Quick Take

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?

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom (Kiki Kallira, #1)

Introduction

"Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom" by Sangu Mandanna is a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel that explores the power of art, friendship, and courage. Kiki Kallira, the protagonist, discovers that her sketchbook, filled with mythological characters, comes to life, transporting her into a mystical world. As she navigates this new realm, she learns to confront her fears and embrace her own power. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, author information, analysis of views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommendation.

About Sangu Mandanna

Sangu Mandanna is the author of "Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom." Born in India and raised in England, Mandanna has a passion for storytelling. She started writing at the age of four when an elephant chased her down a forest road. After years of writing and numerous manuscripts, Mandanna signed her first book deal. With her vivid imagination and ability to create engaging stories, Mandanna brings Kiki Kallira's adventure to life.

Analysis of Views

A Beautiful MG Fantasy: Readers praise the book for its beautiful portrayal of mental illness, particularly anxiety. They appreciate the way Kiki's character struggles with her worries and how the story highlights the importance of talking about fears and seeking help.
Portrayal of Indian Folklore: The novel showcases Indian folklore in a retelling that resonates with readers. They appreciate the inclusion of diverse characters and cultures, which adds depth and richness to the story.
Fast-Paced Adventure: The book is described as a fast-paced adventure filled with excitement and heart. Readers find themselves immersed in Kiki's journey and eagerly turn the pages to discover what happens next.
Realistic Representation of Mental Illness: The portrayal of anxiety in Kiki's character is praised for its authenticity and accessibility to young audiences. Readers appreciate the way the book addresses mental health issues in a relatable manner.
Engaging Characters and Worldbuilding: The characters in the story, including Kiki and the band of rebel kids, are described as engaging and memorable. The worldbuilding is also commended for its vivid descriptions and imaginative elements.

Reasons for Recommendation

Empowering Message: The book encourages readers to embrace their own power and face their fears. It provides a relatable protagonist who learns to overcome anxiety and find confidence in herself.
Celebration of Diversity: The inclusion of diverse characters and cultures adds depth and richness to the story. Readers appreciate the representation of Indian folklore and the opportunity to learn about different beliefs and narratives.
Engaging Adventure: The fast-paced adventure and exciting plot keep readers engaged from start to finish. The vivid descriptions and imaginative worldbuilding transport readers into a captivating realm filled with magic and wonder.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Overly Didactic: Some readers feel that the book talks down to children by spoon-feeding complex topics and addressing issues in a trite manner. They argue that children are capable of handling complex topics without being patronized.
Plotholes: A few readers point out plot holes in the story, such as Kiki's failure to consider going back to her original world after being transported into her sketchbook's creation. They argue that these inconsistencies detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Conclusion

"Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom" by Sangu Mandanna is a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel that explores themes of art, friendship, and courage. With its beautiful portrayal of mental illness, engaging characters, and vivid worldbuilding, the book resonates with readers of all ages. While some readers appreciate its empowering message and representation of diversity, others find it overly didactic and marred by plot holes. Nonetheless, "Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom" offers an exciting adventure filled with magic and wonder that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.