Title: Kanmani and Co.
Author: Lalitha Ramanathan
Illustrations: Rahil Mohsin
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Age Recommendation: 7–13 years
So, which city do you usually imagine when I say the name Tamil Nadu? Chennai, right? Well, beyond the bustling city of Chennai, there are many small yet wondrous villages where people help one another and live joyful lives.
Kanmani and Co. is a light and heartfelt story about four friends — Kanmani, Seetha, Sreejith, and Subru. It is set in a small village in Tamil Nadu called Maaripuram. The book beautifully captures the joyous and exciting experiences of school life. These four friends bravely face every challenge that comes their way — from a difficult dictation test conducted by their English teacher, Kandasamy Sir, to saving their village from the harmful effects of pollution.
When these four friends come together, there is nothing that can stop them. What makes them truly special is how different they are from one another. Kanmani is bright and constantly bubbling with new ideas. Seetha is a drama queen who believes life is incomplete without a little drama. Subru loves food and thinks about it almost every minute. And then there is Sreejith — the boy with a limp but also the one with the biggest dreams. Along with their adorable black cat, Varam, they proudly call themselves “The Fabulous Five.”
The story celebrates the simple joys of village life, from lively carnivals to vibrant temple festivities. These seemingly small moments become golden memories that stay with the reader long after the story ends.
Who would expect Sreejith, the boy with a limp, to score the winning goal for his school team? Or Subru, the foodie who absolutely despised outdoor games, to suddenly discover a passion for sports? These funny yet heart-warming moments make the book deeply engaging. Join the Fabulous Five as they break stereotypes, catch thieves, make new friends, and lend a helping hand to everyone around them.
The story culminates in the grand temple festival of Maaripuram — a celebration dedicated to Goddess Mariatha, believed to be the supreme protector of the village. From eye-catching performances to mouth-watering food, the book showcases every aspect of rural life, where community and interdependence form the foundation of daily living.
This story is a journey into village life, where the simple joys of tradition, culture, and togetherness truly matter. Do get your copy of the book here.
Reviewed By: Ritik Ramanathan, Hyderabad