Selvakumar Knew Better

by Virginia L. Kroll, Xiaojun Li

"Tsunami! Run!" The bright December day dawns like any other, and the Ramakrishnan family goes about their daily business as usual. Their scruffy yellow dog, Selvakumar, however, feels something strange in the air. Soon, a low rumbling sound fills the village, and Papa climbs on the roof to see a wall of water rushing toward the shore.

The family scrambles to outrun the huge wave, but seven-year-old Dinakaran misunderstands. He runs toward his house by the shore, where he huddles in a corner for safety, separated from his family. But Selvakumar does not let him stay there. Barking, nudging, and dragging Dinakaran by his shirt, Selvakumar manages to convince the boy to flee from the house toward the hill where Mama and Papa have fled and are waiting, worrying about their eldest son.

Award-winning author Virginia Kroll's true story of a courageous and clever dog who saved a boy's life during the devastating tsunami of 2004 is sure to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Lush watercolors by Xiaojun Li bring alive the shores of the South Indian village where the story takes place. While the region is still struggling to recover from the disaster and families rebuild what they have lost, Selvakumar's amazing story reminds us that, with the power of love and the strength it can provide, any obstacle can be overcome. Shen's Books is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to the Tsunami Recovery Fund (see back flap for more information).

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Dogs, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Kroll has written numerous children's books since her career started in the mid-80's. Her first book was published in 1992. She started writing when she had her fourth child. Before that, she taught elementary school in Buffalo, NY. She also has written a number of books under the pseudonym Melrose Cooper to mask her tremendous output in so short a time.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The December day in south India dawned like any other, kissed by the golden sun. Papa came back with his boat full of fish. Mama made breakfast for seven-year-old Dinakaran and his two little brothers. That day seemed like any other day, but Selvakumar knew better."

Selvakumar, the Ramakrishnan family dog, knew better because he could feel the ominous vibrations, and hear the unusual sounds coming from the ocean. Nervous and fretful, "He wanted to run, but he dared not leave his family. Sometimes humans didn't realize." And sure enough, when they finally do understand their danger, and flee before the oncoming tsunami, Dinakaran becomes confused, heading for the family house near the beach, rather than making for high ground. But Selvakumar knew better, and through his heroic actions, the young boy was saved...

Based upon a true story, Selvakumar Knew Better is a moving picture-book about the devastating 2004 tsunami, which killed more than a quarter of a million people, and displaced countless others. It is also a heart-warming tale of canine devotion, and would make an excellent introduction to this sad topic for younger readers. Virginia Kroll's narrative is fast-paced and involving, and Xiaojun Li's watercolors ably convey the emotion of the story. The two-page spread showing just Dinakaran and Selvakumar is particularly lovely. A brief afterword gives further information, and a photograph of the real Selvakumar. Highly recommended!

[booklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book about a young boy saved from drowning in the tsunami by his dog. Suitable even for very young children.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very realistic story, based on a true event, about a dog that saves its people from the tsunami of 2004 in India. It nicely illustrates the way animals can sense weather and geologic events. Great for science classes studying tsunamis.

[Salcab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!! A story of a kid survival of the tsunami in Indonesia. True story.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in India and refers to the tsunami that devastated the country. Also has a life saving dog featured in the book.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story of a dog who saves his family from the 2004 tsunami in India. Includes beautifully painted watercolor pictures.