first grain of (talking) rice imported to the New World, who takes off on a high seas adventure) and "The Unfortunate Tale of Kachuva the Tortoise" (about a talkative tortoise who gets bullied) are being released just in time for the the holiday and 2 more in the series are scheduled for a 2012 release. 

I believe any of these book would make great holiday gifts for children ages 3-8. Also, be sure to explore the Hathi Chiti's website to discover lots of other fun things for you and your children including adorable t-shirts, buttons & patches that match the books as well as some downloadables/printables and little Hathi Chiti movies to enjoy and so much more!

Would you like to win a copy of the Hathi Chiti books?

Giveaway will end at 8 pm cst on Sunday, November 27th.
Winner chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday

Winner responsible for responding with shipping information.

US Entries Only

Manatory Entry:

Share your “best bud” stories on their Facebook page, those most like the “best bud” friendship of our Hathi Chiti hosts - Hathi, the elephant, and Chiti, the ant.

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Thanks to Leonard George for my sample for review and the giveaway winner's prize.  Opinions are honest. Review by Michelle.

*I can not promise your prize will arrive before Christmas* 
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