How To Get Started on Indian Kid-lit: A Handy Guide
Books you need, sorted by reading level.
Dear Grownups raising book lovers!
Why should our children read Indian kid-lit? This is a question I am often asked.
I am also often asked why I focus on Indian children’s literature when I can include so many others. Why is it so important for Indian children to read books by Indian authors?
Why Should Indian Children Read Indian Children’s Literature?
Simple answer: Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read.
Sure, there are stories set in faraway Alps and magical boy-wizard lands, and those make for a great read. But there are fantastic places closer to home, too, and our children can read stories and visit the places they read about.
Reading Indian children’s literature offers our kids mirrors that reflect their own lives — their languages, families, festivals, foods, streets, and the small, big joys of growing up in India. It also offers windows into many ways of being Indian — across states, communities, cultures, and histories.
When children read books rooted in their own world:
They feel seen. Palm, coconut, and jamun trees in the yard or dosa and curd rice in the tiffin box aren’t exotic — it's part of everyday life, and it's in the books they read.
They build cultural confidence. When stories like their own are reflected on the pages they read, it builds confidence and ownership, giving them the confidence to freely learn about others.
They explore diversity within India. From Ladakh to Kerala, from tribal folktales to contemporary urban narratives — these books show the many Indias that coexist. As creators use the words from our regional languages in their stories, children get to see that there are people who speak like them.
They grow empathy and awareness. Indian stories often explore real issues with nuance and sensitivity — caste, gender, climate, migration, identity — in ways that are accessible and age-appropriate.
They support Indian creators. Reading Indian books helps sustain the ecosystem of writers, illustrators, publishers, and translators who are telling these vital stories.
They help us raise readers. When children see themselves in the books they read, they are compelled to finish the book they started, leading to building an interest in reading and helping raise committed readers.
They are also some of the best books in the world. Indian children’s literature is going through a golden period where our stories and illustrations are on par with some of the best in the world. Why shouldn’t we be reading them, then?
As adults eager to raise readers, let’s help our children discover the books that will engage, intrigue, and excite them. Our stories, books, and illustrations are brilliant, we just need to put them in our children’s hands and watch the magic happen.
A Starter Kit Of Indian Children’s Books (Sorted by Reading Level)
Disclaimer:
This list has relatively new books, say from the last few years. I have curated books from the last few years because they are whetted by the Mother of Readers team and because they have remained relevant and timeless.
There are so many more books I want to add, but these are great books to start your Indian kid-lit library.
Picture Books
Nani’s Walk to the Park, written and illustrated by Deepa Balsavar. Pratham Books
Venki wants Nani to take him to the park but Nani has multiple stops to make before they get to the park. A boring walk becomes an adventure as Venki looks at his neighbourhood through Nani’s eyes. Buy
Pishi and Me, written by Timira Gupta and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe. Pratham Books
Chutku goes for a walk in the neighbourhood with his aunt or Pishi and comes back with a pocketful of treasures. Seen entirely through a child’s perspective (and height!) this book is a must-have in your library and something you will never outgrow.
Dugga, written and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe. Pratham Books
This wordless picture book is about a stray dog, Dugga, who spends his day finding food and shelter until tragedy strikes. Amazing book for children to learn about empathy towards the animals they see on the street. Warning: Will move you to tears. Read review
When the Sun Sets, written and illustrated by Ogin Nayam. Pratham Books
Ever thought of the sun as a woman? What happens when she finishes her job and goes home? This wordless picture book is deeply moving and gorgeous.
Ammachi’s Glasses, written and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Tulika Books
What happens when Ammachi (grandma) wakes up one day and can’t find her glasses? A hilarious book with oodles of local flavour and dramatic twists and turns as Ammachi goes about her day, as her whole family looks for her glasses. Read review
Gajapati Kulapati series, written and illustrated by Ashok Rajagopalan. Tulika Books
Who doesn’t love stories about adorable elephants? Ashok Rajagopalan’s hit series about an elephant named Gajapati Kulapathi and his big troubles will tickle and engage young readers night after night! Perfect for read-alouds!
Thatha at School, written by Richa Jha and illustrated by Gautham Benegal. Pickleyolk Books
Oviyam loves her grandfather and enjoys spending time with him, but when school announces grandparents’ day and invites grandparents to attend, she is nervous about taking her grandfather because of how he dresses! Will her friends make fun of her when they see him in his veshti?
Letters to Ammi, written by Aftab Yusuf Shaikh, photographs by Adrija Ghosh and Soumitra Ranade. Karadi Tales
Fatima traces her mother’s journey and revels in her presence throughout Delhi. From monuments to restaurants, and parks to favourite trees, she walks alongside her mother and remembers what it felt like to be with her. A beautiful book with stunning pictures of Delhi.
When Ali became Bajrangbali, written by Devashish Makhija and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Tulika Books
A hilarious, tongue-in-cheek take about an all too common occurrence in urban areas. What happens when a giant tree is cut down to make way for development? Who loses their home, and what of all those animals and birds that are displaced? Is there anything other than religion that can dissuade developers from cutting down trees? This book is a laugh riot with a deep message.
Early Readers
The Poop Book, written by Tejaswi Apte-Rahm and Sujatha Padmanabhan and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Kalpavriksh Books
Bet you never looked or thought about Poop this way! This book takes the reader through a fun exploration of poop! Learn all about creatures and their special connection with poop. Stuff that will have your early reader excited!
Hook Books: Boy, Bear, written by Adithi Rao and illustrated by Aaryama Somayaji. Duckbill Books
We love the Hook Books franchise, and Boy, Bear is one of our all-time favourites. This heartwarming story follows a boy and a bear who have grown up on the streets of Mumbai. But one day, their father, who is a madari or a street performer, dies. How will boy and bear take care of each other? Beautifully illustrated and allows for multiple conversations with your child. Read review
Hook Books: Shoo, Crow, written by Kavitha Punniyamurthi and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Duckbill Books
Hilarious book about the ingenuity of two boys, Velu and Akif, who find a way to keep their villagers’ corn safe from pesky crows! Read review
Dreamer series, written and illustrated by Lavanya Karthik. Duckbill Books
This is a series we dip into ever so often to be inspired or to just look at the different forms of illustrations. The Dreamer series are microbiographies about imminent Indians. These stories trace a point or an event in their life that set them on the path to achieve greatness. Each book is illustrated in a style that is reminiscent of the personality or time. Read complete review
We Hope: Children on Climate Change, written and illustrated by multiple children and illustrated. Pratham Books.
Every child has heard or knows about climate change these days, and this book is a beautiful way to showcase the many different things children hope for vis-à-vis the world they will inherit. Simple, heartfelt, and evocative, this is a book that is a must-read. Read complete review
Pinkoo Shergill: Pastry Chef, written by Vibha Batra and illustrated by Shamika Aves. Scholastic Books
This is a hilarious book about a young boy, Pinkoo, who doesn’t want to be a shooter but wants to become a pastry chef! But how will he confess this to his Papaji? Now the Great Junior Bake-a-Thon is in town, and it is an amazing platform for Pinkoo to showcase his skills but his family doesn’t think boys should be pastry chefs! Listen to the podcast here
Middle Grade readers
Bookasura: The Adventures of Bala and the Book-eating Monster, written by Arundhati Venkatesh and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Scholastic Books
This book is a true celebration of the power of imagination and the love of books. What should Bala do when a many-headed monster makes an appearance at his grandparents’ house and demands a steady supply of books? Will Bala manage to save himself, or will he get eaten up?
StORI Series or Stories of Rural India series, written and illustrated by various authors. Karadi Tales in association with People Archive of Rural India (Pari)
This amazing set of books takes real stories of disenfranchised communities, Indians living in rural areas and the challenges they face daily. These are adapted and told from the viewpoint of children. Gripping, endearing, and unputdownable. Read article on this series here
A Cloud called Bhura, written by Bijal Vachharajani. Speaking Tiger Books
What happens when a huge cloud of toxic gases casts itself over Mumbai? Its effects are felt all over the city, and it spares not human or creature. Media is buzzing, politicians are scheming about how they can benefit from this cloud and four young children realise it is time to take matters into their own hands. Thought-provoking, inspiring, hilarious, this is a book about how the young can facilitate change. Read review here
Moin and the Monster, written by Anushka Ravishankar and illustrated by Anita Balachandran. Penguin Random House India Books
Downright hilarious and seriously unputdownable for all ages! Moin realises one evening that there is a monster living under his bed. A monster that sings silly songs, eats bananas and obsesses over hairstyles. Moin’s friend comes up with a book of rules for the monster, but can Moin keep the monster a secret from his family? Read review here
Young Adult
People of the Indus, written and illustrated by Nikhil Gulati and Jonathan Mark Kenoyer. Penguin Random House India Books
Dive headfirst into this graphic novel about the Indus Valley Civilisation as you are taken on an exploratory journey through how they lived, did business and started families. What can we, as future civilisation, learn from them, and what all do we use today that we are thankful for? What has perished with them, and how much do we know about their relationship with the rest of the world? This is truly a fascinating way to learn history. Read complete review here
Art is a Voice, written and illustrated by Kripa. Arts Integrated books
A fearless take on how art can be used as a tool for dissent. Kripa writes and illustrates one of the most powerful books I have ever seen. This book opens the door for multiple conversations with your young adult about the times we live in. Read review here
Maithili and the Minotaur series, written by CG Salamander and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe. Penguin Random House India
A superb graphic novel series about friendship, love, loss, and family set in a fantastical world which somewhat resembles ours but surprises you at every step. Packed with complex layers of detail and visual satire, with the creators adding forgotten pieces of pop culture throughout, makes this book a real treasure for this generation of kids. Hard not to fall in love with the side characters in this one! Read why this book is so important here
Zen, written by Shabnam Minwalla. Penguin Random House India
This book, about intergenerational conflict mixed with the rich history of Mumbai and set against the backdrop of two defining conflicts of our time left me gasping for breath. One of the author’s most awarded and brilliant books, Zen is a must read for anyone who is passionate about storytelling, history, and Mumbai. Read the complete review here
I hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter, I know I had fun putting it together for you! If you like what you read, please consider sharing it with a friend who will benefit. Help a parent raise a reader and tell them about Mother of Readers. You will be blessed with good book karma for life! Love listening to authors talk about their latest book and the inspiration behind it? Listen to Tell Me A Story, a podcast that showcases some of the most well-known names from the Indian children’s literature world! Want to get a glimpse into bits and bobs of my life? Follow along on Instagram.
See you soon!
Rati Girish
Such a great selection of books Rati :)