How does a king get his subjects to stop lying? How does an intelligent princess find a suitable boy to marry? The stories in “The Magic Drum” highlight human cleverness in answering these, and several other questions—as well as the successes and troubles that too much cleverness can sometimes bring.

Murty has anthologized several folktales, and as such the stories have that old charm and magic about them. The simple and straight-forward morals woven into the stories would make great reading for younger audiences, as well.

Perfect for bedtime stories, as well.