Review: To the Sacred Valley with Koko by Ayyappan R. Nair

Writing a book that can hold a young person’s attention, while also guiding them on a healthy path is not always easy, but Ayyappan R. Nair manages to do so in the marvelous book, To the Sacred Valley with Koko. Cleverly blending science fictional elements with a relatable story and powerful underlying messages, this book is ideal for middle school readers, but holds wisdom for any age group.

A number of stories gradually interweave through the larger narrative, from the advanced robot-designing James’ family to Ankit, the primary character of the story, who lives in a state of constant intellectual growth, inspired by both his teachers and his family. The core story involves one of the James’ advanced robotic apes, Koko, who was initially created for a movie, and begins to appear in Ankit’s life, becoming oddly connected to him.

Koko is far more than a mindless robot – this simian cyber-creature is an advanced form of intelligence, and is capable of opening up Ankit’s mind to the many wonders of science, as well as the lifelong thrill of curiosity and wonder. The story deepens because such a robotic monkey is of course extremely valuable, as is the technology that it represents, and what it could lead to in the future.

The surface-level plot is quite easy to follow, but the true significance and strength of this book are the constant undertones and lessons that are threaded throughout the scenes. There are philosophical debates over personal liberty, the future of the human race, scientific responsibility, cellular biology, and the expansive nature of the inner self. These are large-scale concepts for young readers, but they are also presented in accessible and interesting ways. The various types of classrooms that appear in the novel demonstrate that education is a lifelong pursuit that is not restricted to desks and schools. Ankit’s life is a perfect example of how unpredictable the world can be, while also showing that educating oneself is the best way to rise above personal adversity.

From a more distanced perspective, this book is an exceptional introduction to various forms of thought for young readers and future lovers of science. It’s important to set a strong foundation for the sciences in the youth, as technological and scientific advancement show no signs of slowing in the future. This book provides an entertaining entrance to the patient, analytical and impartial world of science, as well as the biases, beliefs and dangers that lurk there.

For a middle-grade read, the book’s language is occasionally too simplistic, and some word choices make it clear that the writer is not a native English speaker. It is cleanly edited, in most cases, and the prose can even be poetic at times, but authors should write to the reading level of their target audience, and with such lofty intellectual subjects being discussed, the basic sentence structure and juvenile dialogue are occasionally jarring.

Overall, To the Sacred Valley with Koko is a long read, but well worth it, particularly for children who have already displayed a love of learning, as it offers a fascinating spark for science and curiosity.