Kaliya, Serpent King: New Edition

Kaliya, Serpent King: New Edition

Rich illustrations and lyrical storytelling illuminate this ancient Sanskit story from India about bravery and respect for nature.

Kaliya, king of ancient Indiaâ€™s serpent people, crosses the gods and must leave. He takes his serpentine wives and offspring and relocates to the pristine Yamuna River, which flows by young Krishnaâ€™s village of Vrindavan. The serpent kingâ€™s venom poisons the river. Birds fall lifeless to the ground, trees and vegetation dry up, and the lives of the villagers are in danger. Although only a child, Krishna has sworn to protect the environment and safeguard the many animals and people who depend on the river for their existence. Whether one views Krishna as a divine being or as a mischievous child, his respect for nature is exemplary. This tale from Indiaâ€™s ancient Sanskrit wisdom texts transcends its moment in remote history to deliver a message as relevant as todayâ€™s news. Artist Patrick Wireâ€™s luminous illustrations recall the vibrant palette of Maxfield Parrish and complement author Joshua Greeneâ€™s lyrical retelling of this classic story.