Sambasivan & Parikh | Yali Books
The Fire Walker
The Fire Walker
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Words By: Ainkaran Sivaaji | Art By: N. Dejeshwini
What does a child do when they are thrust into the role of a caregiver for a parent?
Velan is worried about his father’s health. Lately, he struggles with even simple tasks. Today is the eighteenth day of the big festival, and his appa insists on participating in the grand fire-walking ceremony, the theemithi. Appa tries to reassure Velan that he can walk across the fiery coals, but Velan isn’t convinced. On the way to the temple, Velan wonders if Appa will be able to cross safely. What if he stumbles and hurts himself? At the theemithi, as Velan’s fears come true, a brave new fire walker emerges.
Set in a small Tamil fishing village in Sri Lanka, this picture book is a testament to the power of faith and love as a child copes with their parent’s chronic illness.

Book Details
Reading Level Recommendations
Grades: 2-4
Ages: 7-9
Lexile:
Subject Categories
JUV015020 JUVENILE FICTION / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
JUV039050 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
JUV013060 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
Formats
Hardcover: 9781949528121
Paperback: 9781949528138
eBook: 9781949528145
PDF: 9781949528152
Publication Date:
Meet the Author
Ainkaran Sivaaji is an artist, author and science industry professional. An alumnus of the University of Manchester, his interests span history, literature, spirituality, theatre, dance and music performance.
A trained stage performer from the age of five, Ainkaran has been engaging national audiences since an award-winning performance at the Brent Festival of Music and Dance in 1994. His dynamic range as a performer-composer brings an authenticity and versatility to his stories. Ainkaran's new writing rests on hypotheses that his discoveries on ancient civilisations propose, which he hopes can help shape healthier hearts and minds.
Meet the Illustrator
Dejeshwini spent her early days doodling in her school books and thus stepped into the world of art and imagination. Self-taught, Dejeshwini spends time observing the beauty and aesthetics of life and nature and fills her artwork with emotion and cheer.