Join Kineosho, a young lion, on his exciting adventure. Trained by a hard core kung fu mouse, does he have what it takes to overcome life’s many challenges? After all, dealing with the Great Rat Race, religiously fanatical moles and a hoard of over-enthusiastic self-help gurus is no small joke.
Even if he does survive life’s hardships and heartache, will Kineosho’s new-found wisdom be enough to give him what he really wants?
“It’s like Kung Fu Panda meets The Alchemist… Brilliant!”
Author’s Note
Kineosho, pronounced Kin-ee-oh-show, is a young lion living in an enchanted forest. This is a story about his curious journey of self-discovery.
We are all on a journey. Kineosho, and every other character in this book, is no exception. The challenges they encounter are those that most of us will face along whichever path we’ve chosen – they are certainly ones that I have come across most frequently on my travels and in my coaching experience. From having to prove ourselves to others and learning to trust our intuition, to finding love and crutches in unusual places, there is something on Kineosho’s path for every traveller.
I believe that true insight arrives to those who are willing to challenge themselves to look at their beliefs from different perspectives. To that end, I wish you many laughs reading Kineosho’s adventure and happy stories on your own journey.
Please feel free to check out a few teaser chapters online, or if you’d like to get your own copy, then please visit Kineosho’s Download Page here. In light of the current international COVID-19 crisis, I have decided to make the book available at no charge bar the cost of a small kindness of your choice. Please enjoy the gift, and I look forward to receiving your feedback!
Randomly Selected Reviews
Benjamin Ookami for Readers’ Favorite
… Pull together everything you currently know about humans, technology, the jungle, animal dietary needs and just forget about it. All of it. The world that Kineosho lives in is home to everything from kung-fu mice, gambling hippos and sly crocodiles that are not to be trusted. Kineosho’s true journey towards all these lessons that he has to learn starts the moment he crosses a river. The Angel Trident, the place is called. Though Kineosho, his adopted sister who is a female monkey named Viddi, and a jackal named Basho find the place, making it out and back home will be difficult.
Mistry writes this story beautifully and develops it well by not relying too much on dialog to steer readers along. Instead, readers are left with a sense that they are being told a story about a talking lion named Kineosho who experiences all kinds of weirdness and magic once he crosses that river. The author writes in a way that will keep kids glued to the pages, but the itty-bitty amount of violence makes it unable for me to recommend it to kids of all ages. The lessons that Kineosho, Viddi, Basho, and other animals learn can all be implemented by people in the real world. A wonderful collection of animal critters as characters coupled with actual lessons for young readers to walk away with makes this novel worthwhile and a joy to read.
Sefina Hawke for Readers’ Favorite
Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry is a young adult fantasy novel that would appeal most to a audience of mature young adult fantasy lovers and adult fantasy lovers who enjoy humor. Kineosho is a young lion who was born from the lions known as Griffon and Curie, and trained by a Kung Fu mouse. Kineosho’s journey takes him on a path of self-discovery that leads him to the Great Rat Race, meeting fanatical moles, and a horde of over-enthusiastic self-help gurus. Along his path, the young lion learns not just about life, but also about who he is and who he wants to become.
Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry was a very interesting read, filled with a dry humor that had me laughing my way through the book. My favorite part would have to be the beginning where Griffon and Curie have decided that, as intelligent and responsible lions, they should not bring a cub into the world and thus abstain from mating. However, a group of conservationists deliver them a gazelle with the hope that a fresh kill would drive the lions into mating, not knowing that the gazelle they caught had eaten fermenting marula fruit, which is what caused the pair to mate. I found this part to be amusing because the conservationists had been trying everything to get the lions to mate, only for them to unknowingly succeed against the wishes of the lions. Pratish Mistry did a wonderful job in giving each of the characters a unique personality, creating dialogue that flows naturally, and putting together a riveting story line filled with humor.
Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry is a beautiful allegorical novel of self-discovery without being too in your face. It teaches a lesson very subtly and this is the perfect novel for adults who love to read YA novels. The novel is complex without being too complex, it is fast paced, humorous, and the characters are well-rounded. We get to see Kineosho growing up right in front of our eyes and enjoy his journey through his eyes. You will love the humor and the growing sense of calm over the characters as the novel draws to the end. This is a brilliant novel that you will fall in love with.
The novel follows Kineosho, a lion who was born under very bizarre circumstances. He is living in an enchanted forest and he trained under the watchful eye of Kung Fu master rat, Master Wu. Now Kineosho has a wisdom that he appreciates, but he has no idea what he is going to do with it. Living in a forest with animals who all know more than enough, how can Kineosho find himself and become the lion he is supposed to be? Can he find himself and find a place where he fits in?
Kineosho is a very complicated and very complex character, so much so that he is finding it hard to discover himself. But this is the beauty of the character; you get to find him, understand him, and discover him right along with the character. He and Viddi are the perfect couple; they are the true yin and yang partners to each other. I love the humor as well, because that made the novel so much more attractive to me. Pratish Mistry did an amazing job at creating Kineosho Learns to Walk, because readers subtly learn Kineosho’s lessons as well.
Michelle Stanley for Readers’ Favorite
Kineosho Learns to Walk is an inspirational story by Pratish Mistry. Kineosho is a lion cub who lives with his parents in a forest community ruled by a group of elders including Master Wu, a Ninja mouse. This community is home to animal species who have evolved to live together in peace, instead of fighting or eating each other. The animals are trained in various survival skills by Master Wu, and eat ‘cabbits’, a genetically altered cabbage produced by beavers. Kineosho’s curiosity takes him and his adopted monkey sister, Viddi, on an adventure filled with danger and intrigue. They’re attacked by crafty crocodiles and knife-wielding foxes, and befriended by a cultist giraffe along the way. Kineosho then becomes confused as he tries to understand his purpose in life. In their quest to return home, he and Viddi explore various therapies designed to release their soul searching spiritualties. The treatments are conducted by trained creatures and include everything from exfoliatory aromatherapy to acupuncture by porcupines.
Pratish Mistry has written a very delightful, moderately paced book. The main characters are animals, but they portray human personalities which the author developed so nicely. He demonstrates the intelligence levels and capabilities of each species in a very clever plot. Pratish Mistry pens an imaginative story that is humorous while elaborating on the drama, which offers inspiration and encouragement from the various thought provoking adventures and morals contained within. I like the interesting, lively dialogue, and also think the cover illustration is lovely. Kineosho Learns to Walk is a book that pre-teens and adults will take pleasure in reading.
Charity Tober for Readers’ Favorite
Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry is a thought-provoking and enjoyable journey. The story follows a young lion named Kineosho who goes on a journey of self-discovery and wonder. Readers might at first think this is something for children, like The Lion King, but the books reads more at a teen and adult level in my opinion. There are light and funny moments, but, overall, it’s a journey of growth and coming of age. Kineosho meets many interesting characters along the way, some who stick with him and some who are there for a just a brief moment in time. And even some of the ones he meets briefly still connect with his life in a meaningful way and add a new richness to his future.
I think that many readers will find a lot to like and learn from in Kineosho Learns to Walk. I think all of us have to undertake some method of self-discovery and growth, especially in our teen years, that shapes who we eventually become as adults. The world is a big place, with so many different personalities and things to do and see. Kineosho reminds us to take our time, listen to each voice that passes our way and learn from past mistakes in order to foster future successes. No one will ever be perfect, but we can make the world a better and brighter place if we all show a little more compassion and kindness. I would recommend Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry to everyone wanting an entertaining animal read guaranteed to get you self-reflecting on your own journey on planet Earth.
Arya Fomonyuy for Readers’ Favorite
A story that begins with the axiomatic fairytale opening, “Once upon a time,” and follows the life of a little lion, Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry is an exceptional tale of self-exploration and adventure, of fear and courage, a tale loaded with insightful and empowering passages. Trained by a Kung Fu mouse, this young lion sets out on an almost impossible journey that tests him both physically and spiritually as he meets challenges and difficult characters, trying to find his own self expression. This is an allegorical story that powerfully depicts the reality of a person and the challenges each one faces to stay true to themselves and their calling. Can Kineosho beat the odds and navigate a treacherous path filled with fanatics, self-proclaimed gurus, and numerous distractions?
When I picked up this book, I didn’t expect to find so much wisdom and entertainment in it. I thought it would be a simple fable that would appeal to young readers, but it turned out to be one of those stories that speaks powerfully to the soul. I enjoyed the protagonist and the impressive cast of characters. Readers won’t find it difficult identifying with the protagonist and there were many instances where I felt that he echoed my thoughts, my fears, and frustrations. The story is beautifully written with wonderful descriptions and dialogues that read naturally. Pratish Mistry has created an allegory that shows readers the path to themselves, a compelling story that entertains, thanks to the masterful use of humor, and instructs readers. Kineosho Learns to Walk was a delightful read, a book to read and pass on. It is revolutionary!
Janelle Alex, Ph.D.
Pratish Mistry has written a humorous story filled to the brim with deep spiritual growth and consciousness expansion in Kineosho Learns to Walk. In this story, the animals talk and communicate in a way that seems to put the humans to shame. Kineosho is the son of two lions who had not intended to have offspring, but sometimes the universe has other plans. As Kineosho grows and is trained by his mentor and teacher, Master Wu, he discovers a vast expanse within himself. He and his “sister” learn a great many spiritual lessons. They learn survival skills that reach far beyond physical strength and abilities. In fact, they learn that being a part of everyone else is key, and respecting others who are different from you is just as important and expected as those who are the same as you.
As I read Mistry’s story, I found myself intrigued by the use of the animal kingdom to display the profound spiritual value in honoring oneself and honoring others. Kineosho Learns to Walk is comprised of deep spiritual lessons, but there is a great deal of entertainment and humor wrapped up within the story. This style of storytelling offers a wonderful opportunity to share the message of personal growth and inner strength with a younger audience. Laughter helps us learn, and Mistry does a wonderful job embedding laughter into the antics of Kineosho and the other animals in this story. By sharing amusing experiences, Mistry shines a light on understanding the differences that we all have because we shouldn’t be expected to move through life and grow in the exact same way.
Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry is the story of Kineosho, a little lion. After Kineosho is born, his parents Griffon and Curie, decide to leave their home to ensure his safety. They unexpectedly adopt Viddi, a monkey, on their journey to meet a most exciting mouse, Master Wu. The book is an exciting adventure of what Kineosho experiences on his journey through life. He meets not only different types of creatures on his way, but also encounters challenges that changes his perspective on life. This enchanting story of Kineosho has a message which is indeed inspirational and uplifting for every reader.
I found the spiritual undertones that run through the story, along with the journey of Kineosho, very fascinating and intriguing. It is not only a journey in the literal sense, but also a journey of introspection and self discovery which leads not only Kineosho but also the reader to find hidden details and places within themselves unexplored before, and enables them to survive the hardships they face in their respective lives. The story is simple with profound messages. All the characters that Kineosho and his family meet on their way create an impression in the minds of readers.
Master Wu, the Kung Fu mouse, Viddi the monkey, Griffon, Curie and the other characters make the journey interesting and exciting. This story set in the jungle is a catalyst for many discoveries that are beneficial to the characters in the story as well as readers.
Karen Walpole
Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry is a story about a young lion’s journey through life. He and his animal friends live in a magical world where they all have human characteristics and abilities. His friends and companions include a monkey, an aardvark, and a rabbit, who all speak, reason and make the same mistakes that humans do. At first, Kineosho is taught by his parents and by a Kung Fu Master mouse. Besides learning to become physically strong and survive in the forest, he learns about being spiritual, caring for the forest and about how to treat other animals. When he starts to travel without his parents or the master mouse, he begins to learn lessons with only his early training and his friends to help.
While Kineosho Learns to Walk by Pratish Mistry reads somewhat like a children’s story, it is actually a spiritual book full of insights and life lessons. Using animals rather than people to tell the story is an effective way to highlight how humans behave. You would not expect an animal to be jealous or selfish like a human might be. Knowing that animals don’t have those faults, I was humbled by the fact that we humans do. There is so much symbolism in the book that you may want to read slowly in order to get the most from Mistry’s spiritual inspirations. After I read the book the first time, I went back and read individual sections to catch more of the book’s messages.
Reviewed By Anna del C. Dye for Readers’ Favorite
What an interesting idea Pratish Mistry had to write this very nice tale, Kineosho Learns to Walk. I have enjoyed learning in a most delightful way. Kineosho Learns to Walk has a narrative feel to it, but is full of exciting adventures. It also intertwines a lot of general education.
I can’t believe that Pratish Mistry talks about birth, death, growing up, and the love of learning with a beautiful voice and in such a subtle manner that you don’t even know you’ve just learned something about real life. The characters are animals and the story starts with a lion and lioness that are having a cub while being observed by a group of scientists. The interesting thing is that I thought they would be the main characters, but I was wrong.
I found myself enjoying this tale so much that I know it will be enjoyed by kids. You will learn basic things like birth, your senses, sleep patterns, acceptance of anyone, and also things such as how to become better at finding your place in life. This is an exceptionally well written book, with a great voice that will enthrall any reader and listener. I believe little kids will love to hear about the adventures of Kineosho and his adopted sister Viddi, and how they discover their place in the circle of life.
Young adults will love to read this book because of the interesting way it is presented. I would have to say that adults will love it too for the strength of the story. If you love the book Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, or Star Wars, you will find a new treasure in this story. I hope they make it into a movie too. Great job.