🍃Book Review🍃

 🍃Book Review🍃

Book:-Kanmani & Co. : Five Friends (and a cat) Tackle The World

Author:-@author_lalitha 

Illustrator:-@rahil_mohsin

In Kanmani And Co., childhood doesn’t whisper—it laughs out loud, runs barefoot through the streets of Maaripuram, and invites you to follow.

Kanmani And Co.: Five Friends (and a Cat) Tackle the World by Lalitha Ramanathan is a joyful, warm-hearted celebration of childhood set in the vividly imagined South Indian village of Maaripuram.

From the very first page, the book radiates energy and affection for its young characters and the world they inhabit. Ramanathan captures the essence of growing up—not as something overly polished or idealised, but as something gloriously messy, curious, and full of heart.

At the centre of the story is Kanmani and her lively gang: dramatic Seetha, determined Sreejith, mischievous Palani, eternally snack-loving Subru, and the effortlessly cool cat Varam. Each character feels distinct and authentic, and their friendships are portrayed with warmth and honesty.

Whether they are building recycling robots, pulling together a football team with a wheelchair-powered goal, dealing with school antics, or navigating village festivals and runaway frogs, the adventures feel grounded in a child’s logic—bold, imaginative, and deeply sincere.

Importantly, the book weaves in themes of inclusivity, teamwork, empathy, and social awareness without ever sounding preachy. These lessons emerge naturally from the children’s actions and choices, making them all the more impactful.

Maaripuram is not just a backdrop; it is a living, breathing village filled with colour, sound, humour, and small everyday wonders. The episodic structure mirrors how children experience life—one big moment at a time—and this makes the book especially engaging for young readers while still evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for adults.

Special mention must be made of the cover page and illustrations by Rahil Mohsin, which are absolutely delightful. 

The artwork is vibrant, expressive and full of movement, perfectly matching the spirit of the story. The colourful cover instantly draws the reader in, while the illustrations add depth, humour, and visual warmth to the narrative.

Kanmani And Co. succeeds because it respects it's audience. It trusts children to understand kindness, fairness, and courage in their own way, while offering adults a gentle reminder of the magic hidden in everyday moments.

Honest, inclusive, and brimming with joy, this book is a charming tribute to friendship, imagination, and the small world children build together - worlds that, for a while, feel like the whole universe.

Must read♥️♥️