Kali and the Rat Snake / Kaliyum Saraipambum (Tamil)

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

• Author: Zai Whitaker

• Illustrator: Srividya Natarajan

• Language: Tamil

• Format: Soft cover, full colour

• Pages: 24

• Size: 10.5” x 8.25”

• Recommended Age: 6+ years

• Themes: Identity, culture, environment, self-acceptance

✨ Why Parents & Educators Love It:

• Encourages respect for indigenous knowledge and traditions

• Promotes empathy, inclusivity, and cultural awareness

• Fun yet meaningful storytelling with lively illustrations

• Perfect for classroom discussions and home reading alike

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.