Title: Kanmani and Co.: Five Friends (And A Cat) Tackle The World
Author: Lalitha Ramanathan
Illustrator: Rahil Mohsin
Publisher: Scholastic India
Type: Paperback
Pages: 160 pages
Recommended Age: 8-12 years
My 8 year old daughter, Ananya, reviewed this book.
When we went on our road trip from Bangalore to Yercaud and then to Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu felt like a land of endless surprises—misty hills, shiny seas, colorful streets—and while we explored it on the road, I was also exploring it in the pages of Kanmani and Co by Lalitha Ramanathan. The story is set in a Tamil Nadu village called Maaripuram, and it felt like Kanmani was right there with us.
Kanmani is 9 years old, bright and curious, living with her grandparents while her parents work in Chennai, cycling to school every day and finding many adventures in the most ordinary places. She scores full marks in her spelling test but needs her grandmother’s signature, and when there’s no inkpad for her thumbprint, her grandmother bravely decides to learn the letters of her name.
Kanmani’s world is full of friends and fun—dramatic Seetha [“Who runs faster than a cheetah? It’s Seetha!”], determined Sreejith who never gives up even with braces on his leg, mischievous Palani who loves trouble as much as laughter, and snacks‑loving Subru, nicknamed “Globe,” who thinks food is better than exercise.
Together they play kabaddi and football in interschool competitions, and Kanmani even helps build a wheelchair so Sreejith can practice football. She has funny adventures with a mischievous black cat named Varam, who suddenly gets kidnapped, making the children worried and determined to find him. She faces a scary encounter with a snake that gives her a chance to show her courage. She enjoys the temple festival with its lights, music, food, and happy atmosphere. But there’s still a big question—will Kanmani leave her beloved Maaripuram and go to the big city to join her parents, or will she stay in the village with its festivals, friends and everyday magic?
The book is full of adventures that made me laugh, cheer, and sometimes even feel a little scared. I liked how Kanmani is smart and brave, and how her friends—dramatic Seetha, determined Sreejith, mischievous Palani, and snacks‑loving Subru—each bring their own fun to the story. The black cat Varam being kidnapped made me gasp, because I wanted to know what would happen next. The kabaddi and football matches were exciting, and Kanmani’s commentary made them even more fun.
Reading the book while traveling through Tamil Nadu felt like discovering the state twice—once on the road and once in the pages. The hills, the sea, the temples, and Kanmani’s adventures all came together to make it so interesting.
If you would like to join Kanmani’s adventures too, please get your copy of Kanmani and Co and step into her world, you won’t be disappointed for sure!
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CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Pooja and Ananya are a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
