trailer
Buy Now

Teach your kids the power of courage, the value of teamwork and the strength of friendship.

Kali the tamaraw and Sida the tarsier are two very different animals that meet and develop a friendship after they are separated from their families by a typhoon. They team up to search for their families and along the way, must rely on each other’s unique abilities to overcome multiple challenges to find their way home.

Kali and Sida – Finding Home is a heartwarming story that illustrates the lesson of working together to achieve a common goal, in spite of differences and obstacles.

5 out of 5

About The Author

In Kali and Sida – Finding Home is the first book written by Margaret Mendoza, a 16- year-old Filipino-Italian-Canadian. The book was inspired by her interest in protecting the environment and preserving two of the most vulnerable animals on the planet – the tamaraw and the tarsier, both indigenous to the Philippines

Margaret has frequently visited her father’s home province of Mindoro, Philippines where one of her main characters, the tamaraw, can be exclusively found. Margaret is eager to share Kali and Sida – Finding Home with children from all over the world, in the hope that it will teach them the value of courage, teamwork and friendship.

Margaret loves sketching and did some of the original illustrations in the book, including the cover page.  She lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with her parents, two older brothers and her two dogs, Tango and Juno.

If you purchased a book, wrote a review, and would like a personalized bookplate from the author,

please complete the form below. A bookplate will be mailed to you.

SampleSign up

Kali – Tamaraw

Species: Tamaraw

Diet: Herbivore (plant-eating)

Habitat: Tropical Forests

Tamaraws are one of the largest land mammals in the Philippines, with an adult weighing up to 240 kgs. They can be identified by their distinct V-shape horns and are a close relative of the domestic water buffalo known locally as the carabao. Tamaraws can only be found in Mindoro, Philippines and usually live in mixed forest and grassland, not too far from sources of water.

Though naturally day animals, they have recently been found to roam at night to avoid human contact. Tamaraws are critically endangered due to poaching and destruction of their habitat. They are highly admired, and their images are commonly used in flags and signs to represent fierceness and strength.

Kali was named in honor of Kalibasib, the only captive-bred tamaraw that lived for over 21 years at the Mts.Iglit-Baco National Park in Mindoro, Philippines.

Sida – Tarsier

Species: Tarsier

Diet: Carnivore (meat-eating)

Habitat: Tropical Forests

Tarsiers are one of the smallest mammals on the planet averaging only 5 inches in length. They can be found in various countries in Southeast Asia, mostly in the southern Philippines. Tarsiers generally live in trees and have a diet that includes insects, lizards and snakes.

Naturally night animals, tarsiers use their unique ability to see in the dark and their sharp hearing to hunt their prey. Incredibly shy, they are extremely sensitive to bright lights, noises and human contact. Tarsiers are vulnerable to being endangered if not properly preserved and protected.

Sida was named as a short form of Tarsiidae, the scientific name of the tarsier.

Blog

View Details

Reviews

Iris Z
“Here is an altogether lovely story and altogether lovely book. Children and adults alike will enjoy the adventures of Kali and Sida, two very different animals who work together towards a common goal, taking advantage of each other’s gifts and strengths, encouraging each other through their challenges, and becoming friends in the process. Ultimately, they achieve what neither could have on their own.
The story is direct and engaging, the illustrations (some by the author herself) are likewise bold and lively. I especially appreciate learning about the land, and, thanks to the very informative animal profiles, the animals I knew very little about before reading this book.”

Mary Rose C
Both my 4- and 7-year old loved the story and characters – so special and unique! My kids being 50% Filipino, 50% Italian and 100% Canadian, it was refreshing to learn something new about part of our heritage and the rare creatures of our mother/home land. We can’t wait to share it with all our family and friends, who come from various and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, but can commonly appreciate a beautifully written and illustrated tale about kinship, coming together, and finding one’s place/belonging – against all odds.

Jen M
“Kali and Sida is a delightful story highlighting the importance of friendship, caring, and cooperation. We all have valuable skills and qualities to contribute, and we are stronger and more successful when we work together. This is a timely and timeless message. I also appreciate the fact that part of the proceeds from this book will go towards protecting these endangered species. Kudos to the young author for a brilliant first book!”

Lisa H
“Kali and Sida is a delightful story that will engage your child, and interest them in the two endangered species who are the heroes of the story. Not only will children enjoy the story of danger, working together and rescue, the information at the end of the book about these two animals is just right — interesting, informative and not too much. What a wonderful book from such a young author! Looking forward to her future books.”

Johan C
“Very happy and proud to read a story that captures life in the rural parts of Philippines. Wonderful read for the whole family to bring awareness of the endangered species that we need to protect and our impact on their environment. It’s a reminder that there are humans/animals who face these challenges on a regular basis but find a way to live in harmony with nature through their patience and perseverance.”

Mariella E
“This book is 100% recommendable for any caring parents, beside the fact that it talks about friendship between two different groups of animals which is not easy to find every day it is also teaching our children about team work, affection and the reality of the world today. Very well written and enjoyable and love the fact that it based on real animals and provides data about their living space. Thank you and looking forward to the next book.”

Rob M
“The perfect book for the early reader(s) in your home or school. The messages of friendship and team work are those that all kids need early on in life. Such a beautiful story and illustration from a young and talented writer. A++”

Lisa C
“Kali and Sida Finding Home is a heartwarming children’s book with a plot that encourages teamwork and friendship. The book included descriptions about tarsiers and tamaraws and my young nephew loved learning all about them.”

Frank D
“Simple yet with educational details. It’s easy to love stories of animals, especially ones we may have never heard of before that live in different areas of the world.”

Read More