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The Runaway Dosa

Illustrated by Parvati Pillai
Published by little bee books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

"The more you eat, the more you crave! You can't catch me, no matter how brave!"

With the help of some magical, mythological Indian creatures, chase the Runaway Dosa before it gets away!


It's time for breakfast, and Akka is hungry! When she reaches for another dosa before the rest of the family has been served, she triggers a magical spell that brings the dosa to life, and it sprints out the door. Akka will need the help of some powerful, mythological creatures to get her breakfast back!

Inspired by Dosai! Amma, Dosai, a beloved Tamil rhyme, and a fantastical reimagination of the familiar Gingerbread Man story, this book offers a delicious Indian twist that will have any child asking for more!

About The Author

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: little bee books (September 5, 2023)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781499814279
  • Ages: 3 - 6

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Raves and Reviews

"Inspired by 'The Gingerbread Man' and the popular Tamil rhyme 'Dosai! Amma, Dosai,' the story is a whimsical magical trip. The illustrations rely on intricate patterns with traditional Indian touches in the clothing, utensils, and family's warm shades of brown....for many readers, it will open the door to a world of fantastical beasts. An unconventional twist on a well-known tale."

– Kirkus Reviews

This Tamil-nursery-rhyme-inspired rendition of the Gingerbread Man tale (Run, run as fast as you can!) features a plucky dosa who escapes from the breakfast table and leads two children through a magical forest. If you're familiar with the mythology, the book is a fun way to see the king of the vultures, multiheaded elephant, and other fantastical creatures reimagined to fit the story. But even if you're not, the lush illustrations of our round, mischievous dosa friend frolicking through a verdant jungle and catchy rhyme-The more you eat, the more you crave / You can't catch me, no matter how brave!-make this a silly read for all ages.

– Bon Appétit

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