Get ready for a fun ride with this February’s newly released children’s books! From island adventures to learning about languages, These stories promise joy for every young reader.
Grab a book, and let the fun begin!
Ostrich Girl || Lesley D. Biswas
A visitor mistakes Ritu’s bird call for an ostrich’s and wants to see the bird.
But there are no ostriches on Henry Island! where will Ritu find one to show him?
10 Indian Languages and How They Came to Be (10s Series) || Karthik Venkatesh
This book talks about ten Indian languages—of the thousand-odd languages spoken in India—and their evolution, transformation and development. These languages are:
Tamil
Telugu
Brahui
Santali
Khasi
Kokborok
Manipuri
Marathi
Punjabi
Hindi
Karthik Venkatesh traces the long and varied journeys of these languages through time, examining the cultural shifts and political and social influences that have shaped them. He provides a glimpse of their literature, tracks the growth of their scripts and identifies landmark moments that have preserved and reinvented these ten Indian languages.
Under the Bakul Tree || Mrinal Kalita
When Ashim, the bright, cheerful class topper and the ‘jewel’ of Mahendra master, suddenly drops out of school, everyone is surprised. His classmate and academic rival, Nirmal, is deeply troubled by Ashim’s behaviour and decides to investigate.
As Nirmal discovers more about Ashim’s circumstances, a friendship as pure as the bakul flower blooms that stands its ground against the harsh realities of growing up in rural Assam.
A heartwarming coming-of-age tale, the book celebrates friendship, hope and determination as it unravels the devastating effects of poverty and of an education system that has failed the ones who need it the most—the misfits and outcasts.
Translated for the first time from the Assamese, Under the Bakul Tree is one of the finest young adult novels from India and is an invaluable addition to India’s rich literary landscape.
What Happened to Grandpa || Nandini Nayar
Something strange is happening to Grandpa. Words and names are slipping away, and favourite faces and places are becoming distant memories.
As Grandpa’s family seems to be losing him, it is up to Neha to remind them about the things he stood for. She shares his adventures and spins his stories, but will that help them remember Grandpa and celebrate him?
In this heartwarming picture book about love, loss, and remembering, discover the priceless bond we have with grandparents and how their memories live on.
This Republic Day, join us for a thoughtful exploration through books unveiling India’s rich history. From tales of strength to political insights, we’re delving into stories that define our nation. Get ready for a reflective reading journey as we celebrate the essence of Republic Day.
Let The Ultimate Bharat Book Binge begin!
1947-57 India Birth of a Republic || Chandrachur Ghose
The first decade after India’s independence, 1947-1957, was probably the most crucial in the nation’s history. Opening a window to this period, this book weaves a story out of the complex ideas and events that have largely remained beneath the surface of public discourse. The transfer of power, the framing of the Constitution and the formation of the governance machinery; the clash of ideas and ideologies among parties and personalities; the beginning of the disintegration of the Congress and the consolidation of political forces in the opposition; Nehru’s grappling with existential problems at home and his quest for global peace; the interplay between democratic ideals and ruthless power play-all these factors impinged on each other and shaped the new republic in its formative decade.
You Must Know Your Constitution || Fali S. Nariman
26 November 1949 marks the date when the longest constitution in the world was formally adopted to guide the largest democracy in the world. It effectively transformed the British Dominion of India into one nation—the independent Republic of India. The supreme law of the land set forth the workings of Indian democracy and polity, and its provisions aimed to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for the people of India. As drafted and as conceived, the constitution makes provision for a functioning democracy and not an electoral autocracy, and this is how it has to be worked. It is therefore imperative for all citizens to familiarise themselves with its provisions.
Modi and India || Rahul Shivshankar, Siddhartha Talya
In 2014, the BJP, under the leadership of Modi, won a clear majority in the Lok Sabha elections. The National Democratic Alliance’s triumph ended a nearly two-and-a-half-decade run of mostly messy coalition governments. In 2019, the BJP further improved its tally, cementing its parliamentary majority and its ability to ring in transformational laws and policies. Most of the initiatives taken by the Modi-led NDA have been aimed at positioning Bharat as a ‘Vishwa Guru’—an exemplar of moral righteousness, a pluralistic democracy led by dharma and drawing sustenance from the wellspring of an eternal Hindu universalism.
Middle of Diamond India || Shashank Mani
Middle of Diamond India proposes a revolutionary idea – that India has long ignored its largest and most talented segment, citizens in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 districts, its Middle.
The book reveals the hidden stories of those in its Middle who have been ignored owing to their location and language. By examining India’s revolutionary past, its culture, its citizens, its innovators, and its spirit, the book illuminates this Diamond shaped India.
The Great Flap of 1942 || Mukund Padmanabhan
The Great Flap of 1942 is a narrative history of a neglected and scarcely known period—between December 1941 and mid-1942—when all of India was caught in a state of panic. This was largely a result of the British administration’s mistaken belief that Japan was on the verge of launching a full-fledged invasion. It was a time when the Raj became unduly alarmed, when the tongue of rumour wagged wildly about Japanese prowess and British weakness and when there was a huge and largely unmapped exodus (of Indians and Europeans) from both sides of the coastline to ‘safer’ inland regions. This book demonstrates, quite astonishingly, that the Raj cynically encouraged the exodus and contributed to the repeated cycles of rumour, panic and flight. It also reveals how the shadow of the Japanese threat influenced the course of nationalist politics, altered British attitudes towards India and charted the course towards Independence.
Babasaheb || Savita Ambedkar, Nadeem Khan
Born into a middle-class, Sarasvat Brahmin family, Dr Sharada Kabir met and got to know Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar as a patient riddled with life-threatening diseases, and eventually married him on 15 April 1948, getting rechristened as Savita Ambedkar. From the day of their wedding to the death of Dr Ambedkar on 6 December 1956, she aided him in some of his greatest achievements-drafting the Constitution of India, framing the Hindu Code Bill, writing some of his most celebrated books, including The Buddha and His Dhamma, and leading millions of Dalits into Buddhism. Following his death, she was hounded into obscurity by some of Dr Ambedkar’s followers, who saw her as a threat to their political ambitions. She re-emerged into public life in 1970 and got back to working on the mission to which her husband had devoted his life-the welfare of the Dalit community. Her autobiography, Dr Ambedkaraanchya Sahavaasaat, was first published in Marathi in 1990.
Madam President || Sandeep Sahu
Madam President is the first-ever comprehensive and authentic biography of Droupadi Murmu, the fifteenth President of India, by senior journalist Sandeep Sahu. Murmu’s long and eventful political journey is a story of true perseverance and inspiration. Having battled early years of struggle in securing quality education, being struck by a series of personal tragedies such as the loss of her husband and two sons in quick succession,
and suffering electoral victories and losses, Murmu has risen through her circumstances with grace, fortitude and resilience that make her the well-revered leader she is today.
These Seats are Reserved || Abhinav Chandrachud
Reservation or affirmative action is a hugely controversial policy in India. While constitutionally mandated and with historians, political scientists and social activists convinced of its need, many resist it and consider it as compromising ‘merit’ and against the principle of equality of opportunity.
In These Seats Are Reserved, Abhinav traces the history and making of the reservation policy.
M.K.Nambyar || K.K. Venugopal
It is rare to see a lawyer from a district court occupy centre stage in the Supreme Court but M.K. Nambyar achieved this remarkable feat. Starting his practice in a district court in Mangalore, M.K. Nambyar rose to become an eminent constitutional lawyer. Written by his son K.K. Venugopal, a legal luminary himself, this biography provides a fascinating account of Nambyar’s life. It not only describes the man but also recapitulates India’s legal history from the pre-Independence era. The book includes some landmark cases argued by Nambyar that have significantly contributed to the development of constitutional law in India such as A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras and I.C. Golak Nath v. State of Punjab, where he sowed the seeds of the ‘basic structure’ doctrine. These cases continue to guide and inspire lawyers and judges today.
Court on Trial || Aparna Chandra, Sital Kalantry, William H.J. Hubbard
The Indian Supreme Court was established nearly seventy-five years ago as a core part of India’s constitutional project. Does the Court live up to the ideals of justice imagined by the framers of the Indian Constitution? Critics of the Supreme Court point out that it takes too long to adjudicate cases, a select group of senior advocates exercise disproportionate influence on the outcome of cases, the Chief Justice of India strategically assigns cases with an eye to outcome, and the self-appointments process-known as the collegium-is just another ‘old boy’s network’. Building on nearly a decade of original empirical research, Court on Trail examines these and other controversies plaguing the Supreme Court today. The authors provide an overview of the Supreme Court and its processes which are often shrouded in mystery, and present data-driven suggestions for improving the effectiveness and integrity of the Court.
Breaking the Mould || Raghuram Rajan, Rohit Lamba
In Breaking the Mould, the authors explain how we can accelerate economic development by investing in our people’s human capital, expanding opportunities in high-skilled services and manufacturing centred on innovative new products, and making India a ferment of ideas and creativity. India’s democratic traditions will support this path, helped further by governance reforms, including strengthening our democratic institutions and greater decentralization.
Take a trip into India’s political landscape with this curated selection of books offering unique perspectives on significant events and influential figures over the last few decades. From the aftermaths of the pivotal Ayodhya verdict to the forty-day hearing of the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, these reads provide a compass to navigate the complexities of Indian politics.
Let’s prepare to be informed, challenged, and empowered by a richer understanding of our diverse nation.
Sunrise Over Ayodhya || Sunrise over Ayodhya
On 9 November 2019, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous verdict, cleared the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
As we look back, we will be able to see how much we have lost over Ayodhya through the years of conflict. If the loss of a mosque is preservation of faith, if the establishment of a temple is emancipation of faith, we can all join together in celebrating faith in the Constitution. Sometimes, a step back to accommodate is several steps forward towards our common destiny.
Through this book, Salman Khurshid explores how the greatest opportunity that the judgment offers is a reaffirmation of India as a secular society.
Ek Ruka Hua Faisla || Prabhakar Kumar Mishra
No any cases run so long and important in the history of modern India, which has a serious impact on the politics, society and its overall thinking of the country. The supreme court of India gave its verdict on the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute going on for centuries, on 9th November 2019, after a continuous hearing for forty days.
This book is an eye witness account of the same forty days of hearing in the Supreme Court. The book presents the background of the judges, the lawyers and the parties concerned, the ups and downs in the litigation and our secular justice system without any bias.
Ayodhya || P V Narasimha Rao
P.V. Narasimha Rao was the prime minister of India when, on 6 December 1992, thousands of kar sevaks stormed into the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The nation watched in horror as the centuries-old mosque was razed to the ground, in the presence of paramilitary forces and senior political leaders, marking a turning point in post-Independence Indian history.
Many hold Rao responsible for not preventing the demolition, while others accuse him of being a co-conspirator. In this tell-all account, Rao reveals what really transpired in the run-up to that fateful day. Drawing on the Supreme Court order, parliamentary proceedings, eyewitness reports and his own insights, he presents a comprehensive view of the machinations that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Nearly three decades after the event, Ayodhya: 6 December 1992 remains a valuable resource to understanding the political manoeuvres behind the Ram Mandir issue and the dangers of exploiting religious sentiments for narrow electoral gains.
Crime, Grime and Gumption || O.P. Singh
A 1983 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, O.P. Singh donned various roles in the state and central services. Through his tenure, he witnessed several challenges, from the tackling of militancy in Kheri to managing disasters such as the April 2015 Nepal earthquake and the Srinagar and Chennai floods of 2014 and 2015, respectively. The Ayodhya verdict, Citizenship Amendment Act protests, the Kumbh Mela and Lok Sabha polls of 2019 all tested this officer’s mettle.
From the dusty plains of Gaya, Bihar, to the swampy and terror-infested wetlands of Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, Crime, Grime and Gumption is an honest and hard-hitting account of law enforcement and governance in the Hindi belt of India. As the ‘policewallah’ gives you a peek into the world of the khaki in this memoir, you will be left thirsting for more.
Soli Sorabjee || Abhinav Chandrachud
How does a Parsi lawyer, deeply influenced by the principles of Roman Catholicism, fall in love with a Bahá’í and go on to become the Attorney General of India for a Hindu nationalist BJP government? How does a boy with a broken leg, who studied in a Gujarati-medium school, and lost his father at the age of nineteen, go on to mount a heroic defense of the Janata government’s decision to dissolve Congress state legislatures (in 1977) in the Supreme Court? How does a newspaper columnist who admires Nehru, who criticizes the BJP for being ‘obsessed’ with ‘demolishing mosques’ and advises them to replace ‘Hindutva’ with ‘Bharatva’ or ‘Indianness’, get chosen by Prime Minister Vajpayee to represent the government in the Supreme Court in many cases, including the Ayodhya case? How does a lawyer with a humdrum customs and excise law practice, whose grandfather sold horsedrawn carriages in Bombay, become a U.N. human rights rapporteur, and repeatedly defend the fundamental right to free speech and expression in the Supreme Court of India?
Soul and Sword || Hindolsen Gupta
Soul and Sword traces the journey of political Hinduism from events that are critical to its self-narration, that is, early Indian resistance to invasions, to intellectual definitions by nineteenth-century littérateurs and more contemporary electoral politics. It tries to understand the context and historical sources used to construct and promote political Hinduism’s world view.
From award-winning writer Hindol Sengupta, Soul and Sword is absolutely critical reading to understand India’s present and future.
Being Hindu || Hindol Sengupta
Being Hindu is an exploration of Hinduism in a way you have never seen before, almost through your own eyes. This is the first book on Hinduism to have won the Wilbur Award given by the Religion Communicators Council of America for excellence in writing about religion.
Patriots and Partisans || Ramachandra Guha
‘I am a person of moderate views,’ writes Ramachandra Guha, ‘these sometimes expressed in extreme fashion.’ In this wide-ranging and wonderfully readable collection of essays, Guha defends the liberal centre against the dogmas of left and right, and does so with style, depth, and polemical verve. The book begins with a brilliant overview of the major threats to the Indian Republic. Other essays turn a critical eye on Hindutva, the Communist left, and the dynasty-obsessed Congress party.
The essays in Part II of this book focus on writers and scholars, and include some sparkling portraits. Whether writing about politics or culture, whether profiling individuals or analysing social trends, Ramachandra Guha displays a masterly touch, confirming his standing as India’s most admired historian and public intellectual.
Indian History Companion || Bipan Chandra, Ramachandra Guha, Gopa Sabharwal
India’s Struggle for Independence-the first and most reliable study of the country’s epic fight for freedom by some of India’s most authoritative historians-is an established classic. Makers of Modern India presents rare and compelling excerpts from the writings and speeches of nineteen Indians whose ideas had a defining impact on the formation and evolution of our republic. India since 1947 is the definitive guide to post-Independence India, covering a wide range of topics, from agriculture, law, archaeology and the arts to science and technology, sports and wars.
Makers of Modern India || Guha Ramachandra, Ramachandra Guha
The Makers of Modern India highlights little-known aspects of major figures in Indian history like Tagore and Nehru; it also rehabilitates thinkers who have been unjustly forgotten, such as Tarabai Shinde and Hamid Dalwai. These makers of modern India did not speak in one voice: their perspectives are sometimes complementary, at other times contradictory. The topics they explore and analyse include religion, caste, gender, language, nationalism, colonialism, democracy, secularism and the economy-that is to say, all that is significant in the human condition. These issues have a resonance in our own times, not just in India but everywhere in the world as well.
Hey young readers! Ready to kick off the New Year with a blast of stories and adventures? Our special January collection is here to make 2024 your best year of reading yet. Let’s dive into a world of fun and imagination together – who’s in for the ride?
The Later Adventures of Hanuman || Amit Majmudar
In this collection of forty exciting tales, read how Hanuman, the monkey-god, vanquishes the thousand-headed Ahiravana, defeats a giant wasp-demoness, races with Garuda to see who is the fastest and has many other escapades.
Action-packed and fast-paced, these reimagined stories of chiranjeevi Hanuman’s later adventures are magical, heart-warming and bittersweet. Continuing the traditional folk practice of inventing adventures for Hanuman, Amit Majmudar takes us along on the monkey-god’s long and lonely, and rollickingly eventful, immortality.
Feathers, Fools and Farts || L. Somi Roy, Thangjam Hindustani Devi
Be warned.
These ten wacky stories in Feathers, Fools, and Farts: Manipuri Folktales Retold from Manipur, perched on India’s border with Myanmar, are not for scaredy-cats.
Nor for those of you who do not enjoy a hearty laugh or a good cry. And if you try to copy the foolishness of the characters, animal and human, in these folktales, you just might turn into a tiger, get stung by a swarm of bees, or even get poo’ed on.
If, however, you believe in strange romances, admire bravery, and like magic and sorcery, this book is for you, wherever you are.
The Talking Book || L. Somi Roy, Thangjam Hindustani Devi
The story of communication begins in prehistoric times, gallops through the dark arts, untranslatable words and languages brought back from the dead, and arrives in the age of AI. Along the way, we meet outstanding characters—the one-word man, the 400-word monkey and the million-word computer—who play their part in the development of language.
Every tale in this book holds a clue to the gigantic puzzle of the evolution of language that has hypnotized brilliant minds over time. Handprints of not-quite-humans on ancient cave walls, secrets buried in ash from a seven-year-long winter, forbidden experiments by kings on babies and even a rogue gene hiding in your DNA—how do they all piece together?
WARNING: Enjoy the rollercoaster ride of language, hilarious histories and crazy quizzes, but ignore the wise-cracking dog who will insist he wrote this book.
Rocket Science for Smartypants || Anushka Ravishankar
Are you a Smartypants?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Like—
What makes a rocket take off?
What is a satellite?
Can you take off like a rocket if you eat a lot of beans?
If you do, then you just might find the answers in this book.
It has gorgeous pictures, simple explanations and a very curious cat!
Cell Theory for Smartypants || Anushka Ravishankar
Are you a Smartypants?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Like—
Can you see an animal cell?
Does a Golgi body need exercise?
How many cells does a cat have?
If you do, then you just might find the answers in this book.
It has gorgeous pictures, simple explanations and a very curious cat!
Set Theory for Smartypants || Anushka Ravishankar
Are you a Smartypants?
Do you ask a lot of questions? Like—
Can a set have a bicycle and a banana?
Can there be a set with nothing in it?
Do cats like tuna or chicken?
If you do, then you just might find the answers in this book.
It has gorgeous pictures, simple explanations and a very curious cat!
Grandma’s Bag of Stories || Sudha Murty
This beloved and bestselling collection of stories by India’s favourite author, Sudha Murty, has sold countless number of copies and entertained generations of children in the subcontinent. Featuring gorgeous illustrations and a new introduction by the author, this special keepsake edition brings to book lovers an old favourite in a stunning new look.
Discover the magic of December through the eyes of your little ones with our latest children’s books! Dive into enchanting stories that will make them giggle, learn, and dream. Join us in exploring the newest releases that are sure to fill your family time with joy and wonder!
The Chhau Champ (hOle Book) || Vibha Batra
Shubha wants to learn Chhau. But her father wants to only teach her brother Shayon. How will Shubha persuade him that she too deserves a chance?
The Henna Start-up || Andaleeb Wajid
Abir Maqsood is angry.
She has things to do: a career to carve, money to earn, and, in the small stuff, a dining table to fix. But there are many obstacles in the way: lack of money, her parents’ over-protective attitude, and a most annoying distraction in class called Arsalan.
When her mother is not paid her dues for her henna service, Abir resolves to help her by creating a henna app. Her college is also running a programme for student start-ups so things look most fortuitous. But the path to getting funding is littered with more thorns than roses.
As Abir navigates through college, friendships and social pressures with determination, will she find the freedom that she is truly looking for?
Best Indian Stories for Children || R K Narayan, Anita Desai, Ruskin Bond, Sudha Murty (Ed.)
Enjoy reading masterfully crafted stories for children by four all-time favourite authors. Dive into extraordinary landscapes, meet evergreen characters and get immersed in the magic of these classic tales that is sure to spark a love for reading and literature!
November is here, and it’s time to unwrap the gift of enchanting stories for kids! Dive into a world of whimsy, wonder, and daring quests with these new children’s releases. #GiftAPenguin book to your little one and let the storytelling magic begin!
The Misadventures of a Diamond Thief || Lubaina Bandukwala
Sahabzada Hawa Singh Rafu Chakkar (Rafu), a descendant of the legendary Time-Travelling, Thieving Djinns, wants to abandon the family tradition of stealing jewels to pursue his true passion—cooking. However, when the king of djinns tasks him with a mission to steal the Shah-i-Noor diamond in the newly built city of Haiderabad, Rafu reluctantly accepts. His secret agenda? The diamond is his ticket to his dream.
With only two weeks to get the coveted gem, Rafu finds himself entangled in a web of cunning courtiers, mysterious thieves and a most annoying horse, all while the tantalizing aroma of pulavs and kebabs constantly distracts him. Racing against the clock, Rafu’s adventure unfurls as he strives to turn his dream into reality. How far will he go?
How the Bamboo Got its Bounty || Sudha Murty
In a lush, green forest, a shy, unassuming tree is presented with a reward by the forest queen. This makes
all the forest inhabitants curious . . .
India’s favourite storyteller brings to us the story of the humble bamboo that endures and selflessly gives.
A charming ode to our bountiful forests and trees, their resilience and the abundant gifts they bestow upon us, this gorgeous chapter book is the ideal introduction to the world of Sudha Murty.
Starry Starry Night || Nandita Basu
After Kunal’s mother dies, he is sent off to a boarding school in the hills. Till he has a hostel room, he stays with Tara, his father’s cousin, who teaches a special music programme in the school.
Teaching music helped Tara after her best friend died—that, and perhaps the company of the enigmatic figure known as Death, whom she sees everywhere.
Tara and Kunal must try to live together, their lives entwined by their separate losses—which neither is comfortable talking about.
This is a tale of love and loss, of the healing and illuminating power of friendship, art and music.
A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects || Devika Cariapa
A stone-age hand axe, an enchantingly sculpted yakshi, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, and even an HMT watch—can these things have anything in common?
Yes, they can!
Each of these has been conceived by the human mind and shaped by the human hand. Each object has a voice, not just of rulers and conquerors, but also of the common people. Most significant of all, each carries stories of how communities and identities were built on the Indian subcontinent.
Spanning the entirety of Indian history, from prehistoric to contemporary times, the 100 objects and artefacts chronicled in this book have shaped our present. Learn about the people who created these amazing objects, their way of life and culture, and how these objects influenced our world.
Embellished with vibrant illustrations, this engaging book will fire the imagination of readers and make them look at our incredible material remains in a new light while helping them understand our diverse pasts.
Get ready for an epic October! Dive into stories of heroes, Greek gods, dreamers, and amazing adventures with animals. Plus, learn from the incredible A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. These new releases are a ticket to a world of imagination and fun for children of all ages – don’t miss out!
A Children’s History of India in 100 objects ||Devika Cariapa
Spanning the entirety of Indian history, from prehistoric to contemporary times, the 100 objects and artefacts chronicled in this book have shaped our present. Learn about the people who created these amazing objects, their way of life and culture, and how these objects influenced our world.
Embellished with vibrant illustrations, this engaging book will fire the imagination of readers and make them look at our incredible material remains in a new light while helping them understand our diverse pasts.
The Arthashashtra for Children || Deepa Agarwal
India’s gift to the world-Kautilya’s Arthashastra addresses almost every aspect of governance from the duties and objectives of the ruler to social welfare, financial management, town planning, law and justice and foreign affairs. Lost for centuries, it was miraculously rediscovered by Rudrapatna Shamasastry, a Sanskrit scholar, in 1905 CE.
This version, especially adapted for young readers, aims to acquaint them with a heritage work, while providing insights into the nitty gritty of running a country. Using examples from history as well as current geopolitics, it attempts to illustrate how Kautilya’s theories of governance remain as relevant as they were two thousand years ago.
Greek Gods, Mosters and Heroes || DEVDUTT PATTANAIK
Curated with fascinating bite-sized introductions-to well-known gods like Zeus and Poseidon, heroes like Heracles and Bellerophon, and monsters like Cyclops and Minotaur-it features over forty playful artworks of Greeks in Indian clothing along with dedicated colouring pages.
One-of-a-kind, Greek Gods, Monsters and Heroes is a must-have for every curious mythology enthusiast and budding artist!
Dreamers Box Set || Lavanya Karthik
Do you dream of changing the world?
Here are ten tales of some exceptional girls and boys who dared to dream the impossible, and their first steps towards greatness in diverse fields.
They are . . .
Mahasweta Devi
Satyajit Ray
J.R.D. Tata
Bachendri Pal
Janaki Ammal
Salim Ali
P. T. Usha
R. K. Laxman and R. K. Narayan
P.C. Sorcar
Teejan Bai
Illustrated in a style unique to each book, these are ten tales to inspire the Dreamer in you.
Uncontrollable || Varsha Seshan
Children forced out of their homes
Humans discarded as empty shells
A Machine that sucks out Power.
Secrets
More secrets
And still more secrets-
I must fight a government of evil,
destroy the Machine,
and . . . save my mother.
Me, twelve-year-old Rohini.
Ha. Really?
Animals in the House || Ruskin Bond
‘Grandfather and I saw eye to eye on the matter of pets, and whenever Grandmother decided it was time to get rid of a tame white rat or a squirrel, I would conceal them in a hole in the jackfruit tree.’
Instead of having brothers and sisters to grow up with in India, young Ruskin had several odd companions, including a monkey, a tortoise, a python and a Great Indian Hornbill. His grandfather was responsible for all this wildlife, and their home in Dehra became a centre of action and laughter as a variety of creatures were brought home—the furry, feathered, fierce and friendly—all under one roof.
Bursting with delightful illustrations, this chapter book features endearing characters and hilarious episodes, making it a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of Ruskin Bond!
A.P.J Abdul Kalam in 100 Anecdotes || Arthy Muthanna Singh, Mamta Nainy
A.P.J Abdul Kalam in 100 Anecdotes is one-of-a-kind book, with gorgeous illustrations, is a collectible edition that celebrates an extraordinary man who serves as a role model for all. Starting from his days growing up in the island town of Rameswaram, to working on India’s space programmes, to his years as the eleventh President of India and his life thereafter, the hundred anecdotes in the book have been chosen with utmost care to demonstrate the importance of hard work, commitment, courage, and innovative thinking that he stood for.
Step into September with a bundle of brand-new children’s books! Join Biji in the kitchen, tag along with Anna and Kichu through their big fight, and help Ira ensure Mahalaxmi’s unforgettable trip to Mysore. These stories are perfect for young readers, full of fun and excitement!
Biji’s In The Kitchen || Natasha Sharma
Slimy bhindi curry, anyone? Biji is freestyle and fun. But when she is in the kitchen, everyone, beware!
The Big Bad Fight || Yamini Vijayan
Best friends Anna and Kichu are collectors of incredible things. But one day, they have a nasty fight. Will things ever be the same again?
Mahalaxmi Will Go to Mysore || Niyatee Sharma
Ira’s new friend Mahalaxmi is different from everyone else in the class. When Mahalaxmi can’t come on the class trip to Mysore, Ira knows she has to find a way. But will Mahalaxmi let her classmates help her?
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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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?
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? || 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) || 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) || 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) || || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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.
