Kaliya, Serpent King

Kaliya, king of ancient India�� 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 Krishna�� village of Vrindavan. The serpent king�� 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 India�� ancient Sanskrit wisdom texts transcends its moment in remote history to deliver a message as relevant as today�� news. Artist Patrick Wire�� luminous illustrations recall the vibrant palette of Maxfield Parrish and complement author Joshua Greene�� lyrical retelling of this classic story.