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Kanmani And Co. :Five Friends(and a cat) tackle the world
Welcome to Maaripuram, a lively South Indian village where every day bursts with adventure, laughter, and just a hint of mischief. Here, five friends and a clever cat take on the world in ways only kids can. Meet Kanmani and her gang of unlikely heroes: dramatic Seetha, determined Sreejith, mischievous Palani, and snack-loving Subru. Joining the fray is Varam, the cool cat. Together, they embark on escapades, have fun at school, build recycling robots, rally a football team with a wheelchair-powered goal, or simply brighten up the life of the villagers.
160 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 31, 2026
A simple, joyous story of 9 year old Kanmani and her escapades with her friends, this book touches upon some important themes of superstition, problem solving, inclusion, illiteracy, sustainability, body image and so much more. I especially loved the tone of the book- simple, funny and inspiring without being patronizing.
Since these are short stories about 15-20 pages long each, it makes for a great pick for beginner readers too. This is a mirror and window book at the same time, and I loved how the spirit of community comes across.
A feel good book but also a very sensitively written book that allows you to ponder safely on important SEL themes.
Highly recommend for elementary children💜
Since these are short stories about 15-20 pages long each, it makes for a great pick for beginner readers too. This is a mirror and window book at the same time, and I loved how the spirit of community comes across.
A feel good book but also a very sensitively written book that allows you to ponder safely on important SEL themes.
Highly recommend for elementary children💜
January 31, 2026
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♥️♥️
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♥️♥️
May 31, 2026
Kanmani & Co. by Lalitha Ramanathan was a trip to my childhood, to the days when I used to be hooked on Enid Blyton’s. The book is a delightful, fun, easy, cute read. Right from the naughty protagonists to the narrative, Lalitha brings us an offering that everyone will relate to.
Equal parts nostalgic, tender, with a vein of wisdom holding the narrative together, this book is a heartwarming celebration of childhood, friendship, curiosity and the little adventures and escapades that shape growing up.
Set in the fictional village of Maaripuram, the story follows spirited young Kanmani and her lively gang of friends — Seeta, Subru, Sreejith, Palani — along with the star, the adorable cat, Varam. Together, they tumble from one escapade to another, carrying the reader into a world where imagination is ripe, friendship is more sacred than a pinkie swear, and every mundane day sits potentially on a teetering pile of chaos.
What I particularly loved was how authentically the world of Maaripuram comes alive. Lalitha uses vernacular words to lend authenticity to the story. She makes the village come alive so beautifully in the reader’s visuals that it almost feels like the annual summer trips that we took to Dadi and Nani’s houses, as kids. The writing beautifully captures the rhythm of small-town life, its warmth, eccentricities, gossip, innocence, and deeply rooted sense of community.
Each chapter unfolds like a self-contained little adventure with its own conflict, humour, and emotional takeaway. The book effortlessly weaves in meaningful themes like literacy, inclusivity, body positivity, empathy, friendship, and breaking gender stereotypes with remarkable gentleness and maturity.
Kanmani and her friends are flawed and hence, lovable. Their interactions feel organic and believable, full of banter, misunderstandings, teamwork, and affection.
The illustrations…vibrant and bursting with creative personality enhance the reading experience.
Kanmani & Co. is a joyous reminder of messy, magical childhoods and the quiet lessons hidden within them. A thoroughly delightful read for both children and adults alike.
December 30, 2025
This book chronicles the adventures of a group of friends in a cozy village named Maaripuram. Smart Kanmani, dramatic Seetha, snack-loving Subru, strong-willed Sreejith and the unforgettable prankster Palani(with his motley gang of pets bearing names of famous legends), accompanied with a fiesty little cat named Varam have their fair share of adventures, fun and good deeds, providing a delightful narrative to the story.
Simplicity is the essence of the story and it's winning point too. The charm of life in a village, the innocence of children who find happiness in the smallest of things and simple yet deeply impactful life-lessons make this story one unforgettable read. Generous doses of gentle and clean humor make you smile and laugh throughout the book.
Lalitha's narration is simply brilliant. Be it a humorous scene or be it something emotional and poignant, Lalitha delivers to perfection. The book showcases her effortless and brilliant humor. Timely puns, extremely effective use of italics that highlight the subtle humor and brilliant one-liners reflect Lalitha's excellent sense of humor.
In the chaotic world we live in, Kanmani and her friends bring in a breath of fresh air, reminding us of simple pleasures of life. If you wish to relive the magic of childhood friendships, of innocent fun and delightful times spent with family, or with your friends or in the school, then this is THE book for you.
You know you have read a wonderful book when you can't stop reading it, but you don't want it to end either. I hope Kanmani And Co. returns with more adventures and fun. I would definitely love to get a whole series on this!
I will end my review with - this is a book written by Lalitha Ramanathan, and if that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
Simplicity is the essence of the story and it's winning point too. The charm of life in a village, the innocence of children who find happiness in the smallest of things and simple yet deeply impactful life-lessons make this story one unforgettable read. Generous doses of gentle and clean humor make you smile and laugh throughout the book.
Lalitha's narration is simply brilliant. Be it a humorous scene or be it something emotional and poignant, Lalitha delivers to perfection. The book showcases her effortless and brilliant humor. Timely puns, extremely effective use of italics that highlight the subtle humor and brilliant one-liners reflect Lalitha's excellent sense of humor.
In the chaotic world we live in, Kanmani and her friends bring in a breath of fresh air, reminding us of simple pleasures of life. If you wish to relive the magic of childhood friendships, of innocent fun and delightful times spent with family, or with your friends or in the school, then this is THE book for you.
You know you have read a wonderful book when you can't stop reading it, but you don't want it to end either. I hope Kanmani And Co. returns with more adventures and fun. I would definitely love to get a whole series on this!
I will end my review with - this is a book written by Lalitha Ramanathan, and if that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is!
February 28, 2026
The perfect feel-good childhood adventure!
I didn’t expect to get so sucked into a kids' book, but this is one of those stories that makes you want to be nine again. It’s not about magic or superheroes; it’s about a spunky girl, her four best friends, and a chaotic cat who basically runs their village. From the first page, it felt like sitting on a porch listening to childhood stories where a lost football or a runaway frog is the biggest mission in the world. It’s set in the sleepy village of Maaripuram, where every day turns into a mission—whether the gang is tracking down a runaway frog, forming a backyard football team, or outsmarting a very chaotic cat named Varam.
What I loved most is how real the "gang" feels. You’ve got Kanmani, who has so much heart, and friends like Sreejith, who’s in a wheelchair but is easily the toughest of the lot. My daughter absolutely enjoyed reading this, and seeing her get so excited over their adventures—like building recycling robots or teaching her grandparents to read—was the best part. It’s the perfect mix of modern inclusivity and old-school, small-town charm.
The writing is super breezy and genuinely funny; we finished it in just a couple of sittings because we had to see what trouble they’d get into next. The illustrations really bring the village to life and remind you that you don’t need fancy gadgets for a massive adventure—just a few loyal friends and some imagination.
Whether you’re picking this up for your "mini-me" or just want a hit of nostalgia, it’s a total gem. It’s sweet, messy, and full of that "good-old-days" energy. By the last page, we were actually sad to leave the village behind. If you need a feel-good read that’ll leave the whole family smiling, this is definitely the one
I didn’t expect to get so sucked into a kids' book, but this is one of those stories that makes you want to be nine again. It’s not about magic or superheroes; it’s about a spunky girl, her four best friends, and a chaotic cat who basically runs their village. From the first page, it felt like sitting on a porch listening to childhood stories where a lost football or a runaway frog is the biggest mission in the world. It’s set in the sleepy village of Maaripuram, where every day turns into a mission—whether the gang is tracking down a runaway frog, forming a backyard football team, or outsmarting a very chaotic cat named Varam.
What I loved most is how real the "gang" feels. You’ve got Kanmani, who has so much heart, and friends like Sreejith, who’s in a wheelchair but is easily the toughest of the lot. My daughter absolutely enjoyed reading this, and seeing her get so excited over their adventures—like building recycling robots or teaching her grandparents to read—was the best part. It’s the perfect mix of modern inclusivity and old-school, small-town charm.
The writing is super breezy and genuinely funny; we finished it in just a couple of sittings because we had to see what trouble they’d get into next. The illustrations really bring the village to life and remind you that you don’t need fancy gadgets for a massive adventure—just a few loyal friends and some imagination.
Whether you’re picking this up for your "mini-me" or just want a hit of nostalgia, it’s a total gem. It’s sweet, messy, and full of that "good-old-days" energy. By the last page, we were actually sad to leave the village behind. If you need a feel-good read that’ll leave the whole family smiling, this is definitely the one
January 25, 2026
I picked up Kanmani and Co. by @author_lalitha expecting a light, fun children’s read. What I didn’t expect was to pause so often, smiling, nodding, and quietly unlearning things I didn’t realise I still carried.
Set in the warm, bustling village of Maaripuram, the story follows Kanmani and her friends proudly called"The Fabulous Four" as they stumble through adventures powered by curiosity, teamwork, and a lot of heart. Seetha is dramatic and outspoken, Palani mischievous, Subru deeply compassionate, and Sreejith determined. Together, they play and solve problems especially moments where the children come together to help Sreejith play football using a wheelchair-powered goal. What I loved here is how naturally teamwork flows ,each child contributing, adjusting, and celebrating their win together.
Varam, the coal-black kitten with striking green eyes, adds a beautiful layer to the story. It gently dismantles superstition through empathy. When fear, rumours, and old beliefs surface, it is the children especially Kanmani who respond with kindness instead of panic. Varam slowly becomes a symbol of innocence and good fortune.
One of the most touching arcs is Sreejith’s appa. Watching an adult soften, question his assumptions, and eventually learn from the children felt deeply real. This book quietly tells us that growth isn’t age-bound ,sometimes, adults need to listen more.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
💛 Highly recommended for children, parents, teachers, and anyone who believes stories can gently change the way we see the world.
This book doesn’t preach. It shows. And that’s its magic. ✨
Set in the warm, bustling village of Maaripuram, the story follows Kanmani and her friends proudly called"The Fabulous Four" as they stumble through adventures powered by curiosity, teamwork, and a lot of heart. Seetha is dramatic and outspoken, Palani mischievous, Subru deeply compassionate, and Sreejith determined. Together, they play and solve problems especially moments where the children come together to help Sreejith play football using a wheelchair-powered goal. What I loved here is how naturally teamwork flows ,each child contributing, adjusting, and celebrating their win together.
Varam, the coal-black kitten with striking green eyes, adds a beautiful layer to the story. It gently dismantles superstition through empathy. When fear, rumours, and old beliefs surface, it is the children especially Kanmani who respond with kindness instead of panic. Varam slowly becomes a symbol of innocence and good fortune.
One of the most touching arcs is Sreejith’s appa. Watching an adult soften, question his assumptions, and eventually learn from the children felt deeply real. This book quietly tells us that growth isn’t age-bound ,sometimes, adults need to listen more.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
💛 Highly recommended for children, parents, teachers, and anyone who believes stories can gently change the way we see the world.
This book doesn’t preach. It shows. And that’s its magic. ✨
April 21, 2026
I have a soft spot for children’s literature. Always have.
Because honestly? These books don’t let your inner child fade away—they keep it wide awake and happily curious.
Now, about this book.
Meet Kanmani. And trust me, you’re going to like her. A lot. She’s the kind of character who feels real—warm, kind, and quietly strong. From a young age, she shows this natural compassion for people around her. No drama. No over-the-top heroics. Just genuine care. And that stayed with me. She’s the kind of character you warm up to almost instantly. No effort needed. She’s kind, observant, and has this quiet strength that doesn’t shout but stays with you.
"𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓."
There’s her gang of friends (plus a cat, which honestly makes everything better), and together they get into everyday little adventures. Nothing too dramatic. But that’s the charm. On the surface, it all feels light and simple—but give it a moment, and you’ll notice the emotions sitting underneath, doing their thing.
What I love about children’s books is this—they keep things simple, but never shallow. There’s always something tucked between the lines. Little lessons. Gentle reminders. The kind you don’t even realise you needed.
If you ask me, don’t limit children’s literature to kids. That’s a mistake. These stories have a way of reaching adults in the softest, most unexpected ways.
So yes, I’ll always go back to books like this. They feel like comfort. Like home. 🏡
Because honestly? These books don’t let your inner child fade away—they keep it wide awake and happily curious.
Now, about this book.
Meet Kanmani. And trust me, you’re going to like her. A lot. She’s the kind of character who feels real—warm, kind, and quietly strong. From a young age, she shows this natural compassion for people around her. No drama. No over-the-top heroics. Just genuine care. And that stayed with me. She’s the kind of character you warm up to almost instantly. No effort needed. She’s kind, observant, and has this quiet strength that doesn’t shout but stays with you.
"𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓."
There’s her gang of friends (plus a cat, which honestly makes everything better), and together they get into everyday little adventures. Nothing too dramatic. But that’s the charm. On the surface, it all feels light and simple—but give it a moment, and you’ll notice the emotions sitting underneath, doing their thing.
What I love about children’s books is this—they keep things simple, but never shallow. There’s always something tucked between the lines. Little lessons. Gentle reminders. The kind you don’t even realise you needed.
If you ask me, don’t limit children’s literature to kids. That’s a mistake. These stories have a way of reaching adults in the softest, most unexpected ways.
So yes, I’ll always go back to books like this. They feel like comfort. Like home. 🏡
January 6, 2026
Kanmani and Co. is a joyful, heartwarming celebration of childhood, friendship, and small-town adventures. Set in the lively village of Maaripuram, the book instantly pulls you into a world filled with laughter, mischief, and warmth. It captures the spirit of growing up where every day feels like a new discovery and every problem can be solved with imagination and teamwork.
Kanmani and her friends are wonderfully distinct and relatable. Each child brings their own quirks, strengths, and chaos to the group, making their adventures feel authentic and endearing. From clever problem-solving to playful escapades, the story highlights the beauty of collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity in a way that feels natural and engaging for young readers.
What truly elevates this book is its beautiful illustrations. They add so much charm and personality to the story, bringing Maaripuram and its characters vividly to life. Every page feels inviting, colourful, and full of movement.
Overall, Kanmani and Co. is a delightful read that celebrates messy, magical childhoods. It’s perfect for young readers and adults who enjoy stories filled with heart, humour, and nostalgia.
Kanmani and her friends are wonderfully distinct and relatable. Each child brings their own quirks, strengths, and chaos to the group, making their adventures feel authentic and endearing. From clever problem-solving to playful escapades, the story highlights the beauty of collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity in a way that feels natural and engaging for young readers.
What truly elevates this book is its beautiful illustrations. They add so much charm and personality to the story, bringing Maaripuram and its characters vividly to life. Every page feels inviting, colourful, and full of movement.
Overall, Kanmani and Co. is a delightful read that celebrates messy, magical childhoods. It’s perfect for young readers and adults who enjoy stories filled with heart, humour, and nostalgia.
January 28, 2026
"The world has Batman, while Maaripuram has Catman."
“Kanmani and Co.” is a story set in the village of Maaripuram, where a girl named Kanmani lives with her grandparents. She has a best friend named Seetha.
Along with these two, there are several other memorable characters such as Subru, Palani, Sreejith, and last but not least, Varam.
From time to time, these children solve various kinds of problems, and that is what makes the story engaging and enjoyable.
Through these stories, the author tries to impart valuable life lessons—whether it’s about helping others or walking the righteous path in life.
The book features cute illustrations at places, which add a nostalgic charm and make it a light, cozy read. The stories are written in a way that appeals to readers of all age groups.
Overall, it was a fun read, and for anyone looking for something light and heartwarming, this book is definitely worth a try.
“Kanmani and Co.” is a story set in the village of Maaripuram, where a girl named Kanmani lives with her grandparents. She has a best friend named Seetha.
Along with these two, there are several other memorable characters such as Subru, Palani, Sreejith, and last but not least, Varam.
From time to time, these children solve various kinds of problems, and that is what makes the story engaging and enjoyable.
Through these stories, the author tries to impart valuable life lessons—whether it’s about helping others or walking the righteous path in life.
The book features cute illustrations at places, which add a nostalgic charm and make it a light, cozy read. The stories are written in a way that appeals to readers of all age groups.
Overall, it was a fun read, and for anyone looking for something light and heartwarming, this book is definitely worth a try.
April 2, 2026
This could be a child's first book! Moms and Dads, buy this for your kid right now, because they need to realise the pleasure of reading!
Author @author_lalitha
Publisher @scholasticindia
The book contains short stories written in a simple language about the fun of childhood. Set in Manipuram, a small village near Chennai, this story follows the journey of Kanmani and her friends!
🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷
Perks:
🪷 Authentic culture portrayal
🪷Child friendly language
🪷Vivid descriptions of village life
🪷Each story is a moral life lesson for a kid
🪷Will make them want to read more books!
Overall I just want to thank Lalitha ma'am for gifting me this beautiful book which even I, a 26 year old enjoyed immensely, so if you're a kid at heart, even you 20-30s people can read it 😻
Available on Amazon 🤩
Author @author_lalitha
Publisher @scholasticindia
The book contains short stories written in a simple language about the fun of childhood. Set in Manipuram, a small village near Chennai, this story follows the journey of Kanmani and her friends!
🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷
Perks:
🪷 Authentic culture portrayal
🪷Child friendly language
🪷Vivid descriptions of village life
🪷Each story is a moral life lesson for a kid
🪷Will make them want to read more books!
Overall I just want to thank Lalitha ma'am for gifting me this beautiful book which even I, a 26 year old enjoyed immensely, so if you're a kid at heart, even you 20-30s people can read it 😻
Available on Amazon 🤩
January 4, 2026
Kanmani & Co is one of its kind. Ramanathan spins an enchanting tale—there’s rural charm, innocence and simple pleasures of life. She makes you grin hard and laugh out loud.
You secretly wish you could move to Maaripuram.
The stories are full of chaos, and good-hearted trouble. Kanmani and her crew feel so real you can almost hear them yelling and laughing. The vivid characters leap out from the pages to include you in their wild capers. The humour is spot-on, the adventures are super fun. The cat — well, Varam deserves his own fan club.
Rich and atmospheric—a must read for young readers! An absolutely fantastic read packed with joys of friendship, togetherness and clever life lessons.
You secretly wish you could move to Maaripuram.
The stories are full of chaos, and good-hearted trouble. Kanmani and her crew feel so real you can almost hear them yelling and laughing. The vivid characters leap out from the pages to include you in their wild capers. The humour is spot-on, the adventures are super fun. The cat — well, Varam deserves his own fan club.
Rich and atmospheric—a must read for young readers! An absolutely fantastic read packed with joys of friendship, togetherness and clever life lessons.
April 23, 2026
Reminiscent of Enid Blyton books
My rating : 4.3/5
For grown-up readers (and those whose childhoods were incomplete without it) this will be reminiscent of Enid Blyton books which had a plethora of young(children), quirky, and smart characters. For the young readers, this can be a good introduction before they discover the magic of Blyton's books (if they haven't already). The idyllic village/small town life, children's every day adventures and learnings in and out of school, while managing to teach many lessons like those of inclusivity, the importance of literacy, and more-this book manages to do it all while also making you chuckle, smile, and have a pleasant experience all around.
My rating : 4.3/5
For grown-up readers (and those whose childhoods were incomplete without it) this will be reminiscent of Enid Blyton books which had a plethora of young(children), quirky, and smart characters. For the young readers, this can be a good introduction before they discover the magic of Blyton's books (if they haven't already). The idyllic village/small town life, children's every day adventures and learnings in and out of school, while managing to teach many lessons like those of inclusivity, the importance of literacy, and more-this book manages to do it all while also making you chuckle, smile, and have a pleasant experience all around.
January 5, 2026
#natashareviews
Maaripuram brims with imagination and heart. The stories capture the spirited unpredictability of growing up, with schoolyard alliances, big dreams, and ordinary days transformed into unforgettable misadventures. The writing sparkles with cultural detail, humour, and emotional warmth.
A charming, meaningful, and thoroughly engaging read. The villagers seemed so real and warm; it was like watching a serial.
Hoping there is a sequel.
Maaripuram is here to stay!
This review was written by my 13-year-old teenager.
Maaripuram brims with imagination and heart. The stories capture the spirited unpredictability of growing up, with schoolyard alliances, big dreams, and ordinary days transformed into unforgettable misadventures. The writing sparkles with cultural detail, humour, and emotional warmth.
A charming, meaningful, and thoroughly engaging read. The villagers seemed so real and warm; it was like watching a serial.
Hoping there is a sequel.
Maaripuram is here to stay!
This review was written by my 13-year-old teenager.
February 4, 2026
Pure joy! That's my experience of reading Kanmani & Co. by Lalitha Ramanathan.
I was transported to the village of Maaripuram and felt nostalgic after completing the book.
Life without gadgets is simple and innocent for children.
I remembered my school days where we played Cricket, Pitthu, Saanp seedhi, Paanch patthar etc. Golden memories.
Thank you Lalitha for writing this one. 💞💞💞
Malgudi Days by RK Narayan is one of my favourites. Your book has given me a similar experience.
The illustrations by Rahil Mohsin are beautiful and blend with the story nicely.
I was transported to the village of Maaripuram and felt nostalgic after completing the book.
Life without gadgets is simple and innocent for children.
I remembered my school days where we played Cricket, Pitthu, Saanp seedhi, Paanch patthar etc. Golden memories.
Thank you Lalitha for writing this one. 💞💞💞
Malgudi Days by RK Narayan is one of my favourites. Your book has given me a similar experience.
The illustrations by Rahil Mohsin are beautiful and blend with the story nicely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 8, 2026Kanmani is an incredibly lovable character, and so are her friends. Each character in the book has their own little quirks (Seetha's over-dramatisation, Subbu's insatiable hunger, Palani's weird pets), yet every one of them feels relatable and easy to like. The story addresses important issues in a subtle yet fun way that children can understand and connect with. The focus is not the issue, but rather the joy in solving them, which makes it perfect for kids.
As I read, I felt like I was truly a part of the village of Maaripuram. The book can be seen as a slice of village life and transports the reader into that world. Gentle humour is beautifully woven throughout the book. Overall, this is a fun, heartwarming, and enjoyable read for both kids and adults alike.
As I read, I felt like I was truly a part of the village of Maaripuram. The book can be seen as a slice of village life and transports the reader into that world. Gentle humour is beautifully woven throughout the book. Overall, this is a fun, heartwarming, and enjoyable read for both kids and adults alike.
May 1, 2026
A fun and light-hearted read for kids and for adults to take them back to childhood reminding them of the notorious activities they did. Through Kanmani and her gang the author has weaved different incidents and different lessons through little ordinary things of life.
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