Children's books by Indian authors
249 hand-picked books from the Bookbear catalogue tagged “Indian author”, with Indian authors first. Each one has an age range, a short description, a heads-up on any sensitive topics and a link to buy in India.
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Dadaji's Paintbrush
by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Ages 4–8Indian author
A boy and his grandfather paint together every day in their village. When Dadaji dies, the boy finds his way back to painting and to happy memories.
Heads-up: Death of a grandparent
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The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk
by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
Ages 3–5Indian author
The classic nursery song takes a ride through India on a bouncy, beeping tuk tuk, picking up passengers, cows and all. A joyful read-aloud to sing along to.
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A Bucket of Blessings
by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
Ages 3–6Indian author
A little monkey sets out to bring rain to his thirsty village in this gentle retelling of an Indian folk tale about kindness and gratitude.
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Festival of Colors
by Surishtha Sehgal & Kabir Sehgal
Ages 3–6Indian author
Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo gather flowers, grind colours and share them with friends and neighbours as they get ready for Holi.
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Binny's Diwali
by Thrity Umrigar
Ages 4–7Indian author
Binny is excited to tell her class about Diwali but gets tongue-tied at first. A warm story about sharing your culture with friends at school.
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My Dadima Wears a Sari
by Kashmira Sheth
Ages 4–7Indian author
Rupa loves her grandmother's saris and all the things a sari can do, from shading a baby to carrying treasures. A tender look at family, heritage and belonging.
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Always Anjali
by Sheetal Sheth
Ages 4–7Indian author
Anjali can't find a bike plate with her name on it, and then gets teased at school. She learns to be proud of who she is and where her name comes from.
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What Shall I Make?
Ages 3–6Indian author
Neeraj turns a ball of dough into a snake, a mouse, a cat and a lion, before Amma helps him turn it into a roti. A playful story of imagination in the kitchen.
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Catch That Crocodile!
Ages 3–6Indian author
A crocodile wanders into town and everyone tries, and fails, to catch it. A rollicking rhyme with lively art by Pulak Biswas.
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Paati's Rasam
by Janaki Sabesh
Ages 3–6Indian author
A cosy story about Paati, her much-loved rasam and a kitchen full of family. A warm read about grandparents and South Indian food.
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Ganesha's Sweet Tooth
by Sanjay Patel & Emily Haynes
Ages 4–7Indian author
Ganesha breaks his tusk on a super-jawbreaker laddoo, and the poet Vyasa helps him find a use for it. A funny retelling of how the Mahabharata was written.
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Dig Dig Dinosaur
by Prof. Anjali Goswami
Ages 4–5Indian author
Three children set off on an expedition to discover dinosaurs in a faraway land.
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One in a Million
by Smriti Halls
Ages 4–5Indian author
Debra the zebra can count — but what comes after ten? A heartwarming picture book to snuggle up with together.
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Reggie Rabbit: The Great Carrot Heist
by Swapna Reddy
Ages 5–9Indian author
Can amateur detective Reggie Rabbit solve the mystery of the missing carrots? A humorous heist in comic book style.
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You and Your Body
by Dr Punam Krishan
Ages 5–9Indian author
Learn how your heart, lungs, and brain work with this fun and informative lift-the-flap book.
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Anya's Quest
by Jasbinder Bilan
Ages 7–9Indian author
In the wintery Himalayas, Anya and Mahi are swept away by goddess Ganga on a journey to reconnect with their spirit animals.
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Pia's Pet Club: Puppy Problem
by Serena Patel
Ages 7–9Indian author
Pia has always dreamed of owning a pet. She trains her friend's new puppy and forms a local pet club to prove her credentials.
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Tiger on a Tree
Ages 3–6Indian author
A tiger gets stuck up a tree — and no one in the village can agree on what to do about it. A brilliantly funny picture book with rollicking rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations by Pulak Biswas. Published in multiple Indian languages.
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Gajapati Kulapati
by Ashok Rajagopalan
Ages 4–6Indian author
The most adorable elephant catches a cold with wonderfully messy results. A beloved classic with repetitive sounds perfect for reading aloud.
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Ammachi's Glasses
by Priya Kuriyan
Ages 3–5Indian author
A hilarious wordless picture book about a grandmother who misplaces her glasses and proceeds to cook chappals and eat spiders.
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Flutterfly
Ages 3–6Indian author
A wordless picture book in black-and-white with coloured butterflies. Children make up their own story each time — a different book on every read.
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Out of the Way! Out of the Way!
Ages 4–7Indian author
A boy in India sees a baby tree growing by the path and protects it. The tree flourishes throughout his lifetime despite all the changes around it.
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Maharani the Cow
by Christy Sudhir
Ages 4–7Indian author
Maharani the cow sits cheerfully in the middle of busy streets, holding up traffic for hours on end. A gentle, wry, very Indian picture book.
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Jalebi Curls
Ages 4–6Indian author
A Raja who dreams of jalebis in his sleep is in for a bizarre adventure. Curl up with this delicious and silly read-aloud.
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Eecha Poocha
by Kala Sashikumar (retold)
Ages 4–7Indian author
A retelling of a Malayalam folk tale about a greedy cat and a fly. Poocha drinks up all the soup and swells like a balloon. What happens next?
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The Pleasant Rakshasa
by Sowmya Rajendran
Ages 4–7Indian author
Karimuga the friendly rakshasa decides to share his beauty with jealous fellow rakshasas. A conversation about sharing and inner beauty.
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Purple Jojo
by Sameera Zia Qureshi
Ages 3–5Indian author
A puppy wakes up with big purple patches on him! Children guess how Jojo got the purple stains in this charming bilingual story.
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Sunu-Sunu Snail
by Sandhya Rao
Ages 3–6Indian author
A little snail rushes home to tell his mother all about the sights, sounds, and noises of a storm. Sweet and sensory.
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Mallipoo, Where Are You?
by Radhika Chadha
Ages 3–6Indian author
Mallipoosundari the baby piglet goes missing! Her elephant friends try to find her in this warm, funny tale about caring for others.
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Sita's Ramayana
by Samhita Arni / Moyna Chitrakar
Ages 9–12Indian author
The Ramayana retold entirely from Sita's point of view — a powerful, nuanced graphic novel illustrated in traditional Patua scroll art. A NYT graphic novel bestseller, ALA Notable Children's Book, and South Asia Book Award honor book.
Heads-up: War & battle violence
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Waterlife
by Rambharos Jha
Ages 6–10Indian author
Mithila artist Rambharos Jha transforms aquatic motifs, childhood memory, and water lore into a luminous artist's journal. A BolognaRagazzi New Horizons award book — handmade, collectible, and unlike anything else in children's publishing.
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The Night Life of Trees
by Bhajju Shyam, Durga Bai, Ram Singh Urveti
Ages 6–9Indian author
Three Gond tribal artists bring the forest to life with ancient legends about trees in stunning hand-screen-printed illustrations.
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Gobble You Up
by Retold by Gita Wolf
Ages 5–8Indian author
A Rajasthani trickster tale about a wily jackal who tricks and eats his friend the crane — and then just keeps eating. Illustrated in Gond style.
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Rooster Raga
Ages 4–7Indian author
A rooster who sings only carnatic ragas causes chaos in his village — until his unique voice wins everyone over. A funny, musical picture book, published in English and several Indian languages.
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The Susu Pals
by Richa Jha
Ages 4–7Indian author
A breezy urban picture book with a real take on friendship challenges — what happens when friends don't always agree or play fair?
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Boo! When My Sister Died
by Richa Jha
Ages 5–9Indian author
A gentle, honest picture book about coping with the death of a sibling. Helps children and families navigate grief together.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Machher Jhol
by Richa Jha
Ages 5–8Indian author
A refreshingly subtle and sensitive look at physical disability through the lens of food and family. Delicate and warm.
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Aai and I
by Mamta Nainy
Ages 5–9Indian author
A child explores her identity against the backdrop of her mother's illness with cancer. Honest, warm, and reassuring.
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Looking for Laddoo
by Aparna Karthikeyan
Ages 4–7Indian author
Karthik and his veterinarian mother weave through the iconic streets of Chennai searching for their missing pup, Laddoo — helping animals along the way. A warm, funny city adventure rooted in South Indian everyday life.
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Thatha's Pumpkin
by Lalita Iyer
Ages 4–7Indian author
Tia's grandfather has grown an enormous pumpkin — the biggest he's ever seen. When it's too large to eat alone, Tia must find homes for each little wedge. A gentle story about generosity, sharing, and community.
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Lights Out
by Vibha Batra
Ages 5–8Indian author
A young boy convinces his whole village to spend their nights in darkness to save a sparrow and her eggs. A gentle, powerful conservation story.
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Monkeys on a Fast
by Adapted from Buddhist tale
Ages 4–7Indian author
Mischievous monkeys decide to observe a fast — but with hilarious, chaotic results. Adapted from a classic Buddhist tale with lively illustrations.
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Moin and the Monster
Ages 6–9Indian author
Moin and his friends navigate school and life with the help of an unlikely monster companion. Funny, warm, and very Indian.
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Das Din (Ten Days)
by Pridhee
Ages 4–6Indian author
A delightful lift-the-flap and pull-tab bilingual board book in Hindi and English. Children learn to count to ten through playful interactive pages.
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Gol Mol Bol
by Pridhee (music by Ramya Shankar)
Ages 4–6Indian author
A collection of classic Hindi nursery rhymes brought to life with charming illustrations and a downloadable music track. Warm and sing-along.
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Talking of Muskaan
by Himanjali Sankar
Ages 12–15Indian author
When Muskaan disappears from school, four friends piece together why — and confront difficult truths about belonging and acceptance. A groundbreaking Indian YA novel on LGBTQ+ identity, widely praised and taught in progressive schools.
Heads-up: Suicide & self-harm, Homophobic bullying
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Birds on the Brain
Ages 8–11Indian author
Eleven-year-old Veeran is obsessed with birds — which makes everything else in his life, including school, rather complicated. A funny, warm chapter book about a child with a passionate, unusual love. Duckbill's beloved hOle Book series.
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I Won't Wash My Hair
by Aparna Kapur
Ages 5–7Indian author
When Divya refuses to wash her hair, it becomes home to worms, peanuts and pencils. A gleefully gross Hook Book for reluctant hair-washers.
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Amra and the Witch
by Arefa Tehsin
Ages 6–9Indian author
Amra is transported to the lush villages of Northern India in this thrilling adventure featuring witches, magic, and forests. hOle Book series.
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Flying with Grandpa
by Madhuri Kamat
Ages 5–8Indian author
A poignant, funny story about the special bond between a grandfather and his grandson. A perfect read-aloud that children and adults will love.
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Simply Nanju
by Zainab Sulaiman
Ages 5–8Indian author
A heartfelt story that makes children sensitive and accepting towards differently-abled and special-needs children. Warm and thoughtfully told.
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The Night the Moon Went Missing
by Various
Ages 4–7Indian author
The moon goes missing and everyone searches for it in this charming multilingual story. Free to read on StoryWeaver in English, Hindi, Tamil and more.
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Wild Child
by Paro Anand
Ages 10–14Indian author
A city child is sent to spend summer in the forest — and discovers that wild things, including himself, need space to be free. A gripping adventure novel about children, nature, and growing up. Widely stocked by indie bookstores.
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Aru Shah and the End of Time
Ages 10–13Indian author
Aru Shah accidentally releases a demon and discovers she is a Pandava hero. A wildly fun, Rick Riordan Presents novel steeped in Hindu mythology — like Percy Jackson set in India.
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The Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond)
by Sayantani DasGupta
Ages 10–12Indian author
On her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala learns she is an Indian princess from another dimension and must battle demons and rakkhosh. Rooted in Bengali folk tales and Hindu mythology.
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The Night Diary
Ages 10–13Indian author
Twelve-year-old Nisha — half-Hindu, half-Muslim — writes secret diary letters to her mother during the 1947 Partition of India. A devastating, tender Newbery Honor novel.
Heads-up: Violence, Death & grief
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The Grand Plan to Fix Everything
Ages 10–12Indian author
Dini's family moves from Maryland to India for a year. She's devastated — until she discovers her Bollywood idol lives nearby. A warm, funny story about belonging and unexpected happiness.
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Grandma's Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty
Ages 8–12Indian author
A grandmother enchants her grandchildren with ten irresistible tales of kings, wisemen, princesses, and rogues drawn from India's folk tradition. Sudha Murty at her most delightful.
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Tales of Birbal (Amar Chitra Katha)
Ages 5–9Indian author
Birbal's legendary wit against all challengers — in Amar Chitra Katha's iconic comic format, one of India's most beloved children's comics for over 60 years.
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Krishna (Amar Chitra Katha)
Ages 6–9Indian author
The iconic retelling of Lord Krishna's life — from his miraculous birth to his role in the Mahabharata — in vivid, memorable Amar Chitra Katha comic panels.
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Wings of Fire: An Autobiography (Young Readers Edition)
by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Ages 12–15Indian author
India's 'Missile Man' and beloved President tells his own story — from a Tamil Nadu fishing village to leading India's space programme. Abridged for young readers.
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Kalpana Chawla: A Life
by Anil Padmanabhan
Ages 10–13Indian author
The story of the first woman of Indian origin in space — from a small-town Haryana childhood to the space shuttle Columbia. Told with warmth and detail.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Sivagamiyin Sabatham: Young Readers Edition
by Kalki Krishnamurthy (adapted)
Ages 10–13Indian author
Kalki's Pallava kingdom epic — war, Bharatanatyam, sculpture, and romance — adapted for young readers. One of Tamil literature's most beloved historical novels.
Heads-up: War & battle violence, Teen crushes & romance
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En Iniya Iyanthira (My Dear Robot)
by Sujatha (R. Rangarajan)
Ages 10–14Indian author
Tamil Nadu's most beloved science fiction writer imagines a future where humans and robots must find a way to coexist. A landmark of Tamil sci-fi — accessible, witty, and thought-provoking.
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Amma Tell Me About Diwali!
Ages 4–7Indian author
The story of Diwali — Ram and Sita's return, the triumph of light over darkness — told in joyful rhyme with vibrant illustrations. Part of Bhakti Mathur's beloved 22-book Amma Tell Me series on Indian mythology and festivals.
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Amma Tell Me About Holi!
Ages 4–7Indian author
The legend of Prahlad and Holika and the explosion of colour play that follows — the Holi story retold in lilting rhyme. A joyful introduction to one of India's most exuberant festivals.
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Amma Tell Me About Krishna!
Ages 4–7Indian author
Krishna's birth, his butter-stealing mischief in Vrindavan, and his heroic adventures — retold in warm, accessible rhyme with gorgeous illustrations. A perfect first mythology book for young children.
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Amma Tell Me About Ganesha!
Ages 4–7Indian author
How Ganesha got his elephant head, why he carries a modak, and what makes him the most beloved deity in the Hindu pantheon — told in rhyme for the very young.
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Women in Sports (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 5–9Indian author
Five extraordinary Indian sportswomen — PT Usha, Arunima Sinha, Bhakti Sharma, Chandro and Prakashi Tomar — their stories of grit and resilience told in simple verse with stunning illustrations. Award-winning.
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Women in Science (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 6–10Indian author
Celebrating pioneering Indian women scientists including botanist Janaki Ammal and physicist Bibha Chowdhuri — told in accessible, inspiring language for young readers.
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My Grandfather's Funny Eyebrows
by Arthy Muthanna Singh & Mamta Nainy
Ages 4–7Indian author
A warm, giggle-filled picture book about a grandchild's deep fascination with a wonderfully eccentric grandfather — and the legendary eyebrows that seem to have a personality of their own.
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Pickle Mania
Ages 4–7Indian author
Nitya wants to eat Thatha's fiery red pickles, but everyone says they're too spicy for children. When she finally gets a taste, they are! So she finds her own way to make a pickle that's just right. A delicious story about grandparents, determination and creative problem-solving.
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Chakmak: Science Readers (Selection)
Ages 11–14Indian author
Eklavya's flagship children's science magazine — published since 1985 from Bhopal — now sold as yearly bound volumes. Playful experiments, nature observations, and curiosity-first science in Hindi and other Indian languages.
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Ruk Jaana Nahin (Don't Stop)
Ages 5–9Indian author
Stories from Eklavya's progressive children's literature programme — featuring children from rural India who overcome obstacles, challenge norms, and discover their own voices.
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Faster Fene (Series)
by B.R. Bhagwat
Ages 9–14Indian author
The iconic Marathi detective-adventure series starring Banesh 'Faster' Fene — a streetwise, quick-witted boy who solves mysteries across Maharashtra. An enduring classic that has captivated Marathi children for over 70 years.
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Shyamchi Aai
by Sane Guruji
Ages 12–15Indian author
Sane Guruji's timeless masterpiece in which Shyam recalls his gentle, self-sacrificing mother and her quiet life lessons. One of the most beloved books in Marathi literature — a moving portrait of mother-child love.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Amma, Tell Me About Ramayana!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Amma tells the epic tale of Rama, Sita and Ravana as a bedtime story — part of the bestselling Amma Tell Me series.
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Amma Tell Me How Krishna Fought The Demons!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Amma tells the story of baby Krishna's mischief and his early battles with the demons sent by his uncle Kansa.
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Amma Tell Me How Krishna Defeated Kansa!
Ages 4–8Indian author
The story continues as young Krishna grows up and finally confronts his tyrant uncle Kansa.
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Amma Tell Me About Hanuman!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Part one of the Hanuman trilogy — the birth and boyhood of the monkey god, and how he came to serve Rama.
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Amma Tell Me How Hanuman Crossed The Ocean!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Part two of the Hanuman trilogy, following his leap across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita.
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Courage with Anandibai Joshee (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket (illus. Sriya Singh)
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of Anandibai Joshee, one of the first Indian women to earn a medical degree, told to model courage for young readers.
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Passion with Aditi Pant (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket (illus. Boski Jain)
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of Aditi Pant, India's first oceanographer and one of the first women to travel to Antarctica.
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Adaptability with Arunima Sinha (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest, told to model adaptability.
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Trust with PT Usha (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of PT Usha, one of India's greatest track athletes, told to model trust and self-belief.
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Kahaani Rangeeli
by Pridhee Anu Sehgal
Ages 1–4Indian author
An interactive touch-and-feel board book pairing simple Hindi words and colours for toddlers, from the makers of Kahaani Chamkeeli.
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Nila Nila (Tamil)
by T4Tales
Ages 1–4Indian author
A Tamil-English interactive board book for toddlers, bringing T4Tales' bilingual reading experience to a new Indian language.
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Gutargoo
Ages 1–4Indian author
A sensory board book of everyday sounds and words for babies and toddlers just starting to talk.
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Chuglubugloo
by T4Tales
Ages 1–4Indian author
A playful interactive board book of silly sounds and words designed for very young children.
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Leopard in Mumbai
by Lubaina Bandukwala
Ages 6–9Indian author
A story about the leopards that live alongside people at the edge of Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
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Letters to Krisha
by Parinita Shetty
Ages 7–10Indian author
A gentle story told through letters, about friendship and staying connected across distance.
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Waiting for Turtles
by Pankaj Sekhsaria
Ages 6–9Indian author
A story of Olive Ridley turtles and the people who watch over their nesting beaches, inspired by real conservation work.
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Do!
by Gita Wolf
Ages 4–8Indian author
A minimalist handmade picture book of everyday actions and verbs, illustrated in the style of Indian tribal pictograms.
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My Mother's Sari
by Sandhya Rao
Ages 2–5Indian author
A young child explores all the wonderful things a mother's sari can become — a swing, a tent, a peekaboo curtain.
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The Blue Umbrella
by Ruskin Bond
Ages 9–12Indian author
A little girl in a Himalayan village trades a leopard's-claw pendant for a beautiful blue umbrella, and the envy it stirs in her village.
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The Room on the Roof
by Ruskin Bond
Ages 11–15Indian author
Ruskin Bond's coming-of-age classic about a teenage orphan finding freedom and friendship in Dehradun — written when the author was seventeen.
Heads-up: Teen crushes & romance, Death & grief
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Laxmi's Mooch
by Shelly Anand
Ages 4–8Indian author
Laxmi is teased for the fine hair above her lip, until her family helps her see it as something to be proud of.
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Bracelets for Bina's Brothers
by Rajani LaRocca
Ages 4–8Indian author
Bina wants to make rakhi bracelets for her brothers but keeps running out of supplies, so she gets creative with what she has.
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Kesar and the Lullaby Birds
by Aditi Oza
Ages 4–8Indian author
A gentle bedtime story about a girl, her grandmother, and the birds who help sing her to sleep.
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Tiger Boy
Ages 8–12Indian author
On an island in the Sunderbans, a boy searches for an escaped baby tiger cub before poachers find it first.
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Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire: Adventures in Champakbagh
by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
Ages 9–12Indian author
A boy named Jwala Kumar sets off on adventures around Champakbagh, encountering different childhoods and ways of life across India.
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The Incredible Life of Mary Kom: The Queen of Boxing
by Swayam Ganguly
Ages 9–12Indian author
The true story of Mary Kom's journey from a village in Manipur to becoming an Olympic-medal-winning boxer.
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Tiger! Tiger! Stories of the Big Cat
by Various, intro by Zai Whitaker
Ages 10–14Indian author
An anthology of classic and contemporary stories and poems about tigers, from foolish to fierce to supernatural.
Heads-up: Violence
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How Did the Harappans Say Hello? And 16 Other Mysteries of History
by Anu Kumar
Ages 9–13Indian author
Sixteen playful mysteries from Indian history, answered in short, curious chapters.
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What if the Earth Stopped Spinning? And 24 Other Mysteries of Science
by Roopa Pai
Ages 9–13Indian author
Twenty-five curious science questions answered in short, accessible chapters for young readers.
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Tigers for Dinner: Tall Tales by Jim Corbett's Khansama
by Ruskin Bond
Ages 8–12Indian author
Tall tales told by the cook who worked for legendary hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett.
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Our Nana Was a Nutcase
by Ranjit Lal
Ages 9–13Indian author
A funny, affectionate story about a wonderfully eccentric grandfather seen through his grandchildren's eyes.
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Devi: Mythology Made Simple For Kids
by Subhadra Sen Gupta, Tapas Guha
Ages 7–11Indian author
An accessible introduction to Hindu goddesses and their stories, told simply for young readers.
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Tuntuni's Tales
by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
Ages 5–9Indian author
Classic Bengali fables starring the clever tailorbird Tuntuni, first published in 1911 and beloved across generations.
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Wordygurdyboom! The Nonsense World of Sukumar Ray
by Sukumar Ray (trans. Sampurna Chattarji)
Ages 7–11Indian author
A playful English translation of Sukumar Ray's beloved Bengali nonsense verse and stories, capturing the wordplay of the original Abol Tabol.
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The Puffin Feluda Omnibus: Volume One
by Satyajit Ray
Ages 10–14Indian author
The first cases of Feluda, Bengal's most beloved detective, created by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
Heads-up: Crime & murder
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Abol Tabol
by Sukumar Ray
Ages 6–11Indian author
The original Bengali edition of Sukumar Ray's beloved nonsense verse collection, first published in 1923 — playful rhymes and absurd creatures that have delighted generations of Bengali readers.
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Chander Pahar
by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay
Ages 11–16Indian author
A classic Bengali adventure novel following young Shankar's journey through the African wilderness in search of a fabled diamond mine — one of Bengali literature's best-loved adventure stories.
Heads-up: Death & grief, Violence
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Miya Fuski
by Jivram Joshi
Ages 7–12Indian author
The classic Gujarati children's series starring the endearing trickster Miya Fuski, created by Jivram Joshi in 1945 and beloved across generations of Gujarati readers for its wit and warmth.
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Mohini Made Friends
by Shruthi KP
Ages 5–8Indian author
A sweet story of Mohini making new friends at school, written by a Mohiniyattam dance performer and woven through with the spirit of classical Indian dance.
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Dragon's Ire: An Adventure in Courage and Kindness
by Pooja Nanda
Ages 7–10Indian author
A spirited adventure about facing down a fearsome dragon — and discovering that courage and kindness matter more than brute strength.
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Feet On The Ground Head In The Air
by Aditi Sowmyanarayan
Ages 9–13Indian author
A heartwarming middle-grade novel balancing everyday realism with a child's flights of imagination.
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Alphabet Soup For The Young Environmentalist
by Meena Raghunathan
Ages 5–9Indian author
An A-to-Z of environmental ideas and eco-habits, introduced playfully for young readers just starting to think green.
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Ila, My Wild Mongoose Friend
by Abhisheka Krishnagopal
Ages 8–10Indian author
A college volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation centre near Bengaluru bonds with an orphaned Indian grey mongoose — and learns the bittersweet lesson of letting her go wild again.
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Why Are You So Colourful?
by Shruti Hemani
Ages 8–10Indian author
Why is a red munia red? How does a painted stork get its pink colour? A lively illustrated look at coloration across birds, mammals, and mushrooms.
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The Spring of Life: How Moirangthem Loiya Saved a Forest
Ages 6–8Indian author
The true story of Moirangthem Loiya, who single-handedly grew a forest back to life in Manipur, told in lyrical text and vivid illustration.
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The Miracle on Kachhua Beach
by Nandita da Cunha
Ages 6–10Indian author
Bullied and nicknamed 'Oddball Ori,' a boy finds an abandoned, garbage-strewn beach and an unconventional idea that transforms his community — a Neev Award-winning story.
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The Armenian Champa Tree
by Mahasweta Devi
Ages 5–8Indian author
A tribal boy flees with his beloved pet goat to escape a ritual sacrifice, finding sanctuary by an old Armenian church tree, in a tender tale from a celebrated Indian author.
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How Hanu Became Hanuman
by K. G. Subramanyan
Ages 6–10Indian author
A witty, subversive retelling of how the monkey Hanu became the mighty Hanuman, written and illustrated by one of India's foremost modern artists.
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Kalo and the Koel
by Meera Mukherjee
Ages 6–10Indian author
Whimsical, spiritually tinged short stories from a celebrated Bengali sculptor-storyteller, blending the everyday with the symbolic.
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Delhi Thaatha: A Great Grand Story
by Chitra Viraraghavan
Ages 7–11Indian author
Narrated by a seven-year-old great-granddaughter, this is the true story of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's journey from a poor small-town boyhood to the presidency of India.
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If There Was One Thing I Could Be
by Kalpana Subramanian
Ages 3–6Indian author
Vir imagines what it would be like to be a bird — feathers, a beak, and all — before discovering that being himself is the most fun of all.
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The Gilded Wolves
Ages 14–17Indian author
A charismatic hotelier assembles a crew of talented misfits to pull off a heist in a magical, alternate 1889 Paris.
Heads-up: Violence, Teen crushes & romance
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The Bridge Home
by Padma Venkatraman
Ages 10–13Indian author
Two runaway sisters make a home with two homeless boys on an abandoned bridge in Chennai, India, in this moving story about family, disability, and resilience.
Heads-up: Death & grief, Abuse
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Rickshaw Girl
Ages 7–10Indian author
A talented young artist in rural Bangladesh disguises herself as a boy to help support her family, discovering new possibilities along the way.
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Busy Ants
by Pulak Biswas
Ages 2–5Indian author
A wordless picture book following a line of ants as they go about their busy day — a classic of Indian picture-book art by the award-winning illustrator Pulak Biswas.
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The Talking Handkerchief
by Anjana Vaswani
Ages 6–10Indian author
A collection of lively folktales retold for young readers. Winner of the Sharjah International Children's Book Award (2016).
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Mahi: The Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains
Ages 5–10Indian author
Young elephant Mahi is desperate to fly like the birds — and his hard-of-hearing grandfather insists elephants can. A whimsical, gently satirical fable about dreams and curiosity. Illustrated by Doodlenerve.
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Bhalu Ka Nakhoon (भालू का नाखून)
by Rishi Sahany
Ages 9–12Indian author
Stories drawn from the author-illustrator's travels through the mountains — a small Buddhist monk, a hill shepherd, a mountain guide — with luminous, season-shifting paintings. Parag Honour List 2024.
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Aao Bhai Khillu (आओ भाई खिल्लू)
by Prabhat
Ages 5–10Indian author
A collection of 47 playful Hindi poems for children by Prabhat, one of the best-loved contemporary Hindi children's poets.
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Master of the 7 Swars
by Pratyush Gupta
Ages 5–10Indian author
A crow named Kaga dreams of singing like the legendary Tansen, and flies off on an adventure through the seven swaras of Hindustani music. A striking pop-up book (from the Swarpeti project) with shadow-play pages and a companion music app. Publishing Next Children's Book of the Year.
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Seven Swaras: My First Book of Carnatic Music
by Aparna Kaushik
Ages 2–6Indian author
A bright, gentle first introduction to the seven swaras of Carnatic music for toddlers and preschoolers, with colourful illustrations and simple explanations of why learning music is fun.
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Ta Ka Dhi Mi 2358
by Shyama Panikkar & Radhika Tipnis
Ages 6–10Indian author
Rhythm meets maths: a playful picture book that connects the rhythmic syllables of Indian music (ta-ka-dhi-mi) with the Fibonacci sequence, by music educator Shyama Panikkar.
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Malhar in the Middle
by Shruthi Rao
Ages 7–9Indian author
Malhar wants to be a famous tabla player — but why do tabla players always sit at the side of the stage? A funny early chapter book about ambition, music and wanting to be centre stage.
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Stories I Like to Tell
by Jeeva Raghunath
Ages 6–10Indian author
Well-known storyteller Jeeva Raghunath shares the stories she grew up with and loves to tell, peppered with the storyteller's tongue-in-cheek asides. A lovely read-aloud and storytelling resource for families and teachers. Illustrated by Niveditha Subramaniam.
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Zakir and His Tabla: Dha Dhin Na
by Sandhya Rao
Ages 5–10Indian author
From the rhythms his father Ustad Alla Rakha played to him as a newborn to taking the tabla to the world, this joyful picture-book biography follows Zakir Hussain's life in beats and vignettes. Illustrated by Priya Kuriyan.
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Thakitta Tharikitta Bouncing Ball
by Jacob Samson Muttada
Ages 3–6Indian author
Abu's big red ball bounces to the beat of dance syllables — thakitta tharikitta! A rhythmic read-aloud that brings the sounds of Indian dance to little ones. Illustrated by Ashok Rajagopalan.
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The Rabbit in the Moon
by Indrani Krishnaier
Ages 3–7Indian author
When a herd of elephants tramples through the jungle, do the little rabbits run away? No — they come up with a clever plan involving the moon. A retelling of a classic Jataka-style tale, published in bilingual editions. Illustrated by Harsha Nagaraju.
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She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change
by Suma Subramaniam
Ages 4–8Indian author
A picture-book biography of M.S. Subbulakshmi, who loved to sing at a time when girls weren't allowed to perform in public — and grew up to become a legendary Carnatic singer who used her voice for India's freedom and for peace. Illustrated by Shreya Gupta.
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The Girl Who Loved to Sing: Teejan Bai
Ages 5–8Indian author
Before Teejan Bai became a world-famous Pandavani singer, she was a little girl who had to fight poverty and tradition for the freedom to sing. A warmly illustrated short biography from the Dreamers series.
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The Musical Donkey (Paadum Kazhuthai)
by Niveditha Subramaniam
Ages 2–5Indian author
A donkey who loves to sing — even if nobody else loves hearing him! A cheerful, funny board-style picture book for the youngest readers, available in bilingual editions including English–Tamil (Paadum Kazhuthai).
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Menstrupedia Comic: The Friendly Guide to Periods for Girls
by Aditi Gupta, Tuhin Paul & Rajat Mittal
Ages 9–14Indian author
A friendly Indian comic in which a doctor 'didi' explains periods, puberty and hygiene to three girls — clear, unembarrassed and myth-busting. Used in thousands of schools.
Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality
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Gulu: The Essential Guide to Puberty for Boys
by Aditi Gupta & Tuhin Paul
Ages 9–14Indian author
The Menstrupedia team's comic guide for boys: body changes, feelings, hygiene — and understanding periods so boys grow up respectful and informed.
Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality
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What's Up with Me? Puberty, Periods, Pimples, People, Problems and More
by Tisca Chopra
Ages 10–14Indian author
Actor Tisca Chopra answers the questions Indian tweens are too shy to ask — bodies, periods, skin, crushes, friendships and feelings — in a warm, funny voice.
Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality
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Born to Bat: Mithali Raj (Little Leaders)
by Arthy Muthanna Singh & Mamta Nainy
Ages 5–9Indian author
A picture book inspired by the life of Mithali Raj, former captain of India's women's cricket team — how a little girl who loved to sleep and dream found the grit to become a champion.
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We Are the Champions: 40 Iconic Moments in Indian Sports
by Akshay Lokapally & Vijay Lokapally
Ages 9–14Indian author
Forty great moments from Indian sport — cricket, hockey, athletics, badminton, wrestling and more — and the players and teams behind them.
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Trouble in the Tea Gardens
Ages 9–12Indian author
A middle-grade mystery set on a Darjeeling tea estate, where a young visitor uncovers secrets and danger among the gardens.
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History Mystery: Tughlaq and the Stolen Sweets
Ages 7–10Indian author
Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq's favourite sweets have vanished and a young sleuth must find the thief — a funny, illustrated history mystery.
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The Clever Tailor
Ages 4–8Indian author
Rupa Ram, a famous but poor tailor, dreams of stitching something for his own family — and when he is gifted a new saafa, he uses his imagination again and again. A warm Rajasthani tale.
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List-O-Mania
Ages 4–8Indian author
Kimaya makes lists for everything — until a playdate goes wrong and she learns that some fun can't go by the list.
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Girls on Wheels
Ages 4–8Indian author
Inspired by India's girls' skateboarding revolution: three friends cheer each other through the falls and triumphs of learning to skate.
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Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labour
Ages 6–10Indian author
The Nobel Peace Prize winner's life story: raising money for poor children's schooling as a boy, sharing a meal across caste lines as a teen, and freeing children from labour as an adult.
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Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps
Ages 4–6Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
Varun peeks into his sister's Bharatanatyam class and discovers he loves dance too — with their grandfather cheering him on. South Asia Book Award winner.
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Strong As Fire, Fierce As Flame
Ages 10–13Indian author
1857: thirteen-year-old Meera flees a fate she didn't choose as Indian soldiers rise against the British, and finds her own strength and voice.
Heads-up: War & battle violence
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And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance
Ages 6–12Indian author
The story of the Kohinoor, one of the world's most famous diamonds — its journey from South Asia to the British crown jewels, told as a story of history and resilience.
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Brown Is Beautiful
Ages 4–8Indian author
A South Asian girl collects beautiful brown things on a walk in the woods and learns to love her own brown skin.
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American as Paneer Pie
Ages 8–12Indian author
Lekha, the only Indian American kid in her small town, hides who she is — until a new girl arrives who's proud of her roots, and Lekha finds her own voice.
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That Thing about Bollywood
Ages 8–12Indian author
Sonali hides her feelings — until she starts bursting into Bollywood song-and-dance numbers whenever emotions bubble up.
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The Cobra's Song
Ages 8–12Indian author
Ten-year-old Gauri, afraid of almost everything, must face her fears and find her voice in an adventure steeped in Indian folklore.
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Bindu's Bindis
Ages 3–7Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
Bindu's bindis connect her to her Nani and give her courage at the school talent show. A companion to The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh.
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The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices
by Hena Khan, Veera Hiranandani, Supriya Kelkar & others
Ages 8–12Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
Interconnected stories set around a community centre, celebrating the variety of South Asian American childhoods.
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Roohi and Nate Are Not on the Same Page
by Supriya Kelkar & Jarrett Lerner
Ages 8–12Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
Two unlikely friends team up to save the library that brought them together.
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My Name
Ages 3–6Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
When an Indian American boy starts at a new school, he learns to celebrate his name and everything that makes him unique.
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Thank You, Teacher!
Ages 4–8Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
A rhyming thank-you to teachers for everything they do, from everyday triumphs to school-trip disasters.
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Bonkers!
Ages 6–8Indian author
Armaan's new dog Bonkers chews his glasses, eats his shoes and lands him in trouble with the school bully — can life with Bonkers get any crazier?
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Biji's in the Kitchen!
Ages 5–7Indian author
Biji is freestyle and fun — but when she's in the kitchen, everyone beware! A funny illustrated Hook Book about a Punjabi grandmother who cannot cook.
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Shah Jahan and the Ruby Robber
Ages 7–10Indian author
Someone has replaced the Timur ruby on Shah Jahan's throne with a plum! A History Mystery full of jokes and real history.
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Ashoka and the Muddled Messages
Ages 7–10Indian author
Someone is messing with the messages Emperor Ashoka wants carved on his rocks and pillars. Who can solve this History Mystery?
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Raja Raja and the Swapped Sacks
Ages 7–10Indian author
Someone is swapping Raja Raja Chola's precious pepper for goat droppings — and trade with China is at risk! A History Mystery.
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Razia and the Pesky Presents
Ages 7–10Indian author
Sultan Razia of Delhi is receiving pesky presents that challenge her right to rule as a woman. A History Mystery about India's first woman sultan.
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Akbar and the Tricky Traitor
Ages 7–10Indian author
Someone is leaking Emperor Akbar's court secrets to his enemies. A funny History Mystery.
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Squiggle Takes a Walk: All about Punctuation
Ages 7–11Indian author
Squiggle doesn't know what she is — a comma? a colon? — so she sets off through a notebook to find out, learning punctuation along the way.
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Princess Easy Pleasy
Ages 4–6Indian author
Princess Easy Pleasy is anything but easy to please — her seasonal quirks drive the royal packer up the wall.
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The Good Indian Child's Guide to Playing Cricket
Ages 5–9Indian author
A tongue-in-cheek guide to India's favourite game and what it takes to be a 'good' Indian child on the gully cricket pitch.
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The Good Indian Child's Guide to Eating Mangoes
Ages 5–9Indian author
Does eating mangoes need a guide book? A funny, juicy look at India's favourite fruit, with a personality quiz and mango trivia.
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Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule (Amar Chitra Katha)
by Sanjana Kapur
Ages 8–14Indian author
The Amar Chitra Katha comic on the couple who opened India's first schools for girls and fought for the education of all.
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The Incredible Life of Savitribai Phule: The Fearless Reformer
by Swati Sengupta
Ages 8–12Indian author
Married at nine, Savitri learned to read from her husband and went on to become India's first woman teacher, opening schools for girls against fierce opposition.
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Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale and the Freedom Fighter
by Anuradha Kumar
Ages 9–13Indian author
The child prodigy who became the 'Nightingale of India' — poet, fearless freedom fighter and the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress.
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If Elephants Could Talk
Ages 10–14Indian author
Twelve-year-old Meenakshi has not spoken since her mother died, until dance and a temple elephant named Ganeshan help her find her voice to protect the animals she loves.
Heads-up: Death & grief, Animal cruelty
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Rain Holiday
by Shreya Ramachandran
Ages 10–13Indian author
During a Mumbai monsoon break, eleven-year-old Rekha tries to find out why her best friend Latisha has stopped seeing anyone. A tender story about friendship, mental health and caring for the people we love.
Heads-up: Mental illness
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Rani's Moustache
by Vardhini N.C. (illus. Rishi Sahany)
Ages 6–9Indian author
In the palace of Keshpuram, Rani wakes up with a thick, hairy moustache, and the whole palace is thrown into chaos as remedy after remedy fails. A funny story with lively pictures.
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Sneaker Paati
by Anita Nair
Ages 8–11Indian author
Kittu's Dasara holiday turns upside down when his dad's headstand-doing, Japanese-speaking aunt arrives, and helps him and his friend Bunty stand up to a neighbourhood bully.
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The Henna Start-Up
by Andaleeb Wajid
Ages 13–17Indian author
Abir, a determined teen in Bengaluru with big tech ambitions, sets out to build a start-up while standing up for herself and her mother, and learns to question her own assumptions about her classmates.
Heads-up: Teen crushes & romance
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Is It the Same for You?
by Neha Singh (illus. Priya Sebastian)
Ages 12–16Indian author
As violence and death fill the adult world around her in Kashmir, a young girl quietly faces her first period and a changing body, and wonders whether girls elsewhere feel the same. A tender, illustrated portrait of growing up amid conflict.
Heads-up: Terrorism & militancy, Death & grief
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Jamini Roy's Unbroken Lines
by Vinitha (illus. Tanvi Bhat)
Ages 7–12Indian author
Seven-year-old Jamini Roy follows his love of drawing in his Bengal village despite his family's objections. Lift-the-flap pages tell his story, followed by a look at his famous paintings and hands-on activities such as making colours from flowers and leaves. Part of the Art Exploration series.
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What Happened to Grandpa
by Nandini Nayar (illus. Aditi Anand)
Ages 6–9Indian author🔍 Hard to find in India
Grandpa is forgetting words, names and faces, and his family feels they are losing him. Neha keeps his memory alive by sharing his adventures and retelling his stories. A warm picture book about love, memory and dementia.
Heads-up: Serious illness
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Somnath Hore: Wounds
by Likla (illus. Kripa Bhatia)
Ages 8–12Indian author
A picture-book biography of the sculptor and printmaker Somnath Hore, whose art grew out of the pain of famine and war. It gently helps children talk about difficult feelings such as pain, anger, fear and uncertainty. Part of the Art Exploration series.
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Jamlo Walks
by Samina Mishra (illus. Tarique Aziz)
Ages 7–10Indian author
Inspired by the real Jamlo, a twelve-year-old girl who died walking home during India's 2020 lockdown, this book asks how the lockdown affected migrant workers and their children, and invites young readers to notice injustice and inequality around them.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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That Night
by Bijal Vachharajani (illus. Shrujana Niranjani Shridhar)
Ages 7–12Indian author🔍 Hard to find in India
Chaitu wakes up to loud, angry voices and a fire raging in the distance, and fears for her family, friends and home. A short, powerful story about fear, intolerance and how it feels to be targeted.
Heads-up: Violence
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A Suitcase for Surta
by Riddhi Shah (illus. Shruti Hemani)
Ages 6–9Indian author
Life during the pandemic is hard for young Surta, and her hopes seem to be fading, until her father's suitcase arrives with the chance of change. A story about empathy, growing up and the strength of family.
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Kitabon Wala Ghar
by Jasbir Bhullar (illus. Chandramohan Kulkarni; trans. Rakesh Pankaj)
Ages 9–13Indian author
Childhood stories from rural Punjab in 1946–49, told through young Veer: a dying plant brought home, a stray dog, a dozing teacher, an open-air film, and the fear that spreads through the village during Partition. Translated from Punjabi into Hindi.
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A Home of Our Own
by Meghaa Aggarwal (illus. Habib Ali)
Ages 4–8Indian author
Sunehri and her friends, who live on the city streets, decide to play house with old plates, empty chip packets, plastic bottles and a broken helmet they have collected. A tender look at play, friendship and what makes a home.
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Maari – A Gift from the Skies
Ages 4–8Indian author
Heat waves have left Kanmani's Tamil Nadu village burnt and bare, yet everyone is getting ready for a festival, with decorated pots, bright silk saris and the beat of the parai drum. A story about finding safety in community, calm in chaos, and the gentle empathy of nature.
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Where Is Mr. Thookam?
by Anusha Veluswamy (illus. Janan Abir)
Ages 3–7Indian author🔍 Hard to find in India
Pattu wakes in the night to find Mr. Thookam (sleep) gone, and she and her Akka set out to find him. A funny, comforting story about night-time fears and the love between two sisters.
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Amma's Magic Handbag
by Vaishali BK (illus. Chandrima Chatterjee)
Ages 4–7Indian author
When feelings get too big, Amma doesn't rush to fix them. She stays, listens and plays, pulling small, magical things from her handbag. A gentle book about emotions and the power of a parent's presence.
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A Song From Where I Live
by Smrithi Devakumar
Ages 4–8Indian author
A love letter to home and the natural world, from the earth and sky to the wind, inviting readers to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and ask what makes their wings shimmer.
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Can You Draw Love, Abbu?
Ages 4–8Indian author
Zoya and her Abbu try to draw feelings like love, happiness and contentment. A tender story set in a warm Indian home about a father and daughter, creativity and naming emotions.
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Pooni, Pooni, Where Are You?
by Manjula Padmanabhan
Ages 1–3Indian author
Minnie can't find her little cat anywhere! Bright, bold pictures help toddlers follow Pooni around in this find-it board book from the creator of Where's That Cat?
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Who Is Boodabim?
Ages 1–3Indian author
Is Boodabim a cloud? A fish? A tiger? Or a clown? A playful guessing-game board book that gets toddlers naming shapes, animals and things.
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Oluguti Toluguti
by Radhika Menon & Sandhya Rao, eds. (illus. Kshitiz Sharma)
Ages 2–6Indian author
54 rhymes from 18 Indian languages in lively English versions that keep the sounds: kau kau crows, chuk chuk trains, chham chham rain and dam padam pappadams. A joyful celebration of India's many languages.
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Haathi Bhai
by Traditional Gujarati rhyme (illus. Paridhi Didwania)
Ages 0–3Indian author
A big, round, colourful Haathi Bhai is on his way! A sturdy board book that turns a lively Gujarati rhyme into English without missing a beat.
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Akkad Bakkad
by Traditional Punjabi rhyme (illus. Shreya Sen)
Ages 0–3Indian author
Numbers walk, run, skip and laugh in this board book of a favourite Punjabi counting rhyme, adapted into English with bright, bold pictures.
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Cheep Cheep
by Traditional Marathi rhyme (illus. Soumya Menon)
Ages 0–3Indian author
Birds, animals and the everyday sounds of a child's world, in an English board-book version of a Marathi rhyme that encourages little ones to listen and look around.
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Dosa Amma Dosa
by Traditional Tamil rhyme (illus. Anupama S. Iyer)
Ages 0–3Indian author
5, 4, 3, 2, 1… hot dosas for the family! A board book of the much-loved Tamil rhyme about making and sharing dosas, with pictures inspired by wooden toys.
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Jhiri Jhiri Rain
by Traditional Bengali rhyme (illus. Priyadarshini Banerjee)
Ages 0–3Indian author
Jhiri jhiri comes the rain… and with it the sights and sounds of a wet, wet world. A board book of a Bengali rhyme that is just as musical in English.
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Karadi Rhymes with Usha Uthup
by Shobha Viswanath (sung by Usha Uthup)
Ages 1–5Indian author
Indian rhymes for Indian children, about mangoes, not daffodils, and kites, not surfboards. Three picture books with QR codes for songs set to simple Indian ragas and sung by Usha Uthup.
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Naturalist Ruddy
Ages 9–14Indian author
A ruddy mongoose turns nature detective in the forests of central India, solving 'crime scenes' that turn out to be the strange, true behaviour of lesser-known animals, insects and plants. A witty comic that mixes natural history with whodunnit, from the creator of Green Humour.
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'Carri-on', Ruddy!
Ages 9–14Indian author
Naturalist Ruddy, Kanha Tiger Reserve's resident mongoose detective, is back. Claw marks on trees, cannibal bees, lichens that threaten lizards: Ruddy travels across India to crack nature's oddest cases. The sequel to Naturalist Ruddy.
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The Great Indian Nature Trail with Uncle Bikky
by Rohan Chakravarty & Bijal Vachharajani
Ages 7–12Indian author📱 eBook only in India
Ornithologist Uncle Bikky, his wildlife-photographer niece Chunmun and their dog Duggu travel from deserts and wetlands to rock formations and forests, meeting India's bugs, birds, mammals and reptiles. WWF-India's comics, collected with jokes, trivia and activities.
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The Great Indian Nature Trail with Chunmun
by Rohan Chakravarty & Bijal Vachharajani
Ages 10–14Indian author
Eighteen-year-old Chunmun, a keen birdwatcher like her ornithologist uncle, wins an explorer's grant and sets off across India to photograph and write about the creatures she finds. Comics by Rohan Chakravarty with nature essays by Bijal Vachharajani.
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Bird Business
Ages 8–14Indian author
Illustrated, funny glimpses into the daily lives of about 100 Indian birds: how they hunt, court, feed, fly and raise their young. Residents, migrants, endemics and endangered species, drawn with Green Humour's mix of art, science and jokes.
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Junior Kumbhakarna
Ages 4–8Indian author
Every night Kukku asks his father for the story of Kumbhakarna, the giant who sleeps for six months at a stretch, and every night he dozes off at the same moment the giant does. In his dream, everyone tries everything to wake the giant up. A wildly funny retelling of an episode from the Ramayana, illustrated by Shreya Sen.
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Bookasura: The Adventures of Bala and the Book-Eating Monster
Ages 6–9Indian author
While staying with his grandparents, Bala meets Bookasura, a many-headed monster who eats books. Bala keeps him at bay with a steady supply of stories, but what happens when the books run out? A funny celebration of reading and imagination, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Winner of the Comic Con India award for best children's publication.
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Koobandhee: The Adventures of Bala and the Book-Barfing Monster
Ages 7–10Indian author
Bala's books are under threat: from a book-chewing baby sister, a strict school librarian, and Koobandhee, a one-eyed monster who barfs up books and blames Bala for her upset stomach. The second Bookasura adventure, full of word play and bookish jokes.
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Petu Pumpkin: Tiffin Thief
Ages 6–9Indian author
Petu Pumpkin is always hungry, and when he starts emptying his friends' tiffin boxes they form a secret society to save their lunches. Magic potions flop and super glue goes wrong in this laugh-out-loud school story. The first Petu Pumpkin book and a winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Duckbill's hOle Books series.
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Petu Pumpkin: Tooth Troubles
Ages 6–9Indian author
The Gap Club has challenged the Fourth Standard to a football match, but they can't practise without a ball, and the ball depends on Petu's wobbly tooth falling out in time. A funny chapter book about friendship, teamwork and losing your first teeth. hOle Books series.
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Petu Pumpkin: Cheater Peter
Ages 6–9Indian author
When Petu starts cheating, his friends are sure he is headed for a life of crime. They try hypnosis, a home-baked truth serum and a DIY lie detector to set him straight. A funny story about honesty and friendship. hOle Books series.
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Petu Pumpkin: Freedom Fighter
Ages 9–12Indian author
When games periods are cancelled and their playground is threatened by land grabbers, Petu and his friends take inspiration from India's freedom fighters and protest. Along the way they face misleading media, credit-stealing politicians and scary security guards. A funny, timely story about standing up for what's fair, illustrated by Shilpa Ranade.
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I Want a Pet
Ages 5–7Indian author
Jasbir has always wanted a pet, not a sibling. Then one day a buffalo walks into his life and refuses to leave. A funny, warm Hook Book that bridges picture books and early chapter books, illustrated by Reshu Singh.
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Ramanujan: From Zero to Infinity
Ages 10–13Indian author
Young Srinivasa Ramanujan only wants to do maths at school in Kumbakonam, but this year there's no maths teacher. Instead, a string of odd substitutes has the boys lifting iron ingots, measuring milk and frying fish, and Ramanujan's team is drawn into a maths challenge he simply has to win. A funny story about the great mathematician as a boy, with puzzles to solve. Great Minds at Work series.
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Raman and Chandrasekhar: Lighting Up the Stars
Ages 10–13Indian author
Young Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar hates school, and his holidays are ruined when his uncle, the famous scientist C.V. Raman, comes to stay. Raman Chithappa pulls the eight children of the house into a string of physics experiments that disrupt everything. A funny introduction to two Nobel Prize-winning Indian scientists. Great Minds at Work series.
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A Forest Calls
by Shalini Srinivasan
Ages 10–14Indian author
Raksha moves to Basavakere, beside a forest that is waking up. When her friend Pol is kidnapped, she and Savitha brave magical creatures and a vengeful monarch to bring him home.
Heads-up: Mild peril
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Earth Tales: Folklore about India's Nature, Wildlife and Environment
by The Centre for Contemporary Folklore
Ages 8–14Indian author
A big illustrated collection of folk tales from every Indian state and union territory, many from tribal communities, where mountains, forests and animals are characters too. Each tale comes with its regional story and folk-art illustrations.
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From Bhavani, With Love
by Lakshmi V (illus. Zainab Tambawalla)
Ages 8–11Indian author
Sumi's grandfather is a master weaver of jamakkalam rugs in Bhavani. When his hands begin to falter and the pit loom falls silent, Sumi and the community find a way to help.
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Lightning Kid: 64 Winning Lessons from the Boy Who Became Five-Time World Chess Champion
by Viswanathan Anand
Ages 10–16Indian author
Vishy Anand tells his story, from a chess-mad boy in Chennai to India's first Grandmaster and five-time World Champion, with 64 short lessons on staying calm, losing well and bouncing back.
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Run, Ravi, Run!
by Kiran Vazir Nair (illus. Shubhshree Mathur)
Ages 6–9Indian author
Moments before his school 400-metre race, Ravi realises he has packed his big brother's shorts. Can his best friend Vikram help him make it to the starting line?
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The Book Ghosts
by Varsha Seshan
Ages 9–12Indian author
Five friends who secretly slip 'banned' books into their school library take on a bigger mission when a smear campaign threatens their town's free mobile library.
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The Day I Crossed the Ramganga
by Siddhesh Gautam
Ages 5–8Indian author
A young boy longs to visit his father's office, but the Ramganga river lies in between. Can he find the courage to cross it?
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The War Elephants of Trigarta
by Sarita Mandanna
Ages 9–13Indian author
In 326 BCE, Mili, daughter of the general in charge of war elephants, befriends a rare white elephant called Nathu who obeys only her. Together they are swept into the battle on the Vitasta river.
Heads-up: War & battle violence
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The White Lotus
by Aditi Krishnakumar
Ages 13–17Indian author
In 1901 Tamil Nadu, fourteen-year-old Aru is widowed before her married life begins. Working as companion to the landlord's grandmother, she gains an education, an unlikely ally and a dangerous mystery to solve.
Heads-up: Crime & murder
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Women in Blue: Sixteen Warriors, One World Cup Dream
by Suprita Das
Ages 9–14Indian author
Illustrated profiles of sixteen cricketers, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, who rose from small towns to win the 2025 Women's World Cup for India.
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Blue
by Devashish Makhija (illus. Satwik Gade)
Ages 5–7Indian author
It's the annual kite festival and Bhim wants to be part of it. He is, though not quite in the way he expected. A short, warm Hook Book about finding your own place.
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Crow vs Vada
by Aruna Shekar
Ages 3–6Indian author
The tea stall opens, hot masala vadas pile up, and Crow just wants one. But the tea-seller is watching, and there are other competitors too. Who wins? A cheeky new spin on a classic tale.
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Down by the Mangroves
by Praba Ram & Sheela Preuitt
Ages 10–13Indian author
Moyna's backyard is the Sundarbans, full of herons, kingfishers and tigers. When her father is suddenly gone, friends, neighbours and family help her learn that sorrow and joy can share space.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Ganesh Haloi: Colours of Home
by Likla Lall (illus. Eva Sánchez Gómez)
Ages 6–10Indian author
In 1950 a young boy was forced to flee his home; in 1964 he returned as an artist to a new country. The painter Ganesh Haloi looks back at the colours of the places he has called home.
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It Takes a Tribe: True Stories of 25 Tribal Heroes Who Changed India
by Ramendra Kumar
Ages 9–14Indian author
Twenty-five true stories of tribal freedom fighters, forest guardians, athletes and leaders, from Birsa Munda and Rani Gaidinliu to Mary Kom and Poorna Malavath.
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Magic Stitches
Ages 3–7Indian author
A little boy loves to crochet, and the other boys make fun of him. As they watch, his stitches turn into a cape, a river and a maze. Will they join him?
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Why Is My Skin Brown?
by Lakshmi Iyer
Ages 7–10Indian author
When Sarayu moves to India for a few months, her cousins, neighbours and even her Nani have strong opinions about her dark skin. A heartfelt story about colourism, family and belonging in two worlds.
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An Awakening in Awadh
by Vibha Batra
Ages 10–14Indian author
Lucknow, 1942. Qaisar's brother is leaving, his Abba thinks the British are good for India, and he is banned from playing Queen Victoria in the family play. As the Quit India movement grows, Qaisar finds himself in a role he never expected.
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Bird/Dog
by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan & Mrinalini Levin-Srinivasan
Ages 6–9Indian author
Bird roams the skies and wonders what a home would feel like; Dog has a home and longs for freedom. Their adventures bring them together in an unlikely friendship.
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I Am Archa: The Legend of Unniarcha, India's Warrior Girl
Ages 10–14Indian author
Unniarcha is the fiery daughter of a Kalaripayattu master, in a world where only boys can be warriors. When a bitter cousin challenges her sick father to a duel, she must step up. A verse-novel retelling of Kerala's warrior-girl legend.
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Laugh With Me
by Ruskin Bond
Ages 8–12Indian author
Ruskin Bond shares funny moments from his own life: swimming mishaps, train adventures, courtroom drama, mistaken identities and school days.
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Sising: The Amazing Adventures of a Lab Mouse
by Rothindranath Goswami (tr. Partha Pratim Goswami)
Ages 9–14Indian author
Sising is a lab mouse with a clever chip that helps him think and learn. But he wants more than lessons: he dreams of mountains, oceans and far horizons. A funny, big-hearted adventure, translated from Assamese.
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Travelling Treasures 2.0: 75 Incredible Tales of Things India Gave to the World
by Mala Kumar
Ages 8–12Indian author
From pepper and chess to pyjamas, shampoo and kathak, 75 short tales of everyday things and ideas that travelled from India to the rest of the world.
