Kali And The Rat Snake (English)

Author : Zai Whitaker
Illustrator : Srividya Natarajan

Kali hates school. And school hates him, he thinks, for he has no friends. His classmates find him strange. He wishes his father were an ‘ordinary' bus-conductor or postman instead of a snake-catcher, even if one of the most celebrated in the Irula tribe. He worries that others will see him eating fried termites (his favourite snack!) and laugh. And then one day, a large rat snake creates havoc in the classroom... A simple, sensitive story crafted by a writer deeply involved with environmental issues.

2018: Best of Indian Children's Writing: Contemporary

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Rs. 175.00

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    EnglishRs. 175.00$9.50
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Age 5+
Specifications 24 pages; 10.5” x 8.25”; full colour; soft cover
Rights sold English (USA, Canada, Philippines, the Caribbean, Latin America, South America)
ISBN 978-81-8689-43-6
First Published 2000
Tags animals, snake, Irula tribe, different childhood, school, acceptance, friendship, social theme, inclusive book

Sensitive and touching tale

A sensitive and touching tale of fear of rejection and desire for acceptance. The soft gentle watercolours of the illustrations are evocative and aptly reflect Kali’s dilemma and emotions. Kali and the Rat Snake is a book that will delight parents, teachers and children alike. Young India Books

Tackles questions of identity and belonging

"While on the surface Zai Whitaker's Kali and the Rat Snake might well be about little Kali's initiation into school, at a deeper level it tackles questions of identity and belonging... The author's language is simple and effective. She tells her story directly without frills, and makes her point without adopting the high moral tone. The story is accompanied by delightful and vivid watercolours by Srividya Natarajan, that depict Kali's world wonderfully." - September 2000, Pitara.com

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Kali And The Rat Snake (English)

Kali And The Rat Snake (English)

Kali hates school. And school hates him, he thinks, for he has no friends. His classmates find him strange. He wishes his father were an ‘ordinary' bus-conductor or postman instead of a snake-catcher, even if one of the most celebrated in the Irula tribe. He worries that others will see him eating fried termites (his favourite snack!) and laugh. And then one day, a large rat snake creates havoc in the classroom... A simple, sensitive story crafted by a writer deeply involved with environmental issues.

2018: Best of Indian Children's Writing: Contemporary

Write a review