It all started when Vatsala saw a baby bronze back in the garden as a child. She fell in love with snakes. It’s not often that you find a child who loves snakes. But, maybe one little girl can convince you about the allure of these magnificent reptiles! Vatsala loves Snakes by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy (Karadi Tales) tells the tale of Vatsala’s reptile-fascination and how she gradually convinces others about the beauty of these highly misunderstood creatures.
Vatsala’s enthusiasm is evident in the various facts that she shares about snakes all through the book. The reader comes across several details about snakes and their lifestyles as they the book. You learn about the different types of snakes and the fact that not all are venomous. A visit to the National Park where she encounters a snake named “Lazybones” and a herpetologist changes the course of her life. It opens up new doors for her.
The illustrations by Divya Geroge bring the story to life. They greatly enhance the experience of reading the book. This is an unconventional topic and hence scores high on the novelty and interest factor!
This picture book is apt for children aged 4 onwards. At one level, this is a story of a girl’s persistence in holding on to her unconventional likes and interests, quite unapologetically! Vatsala is motivated to know more about snakes. Despite apprehension from those around her, specifically her mother and her best friend, she goes ahead and seeks the knowledge and experiences that she wants. At another level, the book will also provide enough information to enhance the reader’s knowledge about snakes. In the end there is a short section about some commonly asked questions about snakes.
To conclude, the words of author Jerry Pinto seem apt- “I want to meet Lazybones and lounge in the sun like a rat snake after eating a mouseburger. This is a fun book if you like snakes. And if you don’t, you might change your mind”.
