In the current age of globalization, we all parents try to find what is best out there and select only the best things for our children. Books are no exception. We keep ourselves updated with the best of children’s literature from around the world.
While that is important, Indian literature sometimes ends up getting the step-motherly treatment. It is crucial to expose our children to the best of literature from the country, written by some excellent and award-winning authors. Quite a few wonderful books are out there.
The below list is just a few of the ones we listed for easy reference of parents, along with why we like them.
Table of contents
The Natural Wonders of India
Nagaraj Vijaylakshmi (Author)
Join twin sisters Reva and Sarayu to explore 10 natural wonders of India and unravel the mystery. Places include from Magnetic Hill in the snow-clad North to the lush, green beauty of the Cardamom Hills in the South, from the mysterious Meghalaya caves in the East to the Lonar Crater Lake in the West. Amazing illustrations compliment the simple writing.
This one is for the little explorer in your child. A perfect book to get your kid excited about Indian geography. Check details in Amazon.
Princess Easy Pleasy
Natasha Sharma (Author), Priya Kuriyan (Illustrator)
Do you have a child who fusses over everything? Give his or her this book. Princess Easy Pleasy is anything but easy to please! A funny story with a nice illustration to complement generates many a laugh. A fun approach to nudge the kids to adjust to and explore new experiences. Check details in Amazon.
Also Read: 7 Indian Classic Books for Children
The Story and the Song (Karadi Tales)
Manasi Subramaniam (Author)
This is a lovely retelling of an ancient South Indian folktale with lush illustrations. This story explores human relationships and the need to pass on traditions. Written in simple words and beautiful settings. Kids as young as 5 can read the story. This is a worthy purchase- recommended by happy parents. Check details in Amazon.
Ruskin Bond – Best Selling Children Story Books Collection (Set of 4 Books)
Ruskin Bond (Author)
Ruskin Bond needs no introduction in Indian Children’s literary world. His books are suitable for children aged 7 and above. Initially, your child may need some read aloud and help in finishing the longer stories. Pretty soon, curiosity will kick in, and your child will attempt to read the stories on their own. Can not recommend them enough for the literary value.
This set of 4 books is a worthy purchase. Check details in Amazon.
Padma Goes to Space
Swetha Prakash (Author), Shreya Sen (Illustrator)
Give your children the wings of imagination with this beautifully illustrated children’s book. A book for the little explorer in your child! Flights of fantasy emulate the world around us. Follow Padma’s journey to space and back. A book available in many Indian languages – you are spoilt for choice! Check details in Amazon.
Also Read: 11 Children’s Books about Indian Culture
Moin and the Monster
Anushka Ravishankar (Author), Anitha Balachandran (Illustrator)
A funny book about monsters – there is no better way to overcome your child’s fear of the unknown. You could be in the room and off to school with Moin as he faces his life with a singing, banana-munching monster in tow.
Even though recommended for ages 9 to 12, this book can easily be read to age 5 and above. A welcome change in children’s literature. Check details in Amazon.
Why is My Hair Curly?
Lakshmi Iyer (Author)
A beautiful black and white illustrated chapter book – that explores genetics, family dynamics, and adoption identity through a light-hearted and sunny tale. A story of self-acceptance that needs to be told to children of today’s time. A warm, happy read with little mystery thrown in.
This book is ideal for boys and girls aged 7 and above. Loved by children and parents worldwide, this book deserves all the accolades it gets. Check details in Amazon
Wisha Wozzariter
Payal Kapadia (Author)
A wonderful book that enhances the imagination of a child. Recommended for age 7 and above. Ten-year-old Wisha wishes to be a writer. When she meets Bookworm, she stops wishing and starts writing. This is an interesting tale of imagination and grit, complemented by beautiful illustration. Check details in Amazon
The Conch Bearer
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Author)
This fiction book is about a boy’s quest to safely return a magical conch shell to the mysterious Silver Valley. Written for teenagers and above, this book will surely strike a chord, especially with Indian-American children. The book’s messages about judging by appearances and the dangers of power are true any time, anywhere. Definitely, an enjoyable read. Check details in Amazon
Song of the Bookworm
Anushka Ravishankar (Author)
This superbly illustrated book with funny images and happy rhythms will delight younger children while older children will have fun spotting the books that the Bookworm sings about. Perfect for read-aloud for children as young as 3. Check details in Amazon
Also Read: 15 best Indian Books for 10-12 Year-Olds
Bookasura: The Adventures of Bala and the Book – Eating Monster
Arundhati Venkatesh (Author), Priya Kuriyan (Illustrato)
A book that celebrates the love of reading and books along with a made-up book-eating creature. Bookasura is a story about a boy Bala, how he outwits the book eating monster with his clever plan. Lovely illustration and suitable for kids as young as 3. If you like this book, you also check out other books from this series. Check details in Amazon
A Tigress Called Machhli: and Other True Animal Stories from India
Supriya Sehgal (Author)
A unique book about the wildlife of India that is informative as well as creative to capture the young mind. A book that is meant not only for kids but also for grown-ups. All the stories make you want to travel to the mentioned location and visit those animals. The tigress, mule, crocodiles, rats – all the animals of Indian jungle kingdom come alive in this.
Some good activities are also included so that children truly get involved in their pursuit of knowledge and curiosity. A worthy purchase in every sense! Check details in Amazon
The Little Book of Hindu Deities
Sanjay Patel (Author)
A fun way to introduce Indian(Hindu) Gods and Goddesses to children. Mythology is made hip and trendy in this book. Beautiful illustrations perfect for kids guide to Hindu mythology. Definitely for teenagers and above. This beautifully illustrated book is quite educational for adults as well. Check details in Amazon
Grandma’s Bag of Stories
Sudha Murty (Author)
This book will make many of us nostalgic and bring memories of our own grandmother. The story starts with Anand, Krishna, Raghu, and Meena arriving at their grandparents’ house. Colorful illustrations and great morals make this book a must for any child’s bookshelf.
While this is more suitable for kids aged 8 and above, even children as young as 5 can also enjoy this as a read-aloud. Check details in Amazon
bookforbug.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
