TURNING COURT CASES INTO CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Rukshani Weerasooriya Wijemanne

Written by Rukshani Weerasooriya Wijemanne in rhyming verse and illustrated by Nicole Parakrama, the Legal Tales series transforms legal history into playful, lyrical tales for children and families in Sri Lanka and beyond.

The first book of the series, The Ginger Beer Snail, introduced to the public for the first time at the HSBC Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival in Colombo last month, is derived from the famous case of Donoghue v Stevenson (1932) which established the modern principle of duty of care in tort law. In Rukshani’s retelling, the facts of the case are re-imagined in verse, inviting children to explore themes of responsibility and kindness.

“Having enjoyed the storytelling aspect of legal academics much more than the actual practice of law, this series came naturally to me when I became a mother,” Rukshani says, reflecting on how she came to form the Legal Tales concept. 

Like Rukshani, Nicole Parakrama, the illustrator, has also traversed an unorthodox path. Her background in molecular cell biology and corporate finance, as well as her journey into motherhood, enriches the contribution she makes as an illustrator. Her work has a warmth and depth that adds to the vibrancy of Rukshani’s story, perfectly complementing it. 

Rukshani is no stranger to children’s publishing. Her previous book, Mr. Choon Paan, was published during Sri Lanka’s post-pandemic economic crisis, in aid of the Centre of Hope feeding programs - a charitable cause she worked for, while transitioning out of the legal field some years before. A storytime favourite in homes and pre-schools alike, its legacy continues with the Mr Choon Paan Jigsaw Puzzle, which has also proved irresistible to children.  

Beyond children’s literature, Rukshani was shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize in 2023. In 2024, Rukshani collaborated with her father, former Army Commander and Ambassador Gen C. S. Weerasooriya, to write and publish his memoirs with Vijitha Yapa, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and impactful writer. 

Rukshani’s literary journey is, in many ways, a continuation of a family legacy. Her maternal grandfather, Herschell Pandittesekere, was also an Attorney-at-Law and a well-known writer and parodist under the pen name Gallinago. His tradition of blending law and literature is now carried forward by Rukshani in her own distinctive way. 

“Naturally, the first book in this series had to be dedicated to grandpa,” she says. “Because I owe my legal-literary inclinations to him.”    

The Legal Taleshave already received glowing endorsements. Professor Paul Mitchell of University College London praised the work as“charming, deft and witty.”Anandhiy Gunawardhana, Partner at Julius & Creasy, described it as “extremely enjoyable,”whileaward-winning poet and Senior Lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka, Dr. Vivimarie VanderPoorten, found it “immensely enjoyable and educational.”

The Ginger Beer Snail is now available for Rs 1800/- at Barefoot, Pendi, and Milk.