The first chaang, the first elephant, once had big eyes,
Which the animals thought looked beautiful and wise.
Then, along came a bird, a wagtail, and
Told in verse, this folktale from the Tai Phake people of Indias northeast is gentle and funny. It is one among many animal stories they tell children about why and how something came to bewhy the sun comes out when the cock crows, how the tiger got its stripes and how the bulbul and the monkey ended up with red bottoms! Priya Kuriyans eye for detail and flair for animating characters re-create the regions lush landscape and capture the folktales endearing quality with warmth and humour.