A world of adventure

MAREMANDA’S MUSE Naveen Maremanda and his son, Sathvik.

Writer and illustrator’s ‘little sidekick’ inspires new children’s series

Ciara Moynihan

‘With a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a heart full of curiosity, Sathvik is always ready for his next big adventure’. That is how we are introduced to the main character in a new children’s book by a Ballina-based author and illustrator. The inspiration behind the character? The writer’s “own little sidekick”, his son.
Naveen Maremanda’s ‘World of Sathvik and his Friends’ – the first in a five-book series – centres on nine-year-old Sathvik and his group of friends, Eoghan, Siuna, James and Charlie, AKA the Nuts and Bolts Gang.
Sathvik’s parents run a cafe called Fork & Fingers, and his grandparents live with them. His grandfather is a retired army man and his grandmother is a cook – but she’s not just any cook, she’s a cook who makes the best pies in town.
The children go on thrilling adventures to a new island, build a water park in their backyard and participate in the KartKing Cup, the annual cart race of Millvill town. Along the way, they save a comic book store by creating a new superhero comic book called HairMan. Whether they’re helping grandpas fulfill their dreams, befriending a hurt bigfoot in the woods, with taking on evil hairdressers or decoding ancient treasure maps, the Nuts and Bolts Gang relish any undertaking and the time the spend together as friends.
Throughout all, Sathvik is given support and guidance from his loving grandparents, adding a heartwarming family element to the story. The book is fully illustrated in full color by the author, creating a colourful immersive experience for young readers.
Originally from the bustling city of Hyderabad in India, Maremanda now lives in Ballina and says he draws inspiration from the vibrant local community (although the book is set in the fictional town of MillVill).
He hopes ‘World of Sathvik and his Friends’ will be loved by parents, educators and librarians looking for a fun and educational book for their children – one that will captivate their imaginations and inspire them to explore the world around them.
Though a software professional by trade, Maremanda has always had a passion for writing, storytelling and visual expression. His late father, Seetha Ramaiah Maremanda was a renowned journalist in India, and he inspired him to pursue his creative talents.
During his college days, Naveen created animated children’s stories and rhymes that were a big hit in the early 2000s.
In his spare time, he continues to write and illustrate children’s books, drawing on his own experiences as a parent to create stories that are both entertaining and educational.
“I just wanted to write something that both kids and adults can enjoy,” he explains. “And also I wanted to thank my father, who always supported me in my passion for writing and my mother for always being there for me and my wife Vishnu Priya, for putting up with me when I was writing.”
Intriguingly, the book’s website www.worldofsathvik.com also contains two story-inspired games for young ones to play – KartKing Cup and Sathvik-Skate is a street race through the winding roads and scenic countryside of Millville, where trucks, cars and other obstacles must be avoided while treasures can be collected for a boost. Sathvik-Skate, the is a  skateboarding adventure over the imaginary town’s rooftops. Players help Sathvik fight against the bad guys who have taken over the roofs while he overcomes obstacles, dodges knives and saves the city from danger.
Visitors to the site will also find some YouTube presentations highlighting the colourful world
‘World of Sathvik and his Friends’ will be launched in Ballina Library on April 22 at 2.30pm. The book is available on Amazon and at local bookstores. For more information about the book and author, visit www.worldofsathvik.com.