The Great Snake Boat Race

Jay & Juhi – The Great Snake Boat Race is a culturally immersive picture book that brings students on a magical journey to the lush, water-filled landscape of Kerala, India—home to one of the world's most vibrant and unique sporting traditions: the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.

What begins as a simple backyard activity—floating paper boats with their father—quickly becomes an educational adventure. When Jay and Juhi learn about the long, narrow wooden snake boats of India, their curiosity takes flight. With the help of their magical flute, Soori, the siblings are transported to the backwaters of Kerala, where they meet a new friend, Vinay, and discover the beauty and rhythm of life along India's longest lake, Vembanad Lake.

Monica Kumar is a writer, traveler, and mother of two who believes that curiosity is the first step toward understanding the world. Her love for exploring different cultures and places shines through in her writing, where she invites readers—especially young ones—on journeys that open minds and spark wonder. Through her books, she hopes to encourage a lifelong love of learning and discovery.