Books are my lifeline. Needless to say when my boys took to reading, I was over the moon. I picked up all my favourite books that I loved reading as a child and handed it over to them. I’m sure you all would love it when you can choose books that every child must read!
Then came the phase of Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants; I have nothing against these books honestly, but when you read them in a loop, the same story over and over again, it does get a tad annoying.
So I took the plunge and bought the boys a variety of books that they would like, and I was not disappointed. I was lucky to have friends who authored some books which was sent my way. Here are some really fabulous books by Indian authors every child must read.
8 books by Indian authors every child must read
The first book I ever bought for myself was the Blue Story Book by Enid Blyton followed by The Magic Faraway Tree by the same author. Poular Book Depot at Devlali Camp. I should have that book locked in one of the trunks back home somewhere.
I cannot even explain how books became my favourite companion once I started reading them. Here are some books every child must read! I have listed a few books that I picked up for my boys that they completely love!
You’ll see my list is biased here because I am listing only Indian writers. To be honest, I have a love for Indian writing in English. While I may love Harry Potter and the people of the Magic Faraway Tree too, I don’t miss a chance to pick up a book written by an Indian author. So while my kids may love the Hardy Boys and Wimpy Kids, I do introduce them to Indian authors as much as I can.
So here is my list of 8 books by Indian authors every child must read.
The Diary of a Space Traveller and Other Stories by Satyajit Ray
I am yet to read this book, but I picked up this book because I was totally in love with the description on Amazon. And then there is something magical about Satyajit Ray’s writings? Isn’t it? It all began with the fall of a meteorite and the crater it made. In its center was a red notebook, sticking out of the ground–the first (or was it really the last?) of Professor Shonku`s diaries.
Professor Trilokeshwar Shonku, eccentric genius and scientist, disappeared without a trace after he shot off into space with a rocket from his backyard in Giridih, accompanied by his loyal but-not-too-intelligent servant Prahlad, his cat Newton, and Bidhushekhar, his robot with an attitude.
You can buy this book on Amazon India here.
The Gita : For Children by Rupa Pai
Yes, you can start let your kids know more about the Bhagvad Gita, one of the more revered books of our culture at a young age. Written specifically for kids, this book is one of the Editor Picks on Amazon. If you thought thta the Gita was for you and me, you can read this too. These small nuggets of information will stay with you forever. Every single time I pick up the book the information I seek has a new interpretation. You can buy this book on Amazon India here.
Amma Series by Bhakti Mathur
My husband picked up her book, Amma, Take me to the Golden Temple, just as we were headed to Amritsar two years ago from the airport. The boys loved it! Beautifully written, the story traces the history of the Golden Temple. Her writing is apt for children and without being too heavy, it gives out loads of information about the religious places. There is one on the Dargah of Salim Chishti and Tirupati. And then there are tales about our festivals and Gods! I would highly recommend these books if you are introducing your children to mythology and religious places. You can look up all her books here on Amazon India.
Unlucky Chumki by Lesley D. Biswas
This is the first signed copy that the boys received by the author herself, Lesley D. Biswas. So it’s locked in the safe now that the boys are done reading it. About Unlucky Chumki, a young girl in the village and well, when she is around, nothing goes right, but everything does go wrong! Everyone thinks she’s a walking disaster. Along with her brother Aki and a few friends, they hatch a plan. Will that plan work? Ah! There is a catch! You’ll have to read the book to know more. Priced at INR 169 for a paperback, you can buy this book here.
A Tigress called Machili and Other True Animal Stories by Supriya Sehgal
Yet another book that was sent by the author to the boys. Supriya Sehgal is an avid traveller and a writer! As she travelled to some little-known destinations (and some well-known) one’s. Her travel helper her to unravel a series of stories through animals she encountered in her journey. A Tigress called Machilli and Other True Animal Stories is a must read if your kids love animals! I loved the one with the crocodile that eats only rice and the wedding that ushers in the rains. You can buy this book on Amazon India here.
Ready, Yes! Play! by Arundhati Nath
Anu loves cricket. She breathes it and loves and she wants to learn to play the game. There is a small challenge she needs to overcome. She is visually impaired. She asks her father if he can teach her. And he does. But not just her, along with a few other friends, they learn everything about cricket for the visually impaired. This is an inspiring story of Anu about how she could overcome her obstacles by winning the game of cricket. You can buy this book here. Arundhati Nath is a versatile writer who has written for various national and international publications.
The Magicians of Indrostan by Shivani Adib
Young Saloni and Kunal embark on a magical journey with their Sudhir chacha, who is a magician. A small gift with a clue lets them onto a wonderful adventure at the magical Indrostan. The powerful magicians have to use their grit and magical powers to fight the vicious Khras and more. How do Saloni and Kunal helps the people of Indrostan? Read this book to find out! You can buy this book here on Amazon here.
Can you? by Praba Ram & Sheela Preuitt
Aimed at preschoolers, the book Can you? introduces children to the various parts of bodies in animals and their unique attributes, quite different from the typical uses we are used to seeing them in human beings. Children will delight in reading about the funny uses to which various animal parts have been adapted through evolution – if you are an elephant, you can bathe with your nose and if you are a platypus, you can chew without your teeth! Learning about the natural world and the wide adaptations in the animal kingdom will encourage budding zoologists and conservationists to look at our world in a new light, and find our inter-connectedness. You can buy the book here.
Not a very exhaustive list, but these are books that I have picked up for my boys and they are loving reading them! And then, can you ever have enough of books? Do you have any favourite books written by Indian authors for kids? Let me know in the comments!
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These are some good recommendations, shall grab Amma series for my child soon.
Please do! I love those series!
That’s some list, most of the name I never heard before. I am eager to pick up The Golden temple the most.
It is a really well written book introducing the children to the history of the Golden temple.
This is such a great idea. And I love the books you picked. Unfortunately I never thought of focussing on Indian authors. I don’t think mine would read these now because they’re too ‘grown up’ but I will definitely look up some more age-appropriate ones.
They’re still young, maybe the ones from Roopa Pai? But leave them to their choices 🙂
This is a good collection of books for kids to enjoy. Thanks for the list!
Thanks 🙂
Bitiya ko ye list bhejti hu , jis se wo apne baccho k liye le sake
? Thanks for sharing
What a lovely list of recommendations. Want to delve into all.of these! Thanks for sharing.
Most welcome. I do hope that you like the books.
How I wish I could have come across this list when I was a kid! Sigh! Will share this with my mommy friends.
🙂 Please do! Would love it if you could pass the message.
I am a book hoarder for my son who’s turning 3 soon. I would love to introduce books to him from your list once he comes to age. Thanks for sharing this. #MyFriendAlexa #CloudandSunshineReads
Most welcome 🙂 Books are a treasure.
I mostly gift books to my own kids, their friends and even to relative’s kids. you have given me a whole new list. great.
I do hope that they enjoy reading the books!
That’s a great list. I’m tempted by there Amma series. What age group would you recommend these for? I would prefer that he reads them on his own now.
6 and above should be good. My boys were 8 when they read these books.
Pratibha, I am unabe to comment on any other post of yours as there seems to be no comment box, Based on your recommendation, I have ordered The Golden Teample for my nephew in india, I am sure he will like it 🙂
That’s strange. Quite a few people did comment on the post! And I hope that your child loves the books as much my sons did.
Loved the compilation!! I have been looking for books by indian authors. I will check these books to see which one would my three year old enjoy. 🙂
Most of these are for 7 years and older 🙂
As a child, I haven’t read any of these. Can you look perfect for me.
great list. My son is 4 and I have already started stuffed his almirahs with books. Will try these when he reaches that age.
Wow I didn’t know about these books. Grabbing The Gita asap. Thanks so much for sharing this list.
Thanks! Let me know how you liked the book.
This is a great list. I have bookmarked this page and shall buy some for my daughter. #MyFriendAlexa #ShubhraReads
I am definitely picking up The Gita and The golden temple next time. I have saved the post and going to use this list when I am confused which book to buy for my little one next.
Awesome! Do let me know how your child likes the books!
Great list, Pratibha! Will stock them soon for my daughter. Thank you!
I have only 4 of the above mentioned books. Will buy the others later
🙂 Please do!
I just loved the list given by you, honestly speaking never get to know about such an amazing books, my son is bookworm, I was looking for something useful to gift him as he scored well and qualified his black belt exams in karate and yes this list is definitely going to help me. Thanks for sharing.
Most welcome! Do let me know how he likes the books 🙂
I love reading and also understand the importance of reading. I developed the habit late and reaping the benefits even later and hence always excited about introducing the habit in young ones. This series is well noted will pass o wherever it is needed. Thank you so much for sharing this list Pratibha 🙂
Welcome 🙂
Lovely assortment of books. Children should be introduced to reading when they are babies. Heres why reading aloud helps:
https://www.mommysmagazine.com/2019/02/reading-aloud-children-7-powerful-benefits/
That is a super informative post you shared! thanks so much. Can I please share it as a backlink in this post? Do let me know.
Loved the recommendations. Have bookmarked this post. Would love to introduce few mentioned books on mythology.Thanks for sharing.
Most welcome 🙂
Loved the different categories you put together for kids, we have adventure ,mythological and all. #millennialscribbler
#myfriendalexa
I have always liked a variation in my reading and I try to adopt that for my boys too.
Loved the books which you have shared for the kids here.
These are some book recommendations. I have a couple of books from Amma tell me series. great choice
This is such a perfect list for kids books
this is a great list, i must say.. sadly I haven’t bought any though my daughter loves reading books. I’m gonna buy few of these, thank you
Awesome! Do let me know how she liked these books.
Nowadays, kids are always before TV or smartphone. I hope this post will help parents to decide which books their child should read.
I have always limited screen time for my kids and books are their companion, and of course sports!
You have compiled the list so well. My nephew has read few of these but I would get the other ones for him.
Lovely I hope he likes the other books too 🙂