Hiya Tales - Krishna Priya
- Dr. Vineet Gera
- Jun 6
- 4 min read

Are you ready to meet a six-year-old fireball named Hiya, who sees the world through the most enchanting and hilarious lens? If you're looking for a book that will make your heart smile, offer a good laugh, and remind you of the simple joys in life, then "Hiya Tales: Where Every Pet, Plant, and Person Matters" by Krishna Priya is your next must-read! Published by Gurucool Publishing, this book is a vibrant journey into the everyday adventures and profound observations of a little girl with a big personality.
Meet Hiya: A World Full of Wonder (and Dosas!)
From the moment you open the first chapter, "Hello, World!", you're immediately drawn into Hiya's warm, noisy, and utterly lovable home. Hiya introduces us to her "favourite people (and animals!) in the whole wide universe." There's her Appa Krishnan, the "best!" who makes yummy dosas and lets her ride on his shoulders "like I’m flying through the clouds." Their bond is undeniably sweet, filled with shared secrets (like stealing chicken for the pets!) and an endless supply of "dosa days" that Hiya eagerly awaits.
Then there's her Amma, Seetha, a "superhero-type" working in a faraway city, whose nightly calls are a flutter-inducing highlight for Hiya. The description of Amma's jasmine hair oil and the comfort of her dupatta paints a vivid picture of love that transcends distance. And let's not forget Vaayu, her sixth-grade brother who "thinks he knows everything" but is still loved "like crazy," even when he's embarrassed by Hiya's spontaneous butterfly news!
The Real Bosses of the House: Hiya's Furry Friends!
No Hiya tale would be complete without her beloved pets, who she proudly declares are the "REAL bosses of our house!" You'll fall in love with Heyo, the sweet, sleepy cat who licks her bowl "like she’s at a five-star restaurant," and Mac, the big, bouncy dog who eats "like he’s in a food race." Hiya's devotion to them is infectious – from singing songs to them, to sneaking them chicken pieces (shhh!), to feeling like the "queen of the universe" when they greet her.
The book is peppered with delightful anecdotes involving animals, showcasing the pure, unfiltered joy they bring to Hiya's life. Whether it's the hilarious incident of bringing Elisa's huge dog Bobo home and Vaayu screaming because he "thought a bear had entered the house," or the smart, yet scare-happy Golden Retriever Lallu (who wags his tail like a "windshield wiper on full speed" for Hiya!), these furry characters add layers of warmth and humor to Hiya's world.
Everyday Adventures and Life's Little Lessons
Beyond the charming family dynamics, "Hiya Tales" cleverly weaves in relatable childhood experiences and subtle life lessons. We chuckle as Hiya describes her morning struggle to leave her "extra soft" blanket, or her absolute disdain for idly, which she "must eat six days a week!" These small, universal frustrations are presented with such authentic child-like exasperation that you can't help but smile.
But beneath the giggles, Hiya's adventures reveal deeper insights. In "A Lesson in Hunger," her impulsive act of giving her lunch to a hungry caretaker aunty leads to a profound understanding of the value of food. Her subsequent hunger pangs make her realize that "those who don’t have food… only they truly understand how important it is." This chapter beautifully illustrates empathy and gratitude through a child's eyes.
Her visit to her Grandmother Geethu in Chennai introduces us to the calming influence of gardening and the wisdom of "Never wait for the right time. Never just think about starting something New - just do it!" This simple advice sparks Hiya's own desire to connect with nature. And who could forget Vasu Thatha, her joke-telling grandfather, who secretly eats junk food behind a newspaper to escape "diet food" – a hilariously relatable portrayal of innocent rebellion!
The Power of Connection: Friendship, Family, and Growing Up
"Hiya Tales" also celebrates the power of connection – with friends, family, and even those who seem a little scary. Hiya's best friends, Sanchia (San), "the sweetest and most innocent person ever" who's scared of every teacher, and Elisa, her pet-loving twin, form a trio that captures the essence of childhood camaraderie. Their silent giggles during class and their secret mission to make strict Nayana Ma'am laugh (which Hiya hilariously achieves with one of Vasu Thatha's legendary jokes!) are moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
The book subtly explores Hiya's emotional landscape, from her worry when Heyo goes missing to her hurt when Vaayu gets angry. These moments are handled with care, showcasing the innocence and vulnerability of a child navigating complex feelings, often seeking comfort and wisdom from her beloved Amma. Hiya's detailed, rapid-fire school stories to Appa, even if he's "nodding in slow motion," perfectly capture the boundless energy and trust of a child sharing their world.
Why You'll Love "Hiya Tales"
Krishna Priya has crafted a heartwarming narrative that reminds us to appreciate the simple wonders in our lives. "Hiya Tales" is a delightful escape, a journey back to the innocence of childhood, filled with:
Authentic Child-Like Voice: Hiya's narration is utterly charming, funny, and deeply endearing.
Relatable Family Dynamics: The interactions between Hiya, Appa, Amma, and Vaayu are heartwarming and often humorous.
Lessons Wrapped in Laughter: Important values like empathy, gratitude, and perseverance are woven naturally into Hiya's adventures.
The Joy of Pets: Animal lovers will especially adore Heyo, Mac, Bobo, and Lallu, who bring so much life to the story.
Whether you're looking for a book to share with a young reader, or simply want to rediscover the magic of life through the eyes of a wonderfully spirited child, "Hiya Tales" is a perfect choice. It's a testament to the idea that every pet, plant, and person truly does matter in the grand tapestry of our lives.