Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom: Book 1

(Paperback)

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Description

Kiki Kallira is more of a worrier than a warrior - but today she will learn to be a hero. The mythical beasts she loves to draw have come to life, and she is the only one who can defeat them. A middle-grade fantasy inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own strengths. For 8+ fans of Abi Elphistone and The Land of Roar.

Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door Is there a terrible reason her mum 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 fantastical doodles of the Hindu myths and legends her mother has told her since she was tiny.

One day, her sketchbook's calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life and Kiki is pulled into the mystical world she drew.

There, she discovers the band of rebel kids who protect the kingdom, as well as an ancient, monstrous god bent on total destruction. 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

'A fast-paced, vivid and exciting adventure story with real heart, I couldn't stop reading!' - Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series

Reviews

A fast-paced, vivid and exciting adventure story with real heart, I couldn't stop reading! -- Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series
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
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
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
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
Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is 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
Mandanna has created an engaging fantastical story that will strongly appeal to readers of Rick Riordan, Roshani Chokshi, and Sayantani DasGupta. -- School Library Journal, starred review
Brimming with fast-paced action, fun, humour and fascinating Hindu folklore, Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is the perfect fit for all worriers and thrill-seekers. * Lancashire Evening Post *

Author Bio

Sangu Mandanna was four years old when an elephant chased her down a forest road and she decided to write her first story about it. Seventeen years and many, many manuscripts later, she signed her first book deal. She lives in Norwich, in the east of England, with her husband and kids. Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is her first middle-grade novel.