Kali and the Rat Snake / Kaliyum Saraipambum (Tamil)
By Zai Whitaker | Illustrated by Srividya Natarajan

Kali doesn’t quite fit in at school. His classmates laugh at him, and he feels embarrassed about his background—especially his father’s unusual job as a skilled snake-catcher from the Irula tribe. All Kali wants is to live a more “normal” life, away from termite snacks and curious stares.

But when a rat snake slithers into the classroom, panic sets in. Can Kali’s unique heritage and knowledge turn the situation around?

With warmth, humour, and empathy, Kali and the Rat Snake is a beautifully illustrated story that explores self-acceptance, cultural pride, and respect for the environment. Perfect for helping children understand that our differences can also be our greatest strengths.

?? Book Details

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  Author: Zai Whitaker

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  Illustrator: Srividya Natarajan

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  Language: Tamil

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  Format: Soft cover, full colour

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  Pages: 24

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  Size: 10.5” x 8.25”

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  Recommended Age: 6+ years

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  Themes: Identity, culture, environment, self-acceptance

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? Why Parents & Educators Love It:

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  Encourages respect for indigenous knowledge and traditions

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  Promotes empathy, inclusivity, and cultural awareness

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  Fun yet meaningful storytelling with lively illustrations

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  Perfect for classroom discussions and home reading alike

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Engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring, Kali and the Rat Snake / Kaliyum Saraipambum is a must-have story about embracing who you are—and the power of turning differences into strengths.