My first interaction with children’s books was at the hospital when I delivered my first daughter. I was gifted a set of first read and nursery rhyme books. Of course after reading all over the web about how the child absorbs everything that he listens and sees I wasn’t surprised that reading for us would begin soon too. At first I bought a lot of books each time I visited a local book store. Like a lot of mothers I too did a lot of charities in the games & books section. As a mom who loves to make an informed decision(one of the reasons I started KSP) I would read many popular bestseller lists and must read book lists for kids, check reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles & Goodreads. I see a lot of you nodding in agreement.
My first interaction with Indian authors for children was when the daughter was 18 months old. That’s the time I also started reading to her in multiple languages and realized how important it is to get our kids to read content that’s closer to home. The global must read lists are great but it’s important to Include the books by a lot of Indian authors who are doing a fantastic job in creating stories that have Indian values, culture and an urban Indian set up.
The way a lot of mother’s choose books are typically at local book stores, book readings or must read book lists. That’s when I decided that we have absolutely no list that is curated by experts and mothers and it’s time to give our readers that balanced list between Indian and International authors. I hope this list will serve as a guide in buying great books for your children and inculcate the love for reading early on.
A big thank you to Lubaina Bandukwala, a journalist by profession but a children’s writer and editor by inclination. Preeti Vyas, mom and publisher of FunOkplease. Devaki Bhujang Gajare, mom and Founder of Little Readers Nook. Richa Sethi, mom and co – founder of The Junior Writers Bug for taking out time to share their best books for Indian kids ( Indian authors included).
Upto 3 years
1.The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle:
A brilliant picture book about a caterpillar’s journey to blooming into a Butterfly. The book is a picture book for kids, designed, illustrated and written by Eric Carle, published in 1969. What you often miss out on and what I figured out much later is that it’s not just a book that you can use while the kids are young. With every stage the book evolves. First it’s a story, then you learn about different foods, different colors, counting, days of the week and finally about match concepts about small, big, bigger and finally about the life-cycle of a butterfly
2. The Shape of Me and Other Stuff- Dr. Seuss:
Kids get to learn about various shapes and sizes in an adventurous way.This book by Dr. Seuss is more useful for Babies and Toddlers.
3. Ten in The Bed by Penny Dale:
This book By Penny Dale is sure to become your kids favorite bedtime story.The book is a spectacular bed time read featuring one little child, nine nursery animals and a bedtime song.
4.The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf:
Have you ever met a bull who isn’t interested in Bull fights? Meet this bull who is more interested in smelling flowers than getting into fights. Kids will love this Bull Story by Munro Leaf.
5. The frogs and their monster by Gurumayi Chidvilasnada:
A story based on frogs living peacefully in a pond. And, then suddenly a monster turns up and the fun begins. This story teaches the kids to be courageous.
6. The Great Hiss by Gurumayi Chidvilasnada
A story based on a cobra who turns non-violent on an advice given to him by a teacher. Kids learn to be smart in a non-violent way without hurting others.
7.Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
A picture book by Oliver Jeffers that is a must read for every kid. Can a problem be solved by throwing things at it?. Find it out.
2.5 - 7 years
8. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaladson:
You will find this one in every bookshelf in a kids room but it didn’t make it to ours. The daughter was always scared of Gruffalo. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson is based on the story of a mouse, who is the central character of the story, taking a walk in the woods. The book also has a sequel to it named The Gruffalo’s child. With many different story and experiences with activity books too Gruffalo makes a soft spot in your heart forever.
9. Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book by Axel Scheffler:
The book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a hilarious book for kids. The story begins with a pirate who has his favorite book along with Goldilocks and knight who have their own favorite book. The story entertains the child in every way and concludes in a surprising manner.
10. Sunu Sunu Snail by Sandhya Rao:
Lights, action and Sunu along with stunning illustrations is what makes it such a favourite book among kids. Kids love the name Sunu Sunu and the little snail will create a space in your child’s heart forever.
11. Children’s Book Trust:
The Toy Horse by Deepa Agarwal. A heart wrenching story that leaves a lasting impact on little children. A story of a little girl and a Toy horse that she makes for herself. Read the book to know what would she get in exchange of the Toy Horse. Read our review here
12. Dinosaur-as-long-as-127-kids by Geeta Dharamraj:
This book by Geeta Dharamraj narrates the sad story of Dinosaur who is cursed by the three little children. The illustrations by Rajiv Eipe brilliantly conveys the story to the kids. The story will leave wanting kids to read it over and over again.
13. The Tiger who came to Tea by Judith Kerr:
What happens when a Tiger enters your House? Little Sophie who has a tiger visiting her one day and how we manages to eat every morsel in the house and leaves Sophie surprised and hungry.
14. Excuse me is this India? by Anushka Ravishankar
An unusual book of travel through a child’s imagination by Anushka Ravishakar portrays the story in verses. The Indian textiles art,people and various places in India are portrayed beautifully.
15. Icky Yucky Mucky by Natasha Sharma.
This tale by Natasha Sharma portrays the tale of Icky, Yucky, Mucky, with illustrations by Anitha Balchandran and it will have your kids laughing and yelling throughout the story.
16. Padma Goes to Space by Swetha Prakash.
The book lets the child explore the world of universe. The book is all about Padma’s joyful and cheerful journey into the space world. The story cheerfully gives wings to a child’s imagination, with volcano erupting out fresh juices that freeze into ice-creams.
17. My Mothers Sari by Sandhya Rao:
The book is about a little girl who imagines her Mothers Saree to be a river when its blue and a train when its red. The illustrations are brilliant and paves way for lots of imagination. One of my favourites from Sandhya Rao
18. Wolves by Emily Gravett:
Wolves by Emily Gravett is a picture book for kids published in 2005. The book talks about the journey of the Rabbit as he visits the library to borrow the book based on Wolves. It leaves the child imagining the story with all twists and turns. Also, the visuals used in the story depict the story well.
19. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff:
A book by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond, this award winning book is perfect for beginners and story time. The story revolves around a hungry little mouse and the difficulties one faces after the mouse shows up at your doorsteps. The book is a great first introduction to Mouse, the star of If You give series.
20. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak:
This picture book classic by Maurice Sendak is based on a boy named Max, his fantasies and the consequences he has to face due to his mischief and all the wild things he does.The book continues to be one of the most loved books for kids and has been a source of inspiration for movies, opera.
21. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault:
A best selling book for kids by Bill Martin, Jr.and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. It’s a alphabet book that introduces kids to letters.
22. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt:
Written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers: Have you opened your color box and found letters instead of colors saying They Quit! No, never right. But by reading this funny story you will actually feel that the crayons too have feelings.
23. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram:
This book by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram depicts the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and his love for his father.The story and the illustrations make it a good book to read. And, also it’s a story based on the love between daddy and his son, as such stories are very rare to find.
24. Malgudi Days by R.K Narayan:
A collection of short stories by R.K. Narayan published in 1943.The book includes 19 stories set in the fictional town of Malgudi.The book was also adapted into a television series. This is one book that I have read repeatedly and has had a lasting impact on me
25. Aaloo Maaloo kaaloo by Pratham books:
The simplicity and rhyme of this book by Pratham books is what sets it apart. The hidden learning about Potatoes growing underground is an added learning. The book is available in many Indian languages and we love the Hindi version.
26. Boskys Panchtantra by Gulzar:
If you are a fan of Gulzar Sahab’s work, then let your kids read his book. Boskys panchtantra by Gulzar is a set of five different books comprising from stories from Panchtantra.
27. Tiger on the Tree by Anushkha Ravishankar:
Kids are afraid of Tigers, aren’t they? But by reading this they won’t be sacred of the horrifying animal anymore. The story by Anuskha Ravishankar is based on a Tiger who is caught by the Villagers. But, at the end the villagers make a surprising decision on what to do with the Tiger. The book with it’s surprising twists and tales keeps the child hooked with it.
28. Alphabet Dress Up by Nalini Sorenson:
A new age alphabet book that introduces kids to alphabets and adds up as an aid to imagination while playing dressing up.The Rhymes and the colourful illustrations make the book a must read for all Indian kids. Read our review here
29. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst:
This book published in 1972 revolves around the story a boy named Alexander, as he wakes up with gum on his hair, and everything else gets worse as the day progresses. The story will charm readers of all age making them love it.
30. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson:
Does a crayon have the power to create the world? Read this story that revolves around a boy, who with his purple crayon has a power to create a world of his own with simply drawing it. The book led to a series of other books and inspired many adaptations.
31. The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers:
The story is based on a girl who lives a life full of wonders, until one day something happened that she had to take her heart and put it in a safe place.Kids will love this interesting story filled with drama.The language is simple for the kids to read accompanied with beautiful illustrations.
32. Children who Smelt the Rat by Allan Ahlberg:
The story revolves around the lives of Gaskitt Family.The book has short chapters and great illustrations and funny moments which makes it hugely entertaining.
33. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka:
Illustrations by Lane Smith. The book depicts the story of three little pigs from the wolf’s point of view. The illustrations and the humour involved makes it a must read.
34. The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain:
A series of children’s book by Stan and Jan Berenstain provides a moral and safety lesson at the end of each story. Their stories revolve around the family of bears. The Berenstein Bears series is great as a first experience book for preschoolers
35. Billionaire Boy by David Williams:
Kids will learn about the well known phrase, Friends are our greatest treasure.
36. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson:
This Classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett published in 1910, portrays the story of a 10-year old orphan named Mary, a spoiled brat. The book discloses the story of the Secret Garden at Misselthwaite Manor. And how the girl starts thinking about people and their feelings. The book is a joy to read and an eye-opener for many young kids who don’t respect their older ones.
37. The Cat in the Hat by DR.Seuss:
This book by DR.Seuss makes reading a complete joy. The book is based on the two boys named Dick and Sally who are having a sad day, until a cat in the hat shows up and makes it an adventurous day. The rhymes and the language used in the book will makes it complete entertaining. The book was adapted for various media, theatre, TV and educational softwares. If your kids don’t warm upto The Cat in the Hat don’t worry you’re not the only one. But no one teaches rhyme like he does.
38. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl:
This book published in 1964 by Roald Dahl and features the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka.The story was originally inspired Roald Dahl’s experience of Chocolate Companies during school days.
39. The Treasure Island by Louis Stevenson:
This book by Robert Louis Stevenson published in 1883.This adventurous novel narrates the story of Buccaneers and buried gold. The story contains drama and characters that keeps kids entertaining through the end.
40. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein:
Can a tree serve love to a child all his life? Kids get to read this story based on the boy and the Serving tree. A picture book for kids written and published in 1964 by Shel Silverstein is touted to be one of the most divisive book in Children’s literature. The book is based on the equation between the boy and the Tree. The tree gives the boy selfless love all his life. The story is an interesting one for kids to read.
41. Don’t let the Pigeon drive the bus by Moo Williems:
A children’s picture book by Moo Williems depicting the story of the bus driver who asks the readers to not allow the pigeon to drive the bus. Let the kids read the book to know what happens next. The animated version of the book won the 2010 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children’s Video.
42. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson:
One of the most well known children’s book based on a girl named Alice and her fantasy world. The book relates to the kids giving wings to their imaginations.
43. Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann:
Pinkalicuious can be any girls best friend and her obsession for everything pink is what resonates with all girls. Pinkalicious is a character shaping book for young girls.
44. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin:
A picture book by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle published in 1967.The book is designed to help kids associated with colors and meanings to objects.
45. Wishing Chair Series by Enid Blyton:
If your kids love stories related to magic, then this is the book I would surely recommend.The wishing chair series by Enid Blyton is based on adventures of two boys named Molie and Peter who discover a wishing chair.
46. Dorje’s stripes by Anshumani Rudra:
Have you ever discovered a tiger without stripes? Anushumani Rudra gets you across a Royal Bengal Tiger in a small Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Kids learn about the mystery behind the tiger without the stripes.
47. Sameer’s house by Deepa Hari, Deepa Balsavar:
Kids go on a well illustrated journey based on the Universe. A story depicts the idea to show kids how everyone is a small part of the universe. The strong illustrations by Nina Sabani take the kids on a wonderful visual journey of the universe.
48. Ismat’s Eid by Fawzia Gilani Williams
Find out what the shoemaker Ismat gets as his Eid’s gift.This adaptation of the Turkish tale will have the kids laughing all through the story. Also, the wonderful illustrations by Roy make the characters come alive.
49. Excuses, Excuses by Anushka Ravishankar
Whenever you confront kids on why they did something, they always come up with some or the other excuse. Make them read this story by Anushkha Ravishankar based on a boy named Neel who finds himself punished every week due to his list of excuses.
50. Moin and the monster by Anushka Ravishankar
What happens when a monster asks you to do something for him? You get frightened don’t you? Find out what happens to Moin after he meets the Monster. Kids will be laughing all throughout the book wondering about the consequences that Moin has to face due to his meeting with the Monster.
51. Catch that crocodile by Anushka Ravishankar
Kids get to read about an amazing tale of a crocodile that enters the town and what havoc he creates. The story ends with a delightful twist and turn. The illustrations by Pulak Biswa makes book a must have.
52. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell:
All the animal loving kids will love this story by Anna Sewell based on a horse named Black Beauty. The story revolves around the life of the horse since childhood.
53. The story of the Little Red Hen by Diane Maldrow
A story based on the Little Red hen who plants her wheat. Graphics by the illustrator J.P Miller make the animals come alive. Kids will surely love reading this colorful book enveloped with a story that inculcates the quality of teamwork within the kids.
54. The Incredible Book eating boy by Oliver Jeffers
A story about a boy who loves eating books. And, with eating them he becomes the smartest boy in the world. Until one day he feels down with a sick stomach. What happens next let the kids find out. This book is a must have on every book shelf as it teaches a great lesson to kids.
55. Spells by Oliver Jeffers
Find out what happens when a frog tries to spell words. This book by Emily Gravett has many laugh a loud moments with a fairy tale ending.
56. A color of his own by Leo Lioni
A story that depicts the importance of Companionship in one’s life through the tale of a Chamelon. The colorful illustrations add a charm to the story
57. An extraordinary egg by Leo Lioni
A hilarious tale of a mistaken identity that is sure to delight the kids. We usually find a chicken coming out of an egg. Find out What happens when a long scaly green creature comes out of it ?
9-17 years:
58. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White:
A Children’s novel published in 1952 by Harper &Brothers is based on the pig and his friendship with a barn spider. Kids learn the lessons of friendship and loyalty. The book is also adapted into an animate feature.
59. Harry Potter Series:
A must on every kid’s bookshelves. The famous Harry Potter series features many genres of fantasy, thriller, action, romance and keeps the kids tucked with its varied twists and turns.
60. The Little Prince:
The most read and the most translated book in French was published in 1943 by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.It’s a poetic tale with watercolor illustrations portraying the story of a Pilot stranded in a dessert meets a young prince fallen on the Earth from a tiny asteroid.
61. The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by Frank Baum:
The book is based on the adventures of a girl on the land of OZ after being swept away from her farm home in a cyclone. This book written by Frank Baum was published in 1990.
62. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh:
A children’s novel described as a milestone in children’s literature and a classic was published in 1964.The book is based on an eleven year old writer who aspires to become a spy. The girl writes down stories about her close ones and how they get hold of the book. The book is filled with a range of emotions and twists.
63. Wisha Wozzawriter by Payal Kapadia:
This book by Payal Kapadia is based on a girl named Wisha who aspires to become a writer. As the story unfolds the girl knows how to fulfill her dreams of becoming a writer. The illustrations by Roger Dahl make the characters come alive.
64. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie:
A children’s book by the well known author Salman Rushdie talks about the problems existing in the Indian Society from the viewpoint of the young protagonist Haroun. The book was published in 1990.
65. Matilda by Roald Dahl:
Let the kids explore the story of a young girl named Mathilda who is gifted with magical powers. The book was published in 1988 written by British Author Roald Dahl and illustrations by Quentin Blake. Matilda is one of our favourites from the duo Roald Dahl & Quentin Blake.
66. The six spellmakers of Dorabji Street by Shabnam Minawala:
A delightful read for the kids of all the age groups by journalist Shabnam Minawala. The story revolves around a group of children residing in Dorabji Street and how the children plan a conspiracy against their nasty neighbors. The illustrations by Svabhu Kohli makes reading the book indeed magical.
67. Mathematwist by T V Padma:
A book especially for all the mathematics lovers by TV Padma. The author pens downs stories from across all the countries. Each story presents a brain tricking story making kids smart enough to solve the problems.
68. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain:
A novel based on a young boy growing around the Mississippi river.The story is set along the fictional town of the St. Petersburg. Kids will love this story inspired by the author’s life as a youth.
69. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott:
One of my personal favorite book, that depicts the story of four sisters, each with a different personality. Learn how they share their joys and sorrow while growing up. This book is one my favourites and has had a lasting impression on me as a young girl.
70. Horrible Histories, Horrible Science series:
A series of stories published by Scholastic, and a part of the Horrible history franchise. The books are designed for kids to engage them in history by presenting unusual, gory or unpleasant aspect tongue-in cheek manner in contrast to formality of lessons taught in school. The books are written by Terry Deary, Neil Tonge and many.
71. Wonder by RJ Palacio
Kids often get scared of people or other kids who seem to be looking weird. This story will change their thinking. A story based on a school going boy who has a facial deformity. The book tends to convince his classmates that even he is normal like them. The story will have kids laughing and wiping tears all together.
72. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Meet this gorilla who watches TV Shows, eats bananas, makes art works that are sold by his owner. The story is beautifully scripted and has won several awards.
73. Flora and Ulysses by Kate DeCamillo:
An adventurous story about Flora and Ulysses with a whole lot of drama with twists and turns. The book makes up for an exciting read for kids who love adventures story.
74. Leo Lioni Alexander and the wind-up mouse
A gentle fable that explores the magic of friendship depicts a story based on an interesting tale between a real mouse and a mechanical one.
75. Journey to the river Sea by Eva Ibbotson
An adventurous novel for kids that conveys the author’s vision of the Amazon river.The book is set mainly in Brazil in the early twentieth century.
There are so many books that come to my mind that I feel this list could be never ending. We would love to know your favourite books from both Indian and international authors, so do leave your feedback in the comments below or on our Facebook & Twitter page.