Picture Books
Ammachi's Glasses
By Priya Kurian
Ammachi’s Glasses. Priya Kurian. Tulika Books, 2017. ISBN 9789350469088. 28 p. (Ages 0 and up). Picture book.
A fun and humorous story set in Kerala, about Ammachi, a grandmother who searches for her lost glasses, is told through colorful and captivating illustrations. Would pair with Vacation by Blexbolex and Ammama’s Sari by Niveditha Subramaniam. The author is based in Bengaluru, India, and is a comic book writer, illustrator, and animation filmmaker. Shortlisted for the 2017 Publishing Next Award, Children’s Book of the Year. Ammachi’s Glasses is inspired by the author’s childhood memories with her grandmother in Kerala. Watch a reading interpretation of Ammachi's Glasses. [mi]
Dadaji's Paintbrush
By Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Ruchi Mhasane (Illustrator)
Dadaji’s Paintbrush. Rashmi Sirdeshpande. Illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. Levine Querido, 2022. Originally published in the UK by Andersen Press. ISBN 9781646141722. 32 p. (Ages 4-8). Picture book.
A heartwarming story about a grandfather and grandson and their love for painting accompanied with illustrations created using colored pencils and pastels, that capture the beauty of Konkan coast of India. Would pair well with Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved. The author is based in London and is a lawyer turned children’s author. A Jhalak Prize Nominee for Children’s & YA (2023) and The Diverse Book Award for Best Picture Book (2023) Winner. Watch a read-aloud of Dadaji’s Paintbrush by the author, Rashmi Sirdeshpande. [mi]
Gobble You Up!
By Gita Wolf, Sunita (Illustrator)
Gobble You Up!. Gita Wolf. Illustrated by Sunita. Tara Books, 2013. Originally published in Chennai, in 2013. ISBN 9788193984154. 40 p. (Ages 3-6). Picture book.
A story written in rhyme about a lazy Jackal adapted from an oral Rajasthani trickster tale with traditional finger painting art from Meena tribe artist Sunita. The art style is popular in Rajasthan and used by women to paint walls and floors of their homes. The book was handmade using silkscreen printed in two colors by hand and craft paper. Would pair with The Magicians by Blexbolex. The author is one of the founders of Tara Books.The book has traveled to several other places and has also been translated into Korean. Here is a video about Gobble You Up! With some background about how the book was created and the inspiration behind it. [mi]
Icky, Yucky, Mucky!
By Natasha Sharma, Anitha Balachandran (Illustrator)
Icky, Yucky, Mucky!. Natasha Sharma. Illustrated by Anitha Balachandran. Young Zubaan Books, 2012. First published in New Delhi, in 2011. ISBN 9788189884963. 32 p. (Ages 4+). Picture book.
Believed to be one of the most disgusting rulers, Maharaja Icky and his wife Maharani Yucky drive their citizens of Ickhtarpur to their wit’s ends. With stunning illustrations this story gives a lesson to young readers about table manners. Would pair with You Can’t Kill Snow White by Beatrice Alemagna. The author is based in Mumbai and has written books across different age groups and formats. Voted in top 3 in the RivoKids Parent and Kids Choice Awards (2014) and Listed in Karadi Tales list of Top 12 books of 2011. Watch a short excerpt of the book read by the author.[mi]
The Mountains of Mumbai
By Labanya Ghosh, Pallavi Jain (Illustrator)
The Mountains of Mumbai. Labanya Ghosh. Illustrated by Pallavi Jain. Karadi Tales Picturebooks, 2020. First published in Chennai, in 2019. ISBN 9788193654293. 40 p. (Ages 4-6). Picture book.
A story of two friends, Veda and Doma, who live in different parts of India accompanied with illustrations created using watercolors, that brings alive the coastal city, Mumbai. Would pair with Small in the City by Sydney Smith. The author lives in Mumbai and works as a copywriter and remedial educator. A Neev Book Award Winner (2020). Watch a book reading of The Mountains of Mumbai by Labanya Ghosh. [mi]
Mukand and Riaz
By Nina Sabnani
Mukand and Riaz. Nina Sabnani. Tulika Books, 2007.Co-published with National Institute of Design, New Delhi. ISBN 9788181463432. 32 p. (Ages 5 and up). Picture book.
Set against the background of India and Pakistan’s partition, Mukund and Riaz is a gripping tale of friendship accompanied with appliqué art, a fabric art style commonly done by women of both Sindh in Pakistan and Gujarat in India. Would pair with Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar. The author is an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where she is pursuing her doctoral research in the area of storytelling, with focus on Kaavad tradition in Rajasthan. She was inspired by the memories of her father and initially made Mukund and Riaz as a film for Big Small People Projects, Israel that won the certificate of merit from Tokyo Broadcasting System, Japan. This is the short film on Mukund and Riaz. [mi]
A Saree for Ammi
By Mamta Nainy, Sandhya Prabhat (Illustrator)
A Saree for Ammi. Mamta Nainy. Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat. Tulika Books, 2019. First published in Chennai, in 2019. A Sari for Ammi, a revised edition of this book published by Amazon Crossing Kids in 2021, is also available. ISBN 9789389203608. 28 p. (Ages 5 and up). Picture book.
Two little daughters decide to buy a saree for their mother, who only weaves sarees for other people. A sweet story accompanied with illustrations that bring Kaithoon, a village in northern India, to life. Would pair with My Mother’s Sari by Sandhya Rao. The author is based in New Delhi and is an award-winning author of over thirty books. A Tata Trust’s Parag Honour List Book (2021). Watch the video of A Saree for Ammi read aloud by versatile Indian actress Revathy. [mi]
A Tangle of Brungles
By Shobha Viswanath, Culpeo S. Fox (Illustrator)
A Tangle of Brungles. Shobha Viswanath. Illustrated by Culpeo S. Fox. Karadi Tales Picturebooks, 2018. First published in Chennai, in 2018. ISBN 9788181903600. 40 p. (Ages 7-9). Picture book.
A coven of witches brew up a potion to summon Mr. Brungles, who one of the witches wants to marry. Accompanied with stunning illustrations, this book is a creative way to teach children the terms for collective nouns. Would pair with The Witches by Roald Dahl. The author is the co-founder and publishing director of Karadi Tales Company, an independent children’s publishing house based in Chennai, India. Watch a video on A Tangle of Brungles by Shobha Viswanath. [mi]
Thukpa For All
By Praba Ram and Sheela Preuitt, Shilpa Ranade (Illustrator)
Thukpa For All. Praba Ram and Sheela Preuitt. Illustrated by Shilpa Ranade. Karadi Tales Picturebooks, 2019. First published in Chennai, in 2018. ISBN 9788193388983. 48 p. (Ages 7-9). Picture book.
Tsering can’t wait to eat his grandmother's noodle soup, Thukpa. He invites all his friends and neighbors for a celebratory moment, but there is a power cut. Will his Abi, grandmother, be able to make the noodles? Narrated from a blind child’s, Tsering’s, perspective with remarkable illustrations, this story is perfect for readers who want to learn more about Ladakh region of India. Would pair with My Ocean is Blue by Darren Lebeuf. The first author, Praba Ram, is a children’s writer, reading specialist, and early childhood educator. She is also the founder of Saffron Tree— an award winning site dedicated for children’s literature from India and the US. Ram resides in Chennai with her family. The second author, Sheela Preuitt is based in Oregon, US and is a writer, cuisinière, applications developer, childhood literacy advocate, and craftswoman. Thukpa For All was selected for the 2019 IBBY list of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities. It was also featured in the 2020 USBBY Outstanding International Books list. Shortlisted for Neev’s Book Award (2019) and listed as Highly Commended book by South Asia Book Awards (2019). Watch a book-reading of Thukpa For All by author Praba Ram. [mi]
Tiger on a Tree
By Anushka Ravishankar, Pulak Biswas (Illustrator)
Tiger on a Tree. Anushka Ravishankar. Illustrated by Pulak Biswas. Tara Books, 2014. Originally published by Tara Books, in Chennai, India, in 1997; first US edition by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers, in 2004. ISBN 9789383145065. 40 p. (Ages 5 and up). Picture book.
A tale of a wild tiger who wanders into an Indian village and his encounters with the astonished inhabitants. Written in nonsense verse with unique illustrations depicting the essence of village life. Would pair with Elephants Never Forget by Anushka Ravishankar. The author is referred to as the Indian Dr. Seuss and was an editor for Tara Books. She is also the co-founder of Duckbill Books, a publishing house. The late illustrator received many awards for his work, including the Grand Prix from the Biennale of Illustrations, Bratislava. Tiger on a Tree is inspired by real life events. Watch an interesting read aloud of Tiger on a Tree from a young reader. [mi]
We are the Dancing Forest
By Raj Shekhar, Devashish Makhija (Translator), Venkat Shyam (Illustrator)
We Are the Dancing Forest. Raj Shekhar. Translated by Devashish Makhija. Illustrated by Venkat Shyam. Tulika Books, 2022. Originally published as Hum Jangal Ke Jagar Magar in Hindi by Tulika Books, in Chennai, in 2022. ISBN 9789390834716. 24 p. (Ages 5 and up). Picture book.
A story inspired by an Adivasi (Indigenous) song from Telangana, India, that pays tribute to forests and nature with beautiful art by a Gond (Indigenous folklore) artist. Would pair well with A Bhil Story by Sher Singh Bhil and Rainbow Crow by Nancy Van Laan. The author was born and brought up in a farming family in Bihar. He is a Hindi film lyricist based in Mumbai. Recognition includes a 2023 Green Literature Festival Children’s Honor book, 2023 Valley of Words Book Awards (shortlisted), 2023 Neev Book Awards - Junior Readers (longlisted), and 2023 Mehlli Gobhai Children’s Book Illustrator Award (shortlisted). Watch this video by the illustrator Venkat Shyam on his Gond art style. [mi]
Middle Grade
Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability
By Srividya Natarajan and S. Anand, Durgabai Vyam and Subhash Vyam (Illustrators)
Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability. Srividya Natarajan and S. Anand. Illustrated by Durgabai Vyam and Subhash Vyam. Navayana, 2011. First published by Navayana Publishing, in India, in 2011. Also available under the title Ambedkar: incidents in the life of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar from Tate Publishing, London, in 2013. ISBN 9788189059170. 108 p. (Ages 10 and up). Graphic Novel.
An own-voices book that explores the story of one of India’s prominent revolutionaries, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956). Accompanied by groundbreaking illustrations by Pardhan-Gond artists, this is a must-read for children interested in learning more about Indian history. Would pair with March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell. The illustrators are based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh region of India. Durgabai Vyam has illustrated dozens of books and won the Bologna Ragazzi award in 2008 for The Night Life of Trees. Subhash Vyam is a sculptor turned painter. Srividya Natarajan is a Canada-based dancer and novelist. S. Anand is the publisher of Navayana. This is a short video summarizing Bhimayana. [mi]
The Girl Who Loved to Sing: Teejan Bai
By Lavanya Karthik
The Girl Who Loved to Sing: Teejan Bai. Lavanya Karthik. Duckbill Books, 2021. ISBN 978014351518. 48 p. (Ages 7-9). Nonfiction.
Vividly illustrated story of the life of Teejan Bai, Pandavani Folk Singer, who had to fight for her freedom to sing. Would pair with She Sang for India by Suma Subramaniam. Pandavani is a folk singing style that involves narration of the tales from Mahabharata. This book is part of the Dreamers series, written and illustrated by the author, that tells inspiring stories about India’s greatest talents. Karthik lives in Mumbai with her family and is an award-winning writer and illustrator. Most of her stories center around the lives of older people. This is an interview with the author about the Dreamers Series. [mi]
Girls Want Azadi
By Kamla Bhasin, Shrujana Shridhar (Illustrator)
Girls Want Azadi. Kamla Bhasin. Translated by the author. Illustrated by Shrujana Shridhar. Pratham Books, 2021. Alternative title: Girls Also Want Azadi. Originally published in Hindi, in India. ISBN 9789390968756. 22 p. (Ages 9 and up). Poetry.
Written in a poetic style and illustrated in hand-painted gouache artwork, this book talks about the importance of understanding the fundamental rights granted by the Indian constitution especially to young girls and women. An empowering tale based on the original story, Betiya bhi chahe Azadi, in Hindi written by the author, it touches upon the gender equality for all women. Would pair with Dear Mrs. Naidu by Mathangi Subramanian. Kamla Bhasin is a feminist and development activist, closely linked to the women's movement. She passed away in 2021 in Delhi, India. This is a read-aloud video of the book. [mi]
Jamlo Walks
By Samina Mishra, Tarique Aziz (Illustrator)
Jamlo Walks. Samina Mishra. Illustrated by Tarique Aziz. Puffin Books, 2021. First published by Puffin Random House India, Haryana, India, in 2021. ISBN 9780143453178. 32 p. (Ages 7-9). Nonfiction.
A heart-wrenching story about Jamlo, a 12-year old child migrant worker, who passed away while trying to walk from Telangana to her village in Chattisgarh during COVID-19 pandemic. Accompanied with absorbing illustrations, this book exposes readers to the impact of the pandemic in India on young people, and ideas of death and struggle. Would pair with Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai. The author is based in New Delhi and is a documentary filmmaker, writer, and teacher. This book is dedicated to honor the memory of Jamlo. Here is a video of a read-aloud of Jamlo Walks. [mi]
Maithili and the Minotaur: Web of Woe
By C.G. Salamander, Rajiv Eipe (Illustrator)
Maithili and the Minotaur: Web of Woe. C. G. Salamander. Illustrated by Rajiv Eipe. Puffin Books, 2021. ISBN 9780143455189. 64 p. (Ages 10 and up). Graphic Novel.
Maithili, an outcast in the human world, befriends monsters and goes on a journey of outlandish adventures with her friends. This book is one in the Outlandish Graphic Novel Series and is perfect for readers who love stories about monsters and adventures. Would pair with Natsume’s Book of Friends by Yuki Midorikawa and the Hilda series by Luke Pearson. The author is based in Chennai, India, and is a writer and comic journalist. Salamander loves to write in horror, humor, and fantasy genres. Here is an interview with the author. [mi]
Nava Durga: The Nine Forms of the Goddess
By Nalini Ramachandran, Priyanka Pachpande (Illustrator)
Nava Durga: The Nine Forms of the Goddess. Nalini Ramachandran. Illustrated by Priyanka Pachpande. Puffin Books, 2021. First published by Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Gurgram, Haryana, India, in 2020. ISBN 97801434449485. 96 p. Ages (6-9). Nonfiction.
This book tells the tale of India’s nine-day festival, Navaratri, and the nine different forms of Goddess Durga that accompany each day. With vibrant illustrations this book is perfect for readers interested in Indian mythology. Would pair with Greek Myths and Mazes by Jan Bajtlik. The author has written many books for young readers on various topics and styles. She is based in India and edits children's books and holds workshops on creative writing and storytelling. Here is a short video about the book. [mi]
Nimmi's Spectabulous Schooldays
By Shabnam Minwalla
Nimmi’s Spectabulous Schooldays. Shabnam Minwalla. Talking Cub, 2018. First published in New Delhi, India. ISBN 9789387693777. 160 p. (Ages 8-12). Fiction.
Eleven-year-old Nimmi Daruwala is just starting sixth grade and nothing seems to be going right. Part of the Nimmi series, this is a hilarious story about Nimmi and her misadventures with her friends. Would pair with the Lola Levine series by Monica Brown and the Malory Towers series by Enid Blyton. The author is a journalist and children’s book writer. She was the former Senior Assistant Editor of the Times of India newspaper in Mumbai. Here is a review of the book. [mi]
Savi and the Memory Keeper
By Bijal Vachharajani
Savi and the Memory Keeper. Bijal Vachharajani. Hachette India Children’s Books, 2021. First published in India. Also available in a US edition from Blackstone Publishing, Oregon, 2023. ISBN 9789391028015. 242 p. (Ages 10 and up). Fiction.
Savi has recently lost her father and has to move to a new city because of pollution. She finds an ally in a ficus tree in her school, who tells her stories. A story about personal grief layered with issues about climate change, Savi and the Memory Keeper asks its readers to view the natural world through a different lens. Would pair with A Snake Falls to Earth by Darci Little Badger. The author is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka region of India. She is the senior editor at Pratham Books and has a Masters in Environment Security and Peace from the University of Peace in Costa Rica. Vachharajani is part of the Nalada Abhiyan Library Campaign, a movement to set up community libraries across India. She has written multiple planet friendly books. The book has won the AutHer Award (2023) and the Green Lit Fest-WWF Honor List (2022). Here is a short interview with the author. [mi]
Shaheen Bagh: A Graphic Recollection
By Ita Mehrotra
Shaheen Bagh: A Graphic Recollection. Ita Mehrotra. Yoda Press, 2021. First published in India. ISBN 9789382579786. 127 p. (Ages 10 and up). Graphic Novel.
A graphic account of the political sit-in led by Muslim women that started in Delhi in December 2019 and lasted till March 2020, just before the pandemic. With powerful illustrations this book is an iconic portrayal of women’s protest against the government. Would pair with Girls Want Azadi by Kamla Bhasin. The author is a visual artist, arts researcher, and educator living in New Delhi. She is currently the head of Community Arts for Artreach India, a non profit organization that helps young people, children, and women from marginalized communities across India. Listen to the podcast interview with the author on YouTube. [mi]