KIKI KALLIRA
BOOK ONE
Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom
!! OUT NOW !!
A rich fantasy-adventure that sees a girl’s drawings of Indian mythology spring to vivid life—including the evil god who seeks to enter the real world and destroy it.
Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door? Is there a terrible reason her mom is late? Recently her anxiety has been getting out of control, but one thing that has always soothed her is drawing. Kiki’s sketchbook is full of fanciful doodles of the rich Indian myths and legends her mother has told her over the years.
One day, her sketchbook’s calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life right out of its pages. Kiki ends up falling into the mystical world she drew, which includes a lot of wonderful discoveries like the band of rebel kids who protect the kingdom, as well as not-so-great ones like the ancient deity bent on total destruction. As the one responsible for creating the evil god, Kiki must overcome her fear and anxiety to save both worlds—the real and the imagined—from his wrath. But how can a girl armed with only a pencil defeat something so powerful?
Order it now:
US edition (Viking)
UK edition (Hachette)
Teaser
I sketched out the finer details of the Asura that Ashwini was fighting. He was a dragon demon, like the one the god Indra had defeated in one of the myths, and he was the size of a horse, with enormous black wings, slit nostrils that breathed smoke, a spiky scarlet tongue, and shiny black jewels for scales.
I inked over the pale pencil lines and reached for my box of colored pencils. Sweeping black lines and blocks of rich color transformed the white paper into something alive. Soon, the battle felt so real that I could almost feel the hiss of the Asura’s breath on my face.
My bed gave a jerk beneath me. I jerked, too, startled.
“Hello?” I said foolishly.
Funnily enough, no one answered.
I shrugged it off and went back to my sketch. I gave the Asura’s tail a wicked curve.
“Ow!”
I dropped the pencil and snatched my hands back. It had been a quick, sudden burst of pain, like an electric shock. I could have sworn it had come from my sketchbook!
After a moment of hesitation, I put one hand back down on the page, ready to snatch it away if I needed to. Nothing happened. It was just paper. My paper, as much a part of me as my own skin.
I was probably just tired. It had been a while since I’d had more than five or six hours of sleep at night, and while it was definitely more fun to stay up and draw than it was to stay up wondering if I needed to double-check the downstairs windows, I knew I’d be useless at school tomorrow if I didn’t at least try to sleep.
I put my sketchbook and pencils back on my desk, got under my warm, cuddly blanket, and flicked my lamp off.
When I woke up, my desk was in flames and there was a demon in my bedroom.
Praise
★ “Steeped in Hindu mythology, Mandanna’s fast-paced modern take on a classical myth...[is] an engaging fantastical story that will strongly appeal to readers of Rick Riordan, Roshani Chokshi, and Sayantani DasGupta.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
★ “A breathtaking rush through Kiki’s growing understanding of herself and the worlds, both real and fantastical, around her. Any kingdom that springs from the mind of an 11-year-old is sure to contain twists and surprises, and Kiki’s does not disappoint.”
— Bookpage (starred review)
“Indian folklore meets fantasy adventure in this captivating novel...An action-packed, evocative portrayal of courage, friendship, and belonging.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“This opening title in British author Mandanna’s first middle grade series will suit fans of Rick Riordan Presents titles, while the focus on Kiki’s artistry and anxiety will appeal to readers eager for a heroine who proves that the pen (or drawing pencil) is mightier than the sword (or demon lord).”
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“A fast-paced, vivid and exciting adventure story with real heart, I couldn't stop reading!”
—Robin Stevens, author of the Wells and Wong Mysteries series“Sangu Mandanna brings the reader to magical Mysore, India through the eyes of young Kiki, a relatable character trying to save both herself and the fantasy world she finds herself in. Mandanna weaves the healing power of art and imagination into this unique and fascinating adventure!”
—Veera Hiranandani, author of the Newbery Honor Book, The Night Diary“Mandanna’s funny, fast-paced fantasy weaves elements from ancient Indian epics into an action packed modern plot featuring a smart, strong female protagonist in a story that is sure to appeal to middle grade readers.”
—Padma Venkatraman, award-winning author of The Bridge Home“I loved every minute of this magical adventure about imagination, art, beauty, and the power of fighting our own monsters.”
—Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart“From beginning to end, Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is wonderfully layered with magic, from the Indian mythology-inspired world of Mysore to the joyful discovery of power and strength in unexpected places. Give this book to kid readers who adore portal fantasies and mythology, to kids struggling with fears and anxiety, and to all kids in between—I know they’ll love it as much as I did!”
—Elsie Chapman, author of Caster and All the Ways Home“A fantastical adventure in a wondrous world. Young readers will be empowered by Kiki’s resilience and determination to overcome her anxieties.”
—Tamara Moss, award-winning author of Lintang and the Pirate Queen
BOOK TWO
Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse
!! COMING MAY 17th 2022 !!
With just a flick of her pencil, Kiki can bring her drawings of Indian legends to life… but when a mysterious curse threatens her newly created kingdom and friends, how can she use her powers to save them?
This thrilling sequel to Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom reimagines classic mythology for today’s readers who love action and adventure!
Fresh from the exciting discovery that the beautiful kingdom and band of rebel kids she drew in her sketchbook exists in another world, Kiki Kallira has an unexpected visitor. One of those rebel kids has come into the real world to ask for her help—the river Kaveri that is Mysore’s only source of water has suddenly vanished! With no water to drink or grow food, Kiki’s kingdom is doomed.
Kiki returns to Mysore and quickly learns that drawing a new river doesn’t work. In her search for answers, she stumbles upon the origin of the Kaveri: it’s actually a princess from long ago who was transformed into water by a terrible curse! It’s up to Kiki and her friends to restore the river without sacrificing the princess again—easier said than done! And with her mounting anxiety, enemies seeking to stop her, and a city growing weaker by the minute, Kiki’s confidence falters. Will she be able to unravel the curse and save her kingdom before it’s too late?
Pre-order it now:
US edition (Viking)
UK edition (Hachette)