Children & Young Adults

Prashani Rambukwella's first book, Mythil's Secret, won the 2009 Gratiaen Prize, thrilling readers both young and old with its originality, fast pace and authentic Sri Lankan voice. A corporate writer by profession, Prashani is a poet and playwright but is happiest when writing stories for children.

Winner of the Gratiaen Prize in 2010

Mythil thinks he is in for a boring time at Archchi's big old house but then things begin to happen. Who lives in the deep jungle and are they friends or foes? How can he make his parents believe the mysterious things that keep happening to him? And how can a young boy like him outwit a clever and sinister enemy on his own?
Mythil's Secret is a story about a young boy's discover of just how strong the bonds of family and friendship can be. Join him on this spine-tingling adventure as he learns to look within himself for courage he never knew he had.

Rambukwella has got into the imaginative mind of a pre-teenage boy and has given a wonderful story for children with a lot of local flavour. The book is certainly a page turner for the adventurous young – Elmo Jayawardene

Mythil's Secret is proof that there can be such a genre as Sri Lankan Fantasy Fiction. It's the sort of book you can read to your kids at night and find yourself equally arrested as they are whilst the story unfolds – Leisure Times

Mythil's Secret is that rare thing in children's fiction—a work that discusses both adult and children's issues equally well...Yet what takes Mythil's Secret beyond much children's literature, and where it really succeeds, is in its willingness to address the strengths, weaknesses and responsibilities of grown-ups, too, especially in relation to kids – CHA, An Asian Literary Journal.

Alex Stewart is a counselor/psychotherapist who moonlights as a DJ, playing music from around the world at clubs and parties. Having developed a personal way of telling stories without words, his art-work reflects a deep love of miniature painting and medieval European book illustration. He divides his time between the UK and Sri Lanka where he exhibits regularly.

Skanda, the god of war is known by many names: Kartikeya, Arumugan, Vel – Murugan and most popularly Kataragama Deviyo. He was conceived to end a dispute among semi-divine beings, and having done so, settled down happily in the land of Lanka.

The legends that are linked to the god Kataragama are succinctly retold and beautifully illustrated in this collectible book.

Compiled and edited by Ameena Hussein, these stories are authored by: Afdhel Aziz, Nanda Wanasundera, Sanjaya Senanayake, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Asgar Hussein, Pia Sonderegger, Ameena Hussein, Alexandra Harris and Devika Brendon.

(Discounted as pages are slightly yellowed)

Uh-oh, here comes trouble in all its shapes and forms.

First, there is the scarecrow who wants to see the world and finds more than he bargained for. Then, there is Frederico who is crazy about cricket but has a small problem to solve before he can play. What about Minnie who dreams of being a spy? And I can't even tell you enough about the blue stone should you find it, or the Blink Fairy or the Chena Cultivator. Oh dear! Don't get me started.

Approved by the Ministry of Education

Alex Stewart is a counselor / psychotherapist who moonlights as a DJ, playing music from around the world at clubs and parties. Having developed a personal way of telling stories without words, his art-work reflects a deep love of miniature painting and medieval European book illustration. He divides his time between the UK and Sri Lanka where he exhibits regularly.

You've always wondered how squirrels got their distinctive stripes. Well, once upon a time, clever little squirrels joined a legendary battle that took place in the land of Lanka. As reward for their valour they received a sign of affection that they carry even today! Read all about it with your children, from this beautifully illustrated collectible book.