The true story behind it
The real story behind this one is tender. My mother was bedridden for nearly a year, and we traveled often between Nittambuwa and Kandy to be with her. One evening she took a bad turn, shivering, and the emergency medicine her doctor had prescribed wasn’t in the house. We split up and searched everywhere, turning the place upside down, before rushing to the pharmacy. My young son wanted to help and came with me.
His worry for his grandmother, and how badly he wanted her to be well, stayed with me. I reshaped that memory into a gentler, magical story: a snake searching for a family gem to help the grandfather he loves. In Sri Lankan folklore, guardian snakes protect hidden gems and bring well-being, so it felt right.
What happens in the story
Slither, a long blue snake, comes to Kitty and Dino with a big worry. His grandpa, the wisest snake in the forest, is very old and won’t live long. His family has a special diamond that helps them live longer, but it’s in old caves past the Misty Rocks.
Kitty’s wind pushes away the fog, and Dino makes a stick glow like a lamp in the dark. Inside, three tunnels are marked with a water drop, a leaf and a flame. Slither remembers his grandpa’s words, that the diamond was kept where “water meets earth, warmed by fire.” So Kitty brings up water, Dino grows a plant in it and warms it red, and the wall slides open.
Then the cave starts to fall. Kitty moves the rocks into a safe path up, and Dino’s vines hold the walls back until they burst out into fresh air. That night, the old snake’s eyes twinkle when he sees the diamond.
Looking for a children’s book about snakes?
Snakes are usually the thing to be afraid of in picture books. Slither is a grandson on a rescue mission, and the scariest part of his story is a crumbling cave, not him.
Kids who like puzzles will enjoy the three tunnels. It’s also a gentle read for a family where a grandparent is old or unwell.
Look inside
Flip through the opening pages of the book.
Questions to ask after reading
A few questions for the minute after the book closes. There are no wrong answers.
- The tunnels had a water drop, a leaf and a flame. How did Kitty and Dino work out the answer?
- Slither did something brave for his grandpa. What would you do for someone you love?
- Grandpa said, “True friends who help each other can do anything.” Who helps you?
Perfect for
- ✓ Kids with a soft spot for grandparents
- ✓ Talking about determination and caring for family
- ✓ Little ones who love a brave cave adventure
- ✓ A warm, hopeful bedtime read
Quick answers
A brave story about loving your family
One short story. One snake who will do anything for his grandpa. Ready for tonight.
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