Kanmani and Co.

MY THOUGHTS

Remember the iconic Malgudi Days by RK Narayan? Kanmani and Co. gives all the same feels!

For all you Xennial parents who grew up reading (and watching!) Malgudi Days, this book, written by Lalitha Ramanathan, channels Swami and his motley crew but in an updated avatar. Kanmani lives with her Thatha and Paati in Maaripuram, a quaint village in Tamil Nadu. Her parents are away in Chennai for her appa’s job prospects. Kanmani loves her grandparents and looks forward to school, where she can be reunited with her best friend, Seetha. The new year brings new friends, and her gang expands to include Subra and Sreejith.

Each chapter of the book involves the gang in a new adventure, and you can’t help but marvel at the innocence of childhood and the simple way of life in the village. I appreciate how Lalitha Ramananthan has included themes of inclusivity, tolerance, and love for stray animals, and even the hard-to-broach subject of illiteracy among the elderly. Each chapter transports you to the beautiful, fictional village of Maaripuram, where the reigning deity Maariamma is revered and traditions and culture bind the village-folk together. The language is simple and easy to read, with a glossary at the end for the Tamil words. There is tons of action and excitement, ensuring young readers reamin hooked to the book, turning pages until they reach the end.

The characters are memorable, earnest, and heartfelt. Your child will love how the friends are quick to help one another. This is a book that is perfect to read a chapter at a time during bedtime or to just curl up with on a hot, summer afternoon. Read and revel in the similarities and the differences between life in cities and villages. Also, a great book to encourage conversations about education and life among children in rural areas. I enjoyed this book, perfect for readers 10+ and am eager to see what Lalitha Ramanathan comes up with next!