Publish With Us

Follow Penguin

Follow Penguinsters

Follow Hind Pocket Books

The Best of Gulzar: Winner of the 2023 Jnanpith Award

Join us in honoring the literary brilliance of Gulzar Sahab, the esteemed recipient of the prestigious 2023 Jnanpith Award. As we pay tribute to his remarkable achievement, immerse yourself in this curated collection of Gulzar’s books, each page a testament to his unparalleled mastery of storytelling, poetry, and the human experience.

 

Triveni
Triveni | Gulzar

In Triveni are birds perched on branches, moonstruck musings, a house of straws, walking roses and unbridled desires of the heart. The poems are inhabited by lost lovers, unreturned books and bloodsucking rumours. A poetic form unique to Gulzar, Triveni is a confluence of three of India’s majestic rivers—the golden-hued Ganges, the deep green Yamuna and a third, the mythical one that lies beneath the former two, the Saraswati.
A form Gulzar began experimenting with in the 1960s, Triveni comes close to several classical Japanese forms of poetry such as the Haiku, Senryu and Tanka. The closest Indian forms to Triveni are the doha and shayari. In this stunning translation by Neha R. Krishna, Triveni have been transcreated as tanka and are ladled with musicality, breaking away from the charm of rhyme and metre. This collection, too, is a confluence or sangam of forms and nothing short of a gift from one of India’s most beloved poets.

 

Actually...I Met Them
Actually…I Met Them || Gulzar

From Bimal Roy to Satyajit Ray, R.D. Burman, Kishore Kumar, Ritwik Ghatak, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Mahasweta Devi and Samaresh Basu, among others, in this fascinating book, Gulzar Saab goes down memory lane to bring to light his relationship with the doyens of cinema, music and literature, who he had known and worked with over a long period of time. In his words, ‘It seems like a dream when I revisit my memories of such great gurus and colleagues, and I feel overwhelmed that I have really interacted with them. I have to pinch myself on realizing that actually . . . I met them.’

 

Love in the Sky
Love in the Sky || Gulzar

The colours on your two wings are not the same . . . one’s a brilliant yellow and the other is just the shade of ripe jamun berries I so love! May I call you Jamuni? You are so pretty!’ And every time she would flutter her wings and fly away in one smooth move.’

Ghuggu is a crow, and Jamuni the one he loves – a love of of bright yellow and purple, who comes out every afternoon to fly in the sky, silent and lovely. Ghuggu falls in love with her, not knowing why she will never speak back to him, not knowing why she will never fly to him. He sees one day that she is tied to her owner with a thread, a sharp thread that can cut, and he mourns for her freedom. One day, a storm brews, and when the Jamuni comes out, the crow runs to her to protect her – but can he protect himself? Gulzar perfectly captures the sweetness of love in this charming, delightfully silly story of love.

 

Bhushan Banmali
Bhushan Banmali || Gulzar

Gulzar reminisces about an old school poet – an eccentric man named Bhushan Banmali. Bhushan had a wife and a mother but at heart he was a nomad, and one day when their tug-of-war over him got too much, he packed his bags and moved in with Gulzar himself! Suddenly Gulzar found himself at parties full of rum and fried fish and kebabs, overflowing with poetry from dawn to dusk. One day Gulzar and Bhushan pack their bags to go to the mountains, and freezing and tired, they manage to find a spark of generosity to keep their cold nights hilariously warm. Taken from Gulzar’s life, these stories will enthrall any fan with a universally heartwarming touch.

 

The Stench
The Stench || Gulzar

The Stench paints a poignant portrait of Mumbai’s characteristic slums in the masterful prose of Gulzar. Delicately woven stories all come together – from the bitter-gourd vine separating two shanty huts, to the camaraderie of men who’d gather together on charpoys outside their homes in the evening light. Life in the slum was hard and grim, but it was theirs. But one morning, the shanty towns are razed and the people are given neat, sterile rooms to be packed in away from sight. Where will the precious goats and chickens grow on the third floor? The concrete gathers no moss, but no green blooms within these four unyielding walls. The question remains – is a life you don’t know a life you will ever want? Gulzar draws the loneliness and chaos of the urban life with astute brilliance in this beautifully detailed insight into Mumbai slums.

 

The Rain
The Rain || Gulzar

‘The rain was unrelenting. It had poured night and day, for five days in a row. And Damoo had been drinking relentlessly, day and night, all through those five days, competing with the downpour. Neither would the rain let up nor would Damoo let go. The steadfast rain and stubborn Damoo. Drunk, both.’

Gulzar writes a wrenching account of the Mumbai Floods – rains that laid waste to a city already bursting at the seams. He draws out the small hopes on which the people live and how easily they can flow away. How long can alcohol hold the rain at bay? A deeply moving, unsettling story on what it takes to stay alive.

 

Border
Border || Gulzar

‘In the village below, there are a lot of men whose houses are on this side but their farms on the other,’ Majeed began to stutter in answer. ‘There are men in a similar situation in villages on the other side too whose houses and farms are thus divided. Families and relations too. So . . .’

Gulzar writes with poignant power on the horrors of Partition, exploring the lives of those who have lived on the border made heartbreakingly complex with a sudden, arbitrary line whose scar spans generations. Major Kulwant has grown up in the valley, and he now returns as a soldier to guard it. What happens when he finds out that his old childhood friend is an enemy across the line? A touching story on how friendship and hope blooms in defiance of nationalism brought to life with the joys of a childhood in Punjab.

 

100 Lyrics
100 Lyrics || Gulzar

From ‘Mora gora ang lai le’, his first film lyric written for Bimal Roy’s Bandini in 1963, to the Oscar-winning ‘Jai ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire, Gulzar has brought a rare poetic sensibility to popular Hindi film music over a five-decade-long career. His sophisticated insights into psychological complexities, his ability to capture the essence of nature’s sounds and spoken dialects in written words, and above all his inimitable-and often surprising-imagery have entertained his legions of fans over successive generations. It represents Gulzar’s most memorable compositions of all time, and feature anecdotes about the composition of the lyrics as well as sketches by Gulzar.

 

Another 100 Lyrics
Another 100 Lyrics || Gulzar

After the great success of 100 Lyrics, this new volume contains a hundred more of Gulzar’s marvellous compositions.
Gulzar has brought a rare poetic sensibility to popular Hindi film music over a five-decade-long career, and this collection showcases some of his best work, from early lyrics like ‘Ganga aaye kahan se‘ (Kabuliwala, 1961) and ‘Koi hota jisko apna‘ (Mere Apne) to classics such as ‘Tere bina jiya jaye na‘ (Ghar), ‘Do naina aur ek kahani‘ (Masoom) and ‘Roz roz ankhon taley‘ (Jeeva) and later blockbusters like ‘Goli maar bheje mein‘ (Satya), ‘Beedi jalai le‘ (Omkara), ‘Dhan te nan‘ (Kaminey), ‘Dil toh bachcha hai ji‘ (Ishqiya), ‘Challa‘ (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) and ‘Bismil‘ (Haider). In addition, Another 100 Lyrics contains some brilliant poems from non-film albums like Dil Padosi HaiMarasimIshqa Ishqa and Koi Baat Chale.
Complete with anecdotes about the compositions of some of these lyrics and photographs from Gulzar’s personal collection, Another 100 Lyrics is a true collector’s item.

 

Green Poems
Green Poems || Gulzar, Translated by Pavan K.Varma

‘On the branches of these wild plants
Some words occasionally sprout
But never a full poem . . .’
One of the country’s best-loved poets and lyricists, Gulzar is renowned for his inimitable way of seeing things, his witty expressions, his quirky turns of phrase. All these creative talents come into play in delightful, unexpected ways in his new bilingual collection Green Poems, which celebrates his innate connection with nature.
Gulzar writes about rivers, forests, mountains; snow, rain, clouds; the sky, the earth and space; a familiar tree, a disused well; Kullu, Manali, Chamba, Thimpu. Like glimpses of nature, the poems are often short, an image captured in a few words. And sometimes the image gives rise to a striking thought: ‘When I pass through the forest I feel my ancestors are around me . . .’
For those new to Gulzar’s work as well as his many fans, Green Poems will prove to be a true joy.

 

Half a Rupee
Half a Rupee || Gulzar

A fascinating short story from the inimitable Gulzar
Gulzar is one of India’s most renowned poets and lyricists. This e-single sees him turning his hand to another creative form at which he is equally adept – short-form prose narrative.
This story is taken from Gulzar’s new collection Half a Rupee: Stories, which comprises twenty-five gripping tales available in English for the very first time. From real-life stories about well-known personalities to tales set in Kashmir, in the hinterland, in the modern megalopolis and on the LoC, from anecdotes of love and betrayal to fables of courage and conviction, these are enthralling stories told in Gulzar’s unique style; each story will delight you.

 

Neglected Poems
Neglected Poems || Gulzar

Gulzar is regarded as one of India’s foremost Urdu poets today, renowned for his unusual perspectives on life, his keen understanding of the complexities of human relationships, and his striking imagery. After Selected Poems, a collection of some of his best poetry translated by Pavan K. Varma was extremely well received, Gulzar has chosen to present his next sixty poems in an inimitable way: labelling them Neglected Poems.
‘Neglected’ only in name, these poems represent Gulzar at his creative and imaginative best, as he meditates on nature (the mountains, the monsoon, a sparrow), delves into human psychology (when a relationship ends one is amazed to notice that ‘everything goes on exactly as it used to’), explores great cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and New York (‘In your town, my friend, how is it that there are no homes for ants?’), and confronts the most telling moments of everyday life.

Sudha Murty Shows Us What’s Inside Nalini’s lunchbox!

In the heartwarming world of Common yet Uncommon by Sudha Murty, we encounter the extraordinary story of Nalini Kulkarni, affectionately known as ‘Lunchbox Nalini.’ Meet the lady whose love for food and friendship created extraordinary connections through her cherished lunchbox. Get ready for a heartwarming journey where the ordinary becomes extraordinary!

 

Common yet Uncommon
Common Yet Uncommon | Sudha Murty

 

I am Nalini Kulkarni. As a child, elders called me Nali – a typical shortening of the name in North Karnataka, where Anand becomes Andya. And Mandakini becomes Mandi. No wonder Nalini to Nali was so easy. 

 

Until now, I have peeped in at everyone’s life and written about their characters. Now let me talk about myself–the best way to joke is not on someone else’s expense but on your own.  

 

As I go about observing everyone’s habits and characteristics, I don’t get time to cook. That doesn’t mean I don’t like to eat. I am very fond of eating. If someone calls me for lunch, I not only attend but also carry my lunch box to carry some food back for my dinner. Whenever I go to any function, all my relatives, without greeting me, say, ‘Nalini, fill up  your lunchbox first. Then you will be at peace and we can talk at  leisure.’ That’s why I am known as Lunchbox Nalini. 

 

A few days ago, my cousin, Venkat, had his child’s naming ceremony. Venkat’s wife Veena formally invited me, saying, ‘We will be very happy if you come for the naming ceremony. If you don’t have time for lunch, at least visit us for  half an hour.’ 

 

I laughed and said, ‘Don’t you remember what they call me? I always come for the meal more than the event. I’ll be honest with you. If you tell me to come for the event without a lunch, then I’m sure that only three people will be there for the naming ceremony – you, your husband, and your little bundle of joy.’ 

 

Everyone laughed at my comment. Bundle Bindu, who was sitting there commented about hospitality about different regions. 

 

“I know.. Some people’s hospitality is bare minimum unlike north Karnatka. Because, historically…’ 

 

I told Bindu, stop it.  

 

He ignored me and continued. 

 

“Recently I had been to someone’s house. He said, “Wait a minute. I wWill have tea and come..I said I will also come and join you for tea.” 

 

“Bindu, you are shameless”, I said. 

 

But by and large, when you invite people, you should do it whole heartedly. The person should feel welcomed. 

 

I turned to Venkat and said, ‘I will come for the function in the morning as I have recently joined as a college lecturer. I will leave my lunchbox there and pick it up on the way back after my classes are over. I won’t be able to make it for lunch but I can eat it at home, at least.’ 

 

‘There can be no one like you,’ said Jayant. 

 

I take my lunchbox along with me to a function if I know the family hosting the event very well. I have many varieties of lunch boxes—unbreakable, Tupperware, hot cases, transparent ones. Because they are useful for various dishes—and depending on the circumstance, I change the boxes. For gravies. Tupperware is better. For roti and poli, hot case is better. For pickles, unbreakable is better and transparent because it is easier to identify what is inside. 

 

I am very fond of lunchboxes. In fact, I am an expert. My refrigerator is filled with different kinds of boxes with food given to me from different homes. I can recognize different boxes from different places even when am asleep. Mulla’s wife Peerambi’s box is yellow in color, though it is green inside. Virurupaksha’s Gowda’s wife Basavaa’s dabba is made of german steel. It is round and is currently sitting in my fridge with some brinjal. Bhagirati’s plastic green box has yellow laddoos inside. Jayant’s transparent box has golgappas.  

 

The other day, I was eating dinner. I told my daughter, ‘There is a gulab jamoon from Janaki’s home. Though her tongue is bitter, her gulab jamuns are excellent.’ 

 

My daughter was confused. ‘How do I know which is her box of gulab jamun? There are so many lunch boxes in the refrigerator.’ 

 

‘Oh, bring the one with the dome-like structure,’ I responded easily. ‘I didn’t have a box with me that day, so she had given in hers.’ 

 

While having the gulab jamun, , I remembered the dry vegetable. ‘Will you open the fridge and get the plastic box with flat red cover? That is from Ganga’s home. Some marriage proposal had come and the boy had visited Ganga’s home so she had specially made a vegetable for the boy that she also sent to me.’ 

 

The other day, Bundle Bindu came with a huge box. His wife saraswati was out of station. I opened it and to my surprise, there was a steamed sweet dish inside. It is complicated to make, though grandmother was particularly good at it. I asked, ‘Bindu, when Saraswati is not there, how could you cook this special dish?’ 

 

Bindu laughed and said, ‘Who said that I have made this? There is a famous saying – When two people are fighting, it is the third one that enjoys.’ 

 

‘What do you mean?’ 

 

Bindu said, ‘Suman has sent rice kheer and her mother-in-law has sent bottle guard kheer. They felt that you are the best judge to decide who is the better cook because you are known for tasting dishes They called me separately and gave me these two boxes. You eat and enjoy. Both want you to take their side.’ 

 

‘Bindu, in that case, I will taste neither of them’ I said immediately. 

 

‘Nali, please be diplomatic. You can say both are very good, but separately. Then you will have an advantage,’ said Jayant who always thinks of profit and loss. 

 

‘No, Jayant. I don’t want to do that. Profit and loss are okay in business but not in human interaction. All these people are dear to me. Whenever they make something special, they send some to my home even if I don’t visit their house. I carry my lunchbox only to places where I have liberty and affection If I really want to eat, there are many restaurants in this townFor me, a lunch box is not a mere lunchbox. It is a bridge between two people. I go to their home, or they send me some food. I go to return the box.  Thus, we share feelings and give company to each other. In case any of us are in difficulty, we reduce our tensions. The lunchboxes are nothing but a sign of affection, and it is through them that I have been able to meet people and form a close bond with them over the years. It has been my educational journey into the nature of humanity. 

 

 I don’t want to get into the competition between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law or create more distance between them. If somebody wants to start a fight, I don’t want to be a party to that.’ 

 

Bindu laughed and said, ‘And I know how you love food too! 

 

I smiled back. 

 

 ‘O Nali, you are a typical north Karnataka girl’ said Bindu. 

 

‘What do you mean by that?’ I was surprised by his comment. 

 

‘Straightforward, transparent, loving, sharing, impractical, talkative, – that is the essence that the land blesses us with.’ 

 

 ***

Intrigued to know more about Nali and her lunchbox?
Get your copy of Common Yet Uncommon by Sudha Murty wherever books are sold.

Awesome August Books for Children

Welcome to an exciting new world of discovery and imagination with our newest August releases! Whether you’re curious about distant planets and stars, mystic creatures, or want to know more about the power of science and become the ultimate smartypants in town, this collection of stories has something for children of all ages.

So, buckle up and let the adventurous journey begin! Happy Reading!

Sinbad and the Rise of Iblis
Sinbad and the Rise of Iblis || Kevin Missal

You might be wondering why I’m still speaking in the midst of chaos. Well, danger has now become my constant companion. In my reckless quest for power, I shattered the trust of those who once stood by my side. The words ‘betrayer’ and ‘broken’ are now etched into my very being.But there is no time to give in to my misery. The dreaded devil, once imprisoned, has risen from the depths of Qlitop. With a legion of abominable creatures at his command, he now threatens to unleash unrestrained havoc upon the world.

Time is rapidly pushing us towards the abyss. Desperate, I must embark on a harrowing journey to acquire three mystical artefacts that can save our ravaged Earth. Yet, as fate would have it, these
objects can only be found within alternate universes, adding another layer of torment to my already tormented existence.

Prepare yourself for the final instalment in Kevin Missal’s Sinbad series, a gripping reimagination of the legendary sailor from the classic One Thousand and One Nights!

 

How to Reach Mars and other (Im)possible Things
How to Reach Mars and other (Im)possible Things || Menaka Raman

Rabia is one of the most curious girls you’ll meet. She’s always full of questions: How, Why,
What, Where and When!
When she hears a classmate say that women can’t be scientists, she has to find out if it’s true. Luckily, she’s soon visiting the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on a field trip with her classmates, where she bumps into Dr Mary, a physicist.

When Rabia learns that Dr Mary is one of the scientists working on a daring mission to Mars, she asks her all the questions that she can think of about the mission.
Join Rabia and Dr Mary as they walk through ISRO and learn everything about making the impossible-possible!

 

Earthquakes for Smartypants
Earthquakes for Smartypants || Anushka Ravishankar

Earthquakes for Smartypants
Are you a Smartypants?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Like–
What is the surface of the Earth called?
Is the Earth actually a rainbow cake?
How do you measure an earthquake?
If you do, then you just might find the answers in this book.
It has gorgeous pictures, simple explanations and a very curious cat!

 

Vacciness for Smartypants
Vacciness for Smartypants || Anushka Ravishankar

Are you a Smartypants?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Like-
Are all germs bad?
What is an antibody?
Do T cells go to school?
If you do, then you just might find the answers in this book.
It has gorgeous pictures, simple explanations and a very curious cat!

 

Newton's Laws of Motions for Smartypants
Newton’s Laws of Motions for Smartypants || Anusha Ravishankar

Are you a Smartypants?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Like-
What is force?
What is acceleration?
Will you go to jail if you break Newton’s laws?
If you do, then you just might find the answers in this book.
It has gorgeous pictures, simple explanations and a very curious cat!

 

Dhara's revolution
Dhara’s revolution || Varsha Seshan

Sarvaloka Public School calls children ‘future citizens’ but makes every decision without ever talking to the students. Nine-year-old Dhara is determined to change that. She sparks a revolution, and gets the whole school to vote for the very first time. However, caught in the storm of elections, Dhara loses sight of what is really important to her.

Can she find her way back to what truly matters before everything spirals out of control?

Dive into July with these Children’s Books

Get ready to embark on a rainy-day adventure with our delightful July releases. Let the monsoon magic unfold as you dive into this collection of captivating reads for children of all ages.

Take a look!

Magic in Marble: Building the Taj with Attaullah and Saving the Taj with Aradya
Magic in Marble : Building the Taj with Attaullah and Saving the Taj with Aradya || Ulta-Pulta series, INTACH

SIDE A
Magic in Marble: Building the Taj with Attaullah

Attaullah has to leave his playmates and the beautiful trees of Lahore behind as he makes the tiring journey to Akbarabad on a camel cart. His abbu, a master architect, has been summoned there to help build the most extraordinary monument ever-the Taj Mahal. The mausoleum will immortalize the memory of Jahan Panah Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. And Attaullah wants to be a part of history as it’s being created. But how?

SIDE B
Magic in Marble: Saving the Taj with Aradya

Aradya has read everything she could find on the greatest monument ever built-the Taj Mahal. So, when her papa, a conservationist, invites her to join him on his quick work trip to Agra, she feels like she’s the luckiest girl in the whole, wide world. Her papa’s team is working on a project that will help preserve the Taj’s beauty and ensure its survival for future generations. And Aradya wants to help. But how?

Travelling across two timelines in history, this is an ulta-pulta book about two children whose paths collide in a mysteriously magical way.

 

The Letter to Lahore (Songs of Freedom Series)
The Letter to Lahore (Songs of Freedom Series)|| Tanu Shree Singh

Sarchi, 1921

When Dak Chacha comes to visit, Luxmi feels only joy and excitement. But this time, there is something dark underfoot-Chacha is worried and there are policemen coming to search their house.
Luxmi learns that both Dak Chacha and her mother are involved-in their own small ways-in the struggle for liberation from the unjust laws and practices that the British regime forces on all of them. This makes her determined to be part of it too. Even if that means undertaking a risky mission which no one else is able to do . . .

 

Postcard from the Lushai Brigade (Songs of Freedom Series)
Postcard from the Lushai Brigade (Songs of Freedom Series) || Hannah Lalhlanpuii

Aizawl, 1942

The world that the young boy at the heart of this story is growing up in is filled with magic and the simple joys of life with his brother Kima. Even the British presence in the Lushai Hills, so resented by some, does not affect him, except as a source of interesting and different things and people.
But as the Japanese prepare to invade their land, Kima joins up with the British Indian Army, and the days of simple joy are over . . .

The Songs of Freedom series explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.

 

Inni and Bobo Head to School
Inni and Bobo Head to School || Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu

Bobo is a special puppy that little Inni has adopted. Bobo likes to help Inni get ready for school. He always checks if she has packed her lunch and water bottle.
And guess what? Bobo gets to go to school with Inni on a special day called ‘Bring Your Pet to School Day’! It’s the best Wednesday ever! Inni can’t wait to show her friends how wonderful Bobo is.

This endearing story, the third book in the Inni & Bobo series, delves into the everlasting bond between humans and pets. It will not only encourage children to show empathy and kindness towards animals but also teach them to open their hearts and homes to those in need.

 

Kolam Kanna
Kolam Kanna || Vibha Batra

The exciting Kolam Kondattam Kontest is right around the corner. And Bharathi can’t wait to participate and show off, er, showcase his creative skills. Encouraged by his friends, Tabassum and Alagu, he registers for the contest (with a ‘k’).Alas, the Residents’ Welfare Association, led by the fearsome Mrs Subramaniam, won’t hear of it. The contest is open only to the residents of Pravin’s Paradiso Apartments. And while Bharathi hangs out at the apartments all the time, he’s not exactly-technically-actually a resident.

Now it’s up to Bharathi to hatch an ingenious plan. Will he be able to get around the rules, get past the building bullies and get a shot at his dream?

Celebrate World Environment Day with these children’s books!

This World Environment Day, embark on a vibrant journey through the pages of these captivating books, and let the wonders of nature ignite your imagination! Get ready to dive into thrilling adventures in the wilderness, uncover heart-warming tales about the natural world, and inspire young minds to become guardians of our precious planet. With every turn of the page, these recommended reads will transport young nature lovers into a world teeming with life and empower them to make a positive impact on their surroundings. So grab a copy, embrace the colourful illustrations, and set off on an eco-friendly expedition that will leave you breathless and inspired!

Passepartout, is that you?
Passepartout, Is That You? || Menaka Raman

When a shipment of exotic animals is rescued, Shyam discovers that a star tortoise has been accidentally left behind. Entrusted with its care, Shyam’s grandfather, a policeman who was overseeing the rescue operation, sets off in pursuit of the van to reunite the tortoise with the others. Meanwhile, the mischievous tortoise escapes from the police station. With the help of his loyal companion Kanamma, Shyam embarks on a thrilling quest to locate the adventurous tortoise before his grandfather returns.

This heart-warming tale beautifully conveys important messages about our responsibility towards endangered and exotic animals, the value of friendship, and the power of perseverance. Join Shyam on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, and let this fun hook book, Passepartout, Is That You?, captivate young readers while imparting valuable life lessons.  

 

Strangus Derangus and Other Adventures Of Little Shambu Book 1
Strangus Derangus and Other Adventures Of Little Shambu (Book 1) || Reena Ittyerah Puri and illustrated by Savio Mascarenhanes

What would you say of a boy who loves rushing headlong into trouble?

That’s what Little Shambu does with his dog, the loyal Dum Dum, in tow. But as his best friend, Shanti, would tell you, it always leads him into exciting adventures involving lost cats, mysterious carrot thieves, a strange and exotic creature and stolen pandas.

 

In The Bear's Den and More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 2)
In The Bear’s Den and More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 2) || Reena Ittyerah Puri and illustrated by Savio Mascarenhanes

What would you say of a boy who continues to find himself in sticky situations?

That’s what Little Shambu does with his dog, the loyal Dum Dum, in tow. But as his best friend, Shanti, would tell you, it always leads him into exciting adventures involving grouchy bears, rattling cattle, slouchy snakes and runaway elephants.

 

Dum Dum To The Rescue and Yet More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 3)
Dum Dum To The Rescue and Yet More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 3) || || By Reena Ittyerah Puri and illustrated by Savio Mascarenhanes

What would you say of a boy who gets into trouble over and over again?

That’s what Little Shambu does with his dog, the loyal Dum Dum, in tow. But as his best friend, Shanti, would tell you, it always leads him into exciting adventures involving homely chickens and a crafty fox, mischievous mice, moustached men and confusing encounters with aliens.

Escape into the fantastic world of Little Shambu with these brand-new adventures of the beloved character from TINKLE.

 

Trunk Call for Ajju
Trunk Call for Ajju || Anjana Nagabhushana

8-year-old Ajay Kumaraswamy or Ajju was leading a seemingly regular life — getting into trouble with his parents with Kini Maasi, working out countable and uncountable nouns with his best friend Karthik and learning to be a budding guitarist with his music teacher Miss Alva. However, when Kini Maasi shares the story about Molly, a hurt baby elephant in distant Zimbawe needing help, he doubles up with Karthik to figure out how to raise funds.
Based on a true story about an injured baby elephant, Trunk Call for Ajju is sure to warm your heart. Sensitively written, Anjana’s debut novel is a sensitive tale about the love for animals and change of heart. Simply told with a lot of humour, the book is peppered with black and white illustrations which would help a reluctant young reader to pick this book.

 

The girl who was a forest Janaki Ammal
The Girl Who Was a Forest Janaki Ammal || Lavanya Karthik

Janaki is on an enchanting journey as she dreams of a secret world beyond the confines of her town. In this beautifully illustrated 48-paged biography, young readers will be inspired by Janaki’s connection with nature and how it guides her to become India’s first woman botanist. Through vivid pictures and easy-to-comprehend narrative, this book will ignite the imagination of children and encourage them to bring a change in their environment. A delightful addition to any young reader’s collection, this book from the Dreamer’s Series is sure to spark curiosity and a love for nature.

 

All Time Favourite Nature Stories
All Time Favourite Nature Stories || Ruskin Bond

This collection of 25 gorgeously illustrated short stories curated by Ruskin is a celebration of his love for nature. Part fiction and part real, and a continuation of the All-Time Favourite series by him, these stories will inspire a renewed love for nature – one of the most powerful and mysterious forces of the universe.

An homage to his childhood spent in the hills of Kasauli, Shimla, Dehra, and Landour, the collection takes you to a land and time when man thrived in the natural beauty around him.

 

Unearthed- An Environmental History of Independent India
Unearthed: An Environmental History of Independent India || Meghaa Gupta

Through meticulous historical research, the author takes us on a journey through time, exploring the significant events that have shaped the country’s ecology and environment policies. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the Green Revolution and Milk Revolution to nuclear energy advancements, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Taj Mahal crisis, water scarcity in Chennai, and many more pivotal moments in history. What sets this book apart is its unique environmental perspective, providing a chronological documentation of these events and their ecological impact making it a captivating read for children as well as adults.

 

Naturalist Ruddy
Naturalist Ruddy || Rohan Chakravarthy

Embark on a thrilling adventure across India’s diverse natural habitats with the curious protagonist, Ruddy, as he unravels the captivating mysteries of the natural world in this one-of-a-kind comic book. Perfect for parents seeking engaging reads for their children, this book offers an easy and quick reading experience. Mystery and detective story enthusiasts will be captivated by the collection, as it introduces a cast of characters drawn from the rich wildlife, flora, and fauna that the author encountered during his expeditions to various sanctuaries. This World Environment Day, embark on an exciting journey with Ruddy Mongoose and discover the wonders of nature in a truly entertaining and educational way.

World Environment Day: Essential Reads for Earth Lovers

On this World Environment Day, explore our carefully curated list of eco-friendly recommendations to create a greener future and preserve our beautiful planet Earth. Grab a copy and join the global movement. Happy World Environment Day!

I'M A Climate Optimist
I’M A Climate Optimist || Akash Ranison

Whenever climate change as a topic pops up in a conversation, someone ends the conversation with ‘What can I do about it?’ I’m A Climate Optimist is the answer to those all, what can I dos. Covering all the aspects of day-to-day life like food, textile, transportation, tourism, beauty, home, education, business, etc along with Industry specific expert comments. Get hold of this June release to learn the art of making our planet more liveable and sustainable.

Get hold of this book to learn the art of making our planet more liveable and sustainable.

 

Greening The Earth
Greening The Earth || Edited by K. Satchidanandan & Nishi Chawla

Greening the Earth is a rare anthology that brings together global poetic responses to one of the major crises faced by humanity in our time: environmental degradation and the threat it poses to the very survival of the human species. Poets from across the world respond here in their diverse voices-of anger, despair, and empathy to the present ecological damage prompted by human greed, pray for the re-greening of our little planet and celebrate a possible future where we live in harmony with every form of creation.

The Case For Nature
The Case For Nature || Siddharth Shrikanth

In a world where carbon emissions and climate financing are rightly rising up the agenda, there exists another catastrophe that is often overlooked but just as dire-the global collapse of our ecosystems. Siddarth Shrikanth’s The Case for Nature presents a compelling vision for tackling this other crisis by rethinking our relationship with nature in economic, social, and even personal terms.

The Case for Nature is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how nature can help us forge a more sustainable future and what they can do to contribute to this vision.

 

Pugmarks and Carbon Footprints
Pugmarks and Carbon Footprints || Rohan Chakravarty

 

Pugmarks and Carbon Footprints is a collection of gag cartoons and comic strips based exclusively on wildlife and nature. Staying true to their theme, the cartoons and comics in the book will speak about wildlife, ecology, interesting trivia about the lives of wild animals, and how the lives of these creatures are entwined with ours. Other than providing some much needed comic relief during environmental doomsday, the book will equip the reader with snippet-sized information about environmental issues in an easily palatable manner.

 

Superpowers on the Shore
Superpowers on the Shore || Sejal Mehta

The Indian coastline hosts some magnificent intertidal species: solar-powered slugs, escape artist octopuses, venomous jellies, harpooning conus sea snails, to name just a few. It is as biodiverse as a forest wildlife safari, and twice as secretive. From bioluminescence and advanced sonic capabilities to camouflage and shape-shifting, these cloaked assassins are capable of otherworldly skill. Superpowers on the Shore by Sejal Mehta is a dazzling, assured look at some of the creatures with whom we share our world, our water, our monsoons, our beaches, and the sandcastles therein.

 

The Heartbeat of Trees
The Heartbeat of Trees || Peter Wohlleben

In The Heartbeat of Trees, renowned forester Peter Wohlleben draws on new scientific discoveries to show how humans are deeply connected to the natural world. In an era of cell-phone addiction, climate change and urban life, many of us fear that we’ve lost our connection to nature. But Wohlleben is convinced that the age-old ties linking humans to the forest remain alive and intact. Drawing on science and cutting-edge research, The Heartbeat of Trees reveals the profound interactions humans can have with nature, exploring the language of the forest, the consciousness of plants and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna.

 

Leopard Diaries
Leopard Diaries || Sanjay Gubbi

In Leopard Diaries: The Rosette in India, Sanjay Gubbi, who has studied and documented the leopard for nearly a decade, gives us a close look at this fascinating creature. From detailing its food habits to throwing new light on how the young are reared, from offering suggestions on tackling leopard-human conflict to imagining the future of this arresting animal, this book is a 360-degree view of the leopard, its ecological context, its fraught relationship with the human world, and how wildlife and human beings can find a way to co-exist.

 

Flood And Fury
Flood And Fury || Viju B

The floods that devastated large parts of Kerala in 2018 were not an isolated, freak phenomenon; rather, they signalled something graver-the ecological devastation of the Western Ghats. Travelling in this region, documenting the devastating large-scale mining, quarrying, deforestation and mismanagement of water resources, at the same time mapping its culture, history and ecology, Viju B. investigates the crisis in the Western Ghats and suggests policy measures urgently required to mitigate it.

 

Working To Restore
Working To Restore || Esha Chhabra

Journalist Esha Chhabra draws on her decades of reporting to explore the nuanced realities and promise of regenerative business operations.
Working to Restore examines revolutionary approaches in nine areas: agriculture, waste, supply chain, inclusivity for the collective good, women in the workforce, travel, health, energy, and finance. The companies profiled are solving global issues: promoting responsible production and consumption, creating equitable opportunities for all, encouraging climate action, and more. Chhabra highlights how their work moves beyond the greenwashed idea of ‘sustainability’ into a new era of regeneration and restoration.

 

Bare Necessities
Bare Necessities || Sahar Mansoor, Tim De Ridder

Bare Necessities is your one-stop guide on how to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle in India. Filled with activities, insights, recipes, tips and how-to guides, it is a must-read for anyone wanting to make a positive change in their life and in the environment.

 

The Nutmeg's Curse
The Nutmeg’s Curse || Amitav Ghosh

Written against the backdrop of the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests, and interweaving discussions on everything from climate change, the migrant crisis, and the animist spirituality of indigenous communities around the world, The Nutmeg’s Curse offers a sharp critique of Western society, and reveals the profoundly remarkable ways in which human history is shaped by non-human forces.

 

The Great Derangement
The Great Derangement || Amitav Ghosh

In The Great Derangement, a groundbreaking return to non-fiction, Ghosh examines our inability-at the level of literature, history and politics-to grasp the scale and violence of climate change. The climate crisis asks us to imagine other forms of human existence-a task to which fiction, Ghosh argues, is the best suited of all forms. The Great Derangement serves as a brilliant writer’s summons to confront the most urgent task of our time.

 

Garden Up
Garden Up || Dr. Ekta Chaudhary

YouTube sensation Ekta Chaudhary has been teaching gardening to her millions of followers, and for the first time, she is putting it all down in an easy-to-use, fun and simple beginner’s guide to growing plants at home. Rich in information on the amount of light plants need, the kind of soil to use and plants that can thrive indoors and outdoors, with answers to all ‘silly’ questions, Garden Up will gift anyone a green thumb.

 

How To Raise A Plant Baby
How To Raise A Plant Baby || Vinayak Garg

 

Written for all plant parents trying to raise their plant babies in an urban setting, How To Raise A Plant Baby is built on basic principles that keep plants healthy and covers all topics that any plant parent need to know-how to prepare their space, how to choose the right plants for their home, how to care for the plants and keep them happy and how to get family and friends started with plants of their own.

 

This Handmade Life
This Handmade Life || Nandita Iyer

This Handmade Life is all about finding a passion and becoming really good at it. Divided into seven sections-baking, fermenting, self-care, kitchen gardening, soap-making, spices and stitching-this book tells us it is all right to slow down and take up simple projects that bring us unadulterated joy.

June Reads: Recommended Books for Children

Get ready for a magical journey into the world of children’s literature with our selection of June releases! From delightful picture books that bring stories to life, to captivating chapter books and sparkling illustrations, these tales will take kids and parents alike on literary escapades. Join us as we unveil stories that will inspire laughter, spark curiosity and create cherished memories.

My First Sudha Murthy Collection: A Set of Four Chapter Books
My First Sudha Murthy Collection: A Set of Four Chapter Books || Sudha Murthy

From India’s favourite writer comes a curated collection of 4 heartwarming stories packaged as charming chapter books. Each book offers a splendid introduction to Sudha Murty’s world through captivating illustrations, endearing characters and deliciously written tales in her unique style.

Magical, beautiful and full of wonder this boxset is a perfect gift for beginners.

 

Bipathu and Very Big Dream
Bipathu and Very Big Dream || Anita Nair

When school reopens in the village of Kaikurussi after the pandemic lockdown, nine-year-old Bipathu makes new friends-Madama, a blind lady who has moved to the village, Maash, a neighbour, Rahul, a boy who loves football as much as she does, and Duggu, a rescued puppy. When Madama gifts Bipathu’s brother Saad, a special needs child, a pair of braces, Bipathu starts believing in the power of the universe. So, when Suleiman, the class bully, roughs up Rahul to prevent him from training for the football match selections, Bipathu looks to the universe for help.

The Girl Who Loved To Run: P.T. Usha
The Girl Who Loved To Run: P.T. Usha || Lavanya Karthik

 

Quick as a bird, fast as a train-there she goes! This is the story of P.T. Usha, before she became a legend in Indian sports.

 

The Paper Plane Flew
The Paper Plane Flew || Bharti Singh

One afternoon, Mithi and her father make a paper aeroplane and send it into the sky. How far it will travel?

 

Simi Stands Tall
Simi Stands Tall || Arti Sonthalia

 

Simi has to join a new school in a new city. But the three-time academic award winner of Bhaarti Bhavan is suddenly a nobody at Newton International School. She discovers that a boy named Parth, who dresses in shabby clothes and torn shoes, is much smarter than her. The popular girl, Alisa, has a mean streak. Simi’s only confidant is her pet goldfish, Goldie, as she navigates annoying older siblings and her mother’s chemotherapy.
With so many changes in her life, will Simi learn to choose her human friends wisely, stand up tall for herself and defend her real friends?

Don’t miss out on the joy and wonder that await in our June collection!

Step into Satyajit Ray’s Universe with These 6 Books

Penguin is celebrating Satyajit Ray’s 102nd birth anniversary, and like every year, this one too comes with a lot of nostalgia over his stories that have stayed with all of us. Satyajit Ray took our cinema, literature and overall aesthetic expression to a new height. He was an ace designer, music composer, illustrator, and gifted writer. Generations of readers, young and old, have found themselves enamoured of Ray’s characters and the universe he created.

We bring you some gems from The Penguin Ray Library, an endeavour to capture the brilliance of this Renaissance man and our vision to disseminate his works to a wide spectrum of readership.

*

The Feluda Journal

The Feluda Journal
The Feluda Journal || Satyajit Ray

 

Felu, the super sleuth, is the nickname of Pradosh C. Mitter. Although Satyajit Ray wrote Feluda stories for the largely younger readers, soon it was found that they were being read by their parents as well. Soon longer stories followed-novelettes-taking place in a variety of picturesque settings.

From the historical setting of Lucknow-to solve the mystery of diamond ring, which once belonged to the Mughal emperor Aurengzeb-to the Blue Beryl of Kailash Chowdhury, this is the first-ever Feluda journal, which opens a window to unseen archiving materials, illustrations and rare publicity stills created by Ray.

A companion journal to scribble your thoughts, this collector’s edition brings to light the ever-popular adventures of Satyajit Ray’s enduring creation, Feluda!

 

COMING SOON!

*

The Best of Satyajit Ray Boxset

 

The Best of Satyajit Ray
The Best of Satyajit Ray

From the ever-popular adventures of Ray’s enduring creation, the professional sleuth Feluda to the chronicles of Professor Shonku; short stories; writings on filmmaking; and thoughts on the world as well as Indian cinema, among others, this anthology, a two-volume boxset, The Best of Satyajit Ray is not only a treat for the Ray enthusiasts but also a collector’s edition.

*

Satyajit Ray Miscellany

 

Satyajit Ray Miscellany
Satyajit Ray Miscellany

Satyajit Ray Miscellany, the second book in The Penguin Ray Library series, brings to light some of the rarest essays and illustrations of Ray that opens a window to the myriad thought-process of this creative genius. With more than seventy gripping write-ups and rare photographs and manuscripts, this book is a collector’s item.

*

Childhood Days

 

Childhood Days
Childhood Days

Childhood Days takes readers through legendary storyteller Satyajit Ray’s early life, exploring the people who were around him during his childhood, the places he spent the early years of his life in and the man we now know as an artist, music composer, director and writer. It displays the lesser-known side of Ray -affectionate, tender and humorous, quite different from the serious, introverted man the world knew.

Through Childhood Days, Ray writes eloquently about his initial attempts to understand photography, his experience of tasting ice cream for the first time, his discomfort during his school years as a result of his father’s and grandfather’s fame and what he went through during the shooting of Pather Panchali, his debut and landmark film. Filled with stories that are funny and heart-warming, Childhood Days is a glimpse into the making of a genius.

*

Indigo: Selected Stories

Indigo: Selected Stories
Indigo: Selected Stories

 

Indigo is a collection of stories about the supernatural, the peculiar and the inexplicable from Satyajit Ray, one of the best-loved writers of our times. There are tales of dark horror, fantasy and adventure along with heartwarmingly funny stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. In ‘Big Bill’ Tulsi Babu picks up a newly-hatched chick from a forest and brings it home only to find it growing bigger and fiercer by the day; in ‘Khagam’ a man kills a sadhu’s deadly pet snake and invites a curse which brings about horrifying changes in his body; and in the title story, a young executive resting in an old abandoned bungalow for a night, finds himself caught up in a chilling sequence of events which occurred more than a century ago. Also included here is ‘The Magical Mystery’, a brand new Feluda story discovered amongst Ray’s papers after his death, and several tales featuring Uncle Tarini, the master storyteller who appears in translation for the first time. From Mr. Shasmal, who is visited one night by all the creatures he has ever killed, to Ashamanja Babu, who does not know what to do when his pet dog suddenly begins to laugh, the unforgettable characters in these stories surprise, shock and entertain us in equal measure.

Indigo is a veritable treasure trove, especially for those who like a taste of the unusual in a short story and an unexpected twist at the end. The book is translated from Bengali by the author and Gopa Majumdar.

*

Speaking of Films

Speaking of Films
Speaking of Films

 

Speaking of Films brings together some of Ray’s most memorable writings on film and film-making. With the masterly precision and clarity that characterize his films, Ray discusses a wide array of subjects. He also writes about his own experiences, the challenges of working with rank amateurs, and the innovations in the face of technological, financial and logistical constraints. Ray provides fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the people who worked with him.

This first-ever translation of Bishay Chalachitra, a seminal collection of essays on cinema, Speaking of Films retains the lucidity and simplicity that is a hallmark of Ray’s writing, and gives an invaluable insight into the mind of a genius.

*

May Marvels: Recommended Books for Children

As avid readers and parents ourselves, we understand the importance of finding engaging and age-appropriate books that will inspire a lifelong love for reading in young minds. So, check out this list of recommended books for your children that range from picture books to middle-grade novels.

 

Zen by Shabnam Minwalla

Zen
Zen || Shabnam Minwalla

In 1935, Zainab Essanji wants to break out of her restricted life and be part of the independence movement. But it seems that all she is destined to do is embroider and wait to get married.

In 2019, Zainab Currimji, class XI student, is unhappy at getting drawn into debates and controversies which she would rather not be part of. But in India of 2019, how can one not be drawn into these?

In this deeply addictive, sweeping book about the life and times of the two Zainabs, is captured a short history of Mumbai, and of India. Of what we were and what we have become.

Strangus Derangus & Other Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 1) by Reena Ittyerah Puri

Strangus Derangus & Other Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 1)
Strangus Derangus & Other Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 1) || Reena Ittyerah Puri

What would you say of a boy who loves rushing headlong into trouble?

That’s what Little Shambu does with his dog, the loyal Dum Dum, in tow. But as his best friend, Shanti, would tell you, it always leads him into exciting adventures involving lost cats, mysterious carrot thieves, a strange and exotic creature and stolen pandas.

Escape into the fantastic world of Little Shambu with these brand-new adventures of the beloved character from TINKLE.

In the Bear’s Den & More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 2) by Reena Ittyerah Puri

In the Bear’s Den & More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 2)
In the Bear’s Den & More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 2) || Reena Ittyerah Puri

What would you say of a boy who continues to find himself in sticky situations?

That’s what Little Shambu does with his dog, the loyal Dum Dum, in tow. But as his best friend, Shanti, would tell you, it always leads him into exciting adventures involving grouchy bears, rattling cattle, slouchy snakes and runaway elephants.

Escape into the fantastic world of Little Shambu with these brand-new adventures of the beloved character from TINKLE.

The Boy Who Wanted to Fly: JRD Tata (Dreamers Series) by Lavanya Karthik

The Boy Who Wanted to Fly: JRD Tata
The Boy Who Wanted to Fly: JRD Tata || Lavanya Karthik

Before Jeh started India’s first airline and changed the way the nation travelled, he was a boy who dreamt of flying.

Sleepytime Tales with Vicky Voyager by Sonia Mehta

Sleepytime Tales with Vicky Voyager
Sleepytime Tales with Vicky Voyager || Sonia Mehta

The Series: It’s bedtime! Time to settle down, get cosy and read some stories-with magical moments, oodles of entertainment and a little bit of learning. Meet some happy characters who love to know about . . . well, everything! Join them as they explore the world and discover fun things along the way.

The Book: Vicky Voyager is a history buff and time-traveller, who has invented a top-secret time machine. With his best friends Lucky and Lulu, Vicky visits different historical eras in this trusty machine. The trio gets to meet Cleopatra, Alexander and other famous historical figures while having some rollicking adventures together!

Sleepytime Tales with Eppy Explorer by Sonia Mehta

Sleepytime Tales with Eppy Explorer
Sleepytime Tales with Eppy Explorer

Eppy Explorer is an intrepid world traveller, who loves to visit new countries and learn more about people and places. With her pet ginger cat, Tango, she goes on hair-raising adventures across the fjords of Norway, the savanna of Africa, the volcanoes of Japan and even the Jordanian desert. Eppy meets some interesting new friends while learning about fascinating geographical phenomena!

Truck Call for Ajju by Anjana Nagabhushana

Truck Call for Ajju
Truck Call for Ajju || Anjana Nagabhushana

Hello! Can you hear me?

Between working out countable and uncountable nouns with his best friend Karthik, learning to be a budding guitarist with his music teacher Miss Alva, completing his homework, and getting into trouble with his parents for building sugar-cube igloos with his Kini Maasi, Ajju was living the life of a normal eight-year-old.
And it was all going great until a baby elephant walked into his life. Molly was an eight-month-old elephant in distant Zimbabwe. What could the connection between them possibly be?

All-time Favourite Nature Stories by Ruskin Bond

All-time Favourite Nature Stories
All-time Favourite Nature Stories || Ruskin Bond

‘I am lucky to be up here on this mountain, where the wind still hums in the deodars, the horse chestnuts fall in the autumn and the flycatchers flit among the ancient oaks.’

All-time Favourite Nature Stories is a collection of twenty-five soulful and timeless tales about nature, featuring endearing characters and stunning illustrations.

From ‘The Cherry Tree’ to ‘Grandfather’s Feathered Foes’, each story is replete with a different sensorial experience-rustling leaf, still forests, burbling streams, chirping birds, picturesque landscapes and so much more!

Curated by Ruskin Bond, this book celebrates the magnificence of nature and his deep, abiding love for it.

The World of Butterfingers: Adventure in Texas and Other Stories by Khyrunnisa A.

The World of Butterfingers: Adventure in Texas and Other Stories
The World of Butterfingers: Adventure in Texas and Other Stories || Khyrunnisa A.

Chaotic Butterfingers, aka Amar Kishen, and his misadventures return in this collection of 3-in-1 comics. From travelling to Texas to solving a shoe mystery to getting into trouble and then saving the day–Butterfingers does it all!

Brand new baby shoes in a pile of garbage invite Amar and his friends to unravel the mystery of the missing baby.
A trip to Texas and Amar’s clumsiness take a rather unexpected turn to dizzying new heights!
Disaster strikes when Amar is tasked to run a marathon with his school principal leaving everyone with a case of giggles.

So, drop everything and jump into this book . . . because where there’s Butterfingers, there’s bound to be fun, thrills and, of course, spills.

The Library of hOles (New Box Set with 33 hOle Books!)

The Library of hOles
The Library of hOles

Thousands of Indian kids have jumped into reading with a Duckbill hOle book!
Get all 33 books in the series in this unique Library of hOles, and make your child fall in love with books and stories. Recognizable by the hOle at the top corner of each book, these chapter books are for kids learning to read independently. They are full of fun stories, gorgeous illustrations and hOles!

Six 10s: Sixty Indian Stories You May Not Have Heard Before

Six 10s: Sixty Indian Stories You May Not Have Heard Before
Six 10s: Sixty Indian Stories You May Not Have Heard Before

There are so many things about India we learn and so many fascinating things that are left to find out. This set deals with six such subjects-ranging from history, environment and art to people who have transformed lives in many ways. Sixty such enthralling and incredible stories are contained in this box that is sure to delight and spark the curiosity of young readers.

Read the books to find out about

  • Monarchs whose amazing stories you may not know
  • Animals that you may never again see in the wild
  • Heroes who help people live with dignity
  • Champions who are fighting to save the planet
  • Art mysteries that have never been solved
  • Women who were the first to do what they did

The Adventures of Feluda (Special Birthday Edition; Collector’s Edition Box Set) by Satyajit Ray

The Adventures of Feluda
The Adventures of Feluda || Satyajit Ray

Dive into twelve timeless classic whodunnits by iconic storyteller Satyajit Ray, featuring the legendary detective, Feluda. Join the private investigator as he plunges into seemingly impossible and strange cases accompanied by his sharp and curious nephew, Topse, and the comically anxious novelist, Jatayu.

1. THE EMPEROR’S RING: Feluda is on holiday in Lucknow when a priceless Mughal ring is stolen.

2. THE ROYAL BENGAL MYSTERY: A bloodthirsty tiger is suspiciously killing off people related to an ancestral treasure.

3. THE HOUSE OF DEATH: The search for a scroll leads Feluda to a motley crew of characters, among whom lurks a dangerous killer.

4. TROUBLE IN GANGTOK: In the picturesque city of Gangtok, a businessman is murdered, and the list of suspects is long.

5. THE MYSTERY OF THE ELEPHANT GOD: In Varanasi, the theft of a valuable statuette of Ganesha leads Feluda to unmask a fake sadhu.

6. THE GOLDEN FORTRESS: Feluda sets out in search of a missing boy claiming to remember his previous life.

7. THE CURSE OF THE GODDESS: A stamp collection vanishes; some coded diaries are uncovered and the head of a family in Hazaribagh lies dead.

8. THE BANDITS OF BOMBAY: Soon after Jatayu hands over a package to a man in a red shirt, someone is murdered.

9. THE SECRET OF THE CEMETERY: Feluda chances upon an old grave that has been dug up at the Park Street cemetery.

10. A KILLER IN KAILASH: Feluda, Topse, and Jatayu try to prevent the smuggling of priceless sculptures out of India.

11. THE CRIMINALS IN KATHMANDU: A murder in Calcutta sets Feluda on a trail that leads him all the way to Kathmandu and the doorstep of his arch-nemesis, Maganlal Meghraj.

12. THE INCIDENT ON THE KALKA MAIL: When a man’s blue briefcase gets accidentally switched with someone else’s during a train ride, he enlists Feluda’s help to recover it.

 

Dum Dum to the Rescue and Yet More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 3)

Dum Dum to the Rescue and Yet More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 3)
Dum Dum to the Rescue and Yet More Adventures of Little Shambu (Book 3)

What would you say of a boy who gets into trouble over and over again?

That’s what Little Shambu does with his dog, the loyal Dum Dum, in tow. But as his best friend, Shanti, would tell you, it always leads him into exciting adventures involving homely chickens and a crafty fox, mischievous mice, moustached men and confusing encounters with aliens.

Escape into the fantastic world of Little Shambu with these brand-new adventures of the beloved character from TINKLE.

Storytime for your penguinster!

As the air fills with the sweet scent of flowers, gift your young penguinster these books to enhance the magical experience of spring. 

 

How Not to Get Wet in the Rain by Sunanda Kulkarni

Do you know how to stay dry when it rains? or how to make jewels out of brass? Or just distribute the five oranges evenly among the seven kids? There are solutions to all of these issues and more in this treasure trove of Indian folktales. A kingdom made up of wild animals, a peculiar mouse-girl, a fool who thinks gold coins are trash, a king who can’t stop coughing, a mystery man who pulls the emperor’s beard, and many other such odd and incredible characters are among those we encounter.

These simple parables of advice demonstrate how, with a little common sense and polite wit, any issue—no matter how strange or insurmountable—can be resolved.

 

Grabber by Jehan Zachary and Nirmal Pulickal

Grabber
Grabber || Jehan Zachary and Nirmal Pulickal

An urban tale claims that the Black Taj Mahal, a grand tomb that was once as stunning and magnificent as its white twin, is buried in the sands of time. However, it concealed a sinister truth: the White Taj was constructed using 64 severed hands.

A queen from the former Mughal courts becomes friends with 12-year-old Nuru during the British period, hundreds of years later. Mumtaz makes random appearances and disappearances while issuing a prophetic warning. the resurgence of the pisacha, a macabre marriage of the 64 severed hands that constructed the White Taj Mahal.

Everyone’s demise is near, and the only way to stop this evil is to locate the legendary Black Taj Mahal.

 

Terminal 3 by Debasmita Dasgupta

Terminal 3: A Graphic Novel set in Kashmir
Terminal 3 || Debasmita Dasgupta

Khwab has persevered despite experiencing joy and emptiness, desire and grief, penance and serenity. She imagines that one day, existence will be a paradise. The tale of the common people attempting to live out their dreams in the Valley is told in Terminal 3: Breathing Against the Background of Conflict.

 

10 Indian Tribes and the Unique Lives They Lead by Nidhi Dugar Kundalia

10 Indian Tribes and the Unique Lives They Lead (The 10s Series)
10 Indian Tribes and the Unique Lives They Lead || Nidhi Dugar Kundalia

In this book, ten Indian tribes are described who have lived very distinct lives from the rest of India, sometimes even in the same physical locations. Rarely have their origins been communicated. Nidhi Dugar Kundalia explores the everyday routines, traditions, and difficulties of some of the numerous tribes that coexist in our nation. She also traces their historical development.

 

Puffin Lives: 10 Unforgettable Indians and their Remarkable Stories (Boxset)

Puffin Lives: 10 Unforgettable Indians and their Remarkable Stories (Boxset)
Puffin Lives: 10 Unforgettable Indians and their Remarkable Stories (Boxset)

The Puffin Lives series examines the professional and personal journeys of well-known Indians from a variety of disciplines. These biographies, written by authors like Sreelata Menon, Subhadra Sen Gupta, Devika Rangachari, and others, reproduce the lives and legacies of famous people. This collection of fascinating tales about trailblazers like Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Guru Nanak, and Mother Teresa are laced with anecdotes, obscure facts, and trivia.

 

Each book is an engrossing account of icons whose lives continue to influence every generation, making this a wonderful gift box for your penguinster.

error: Content is protected !!