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Tag: Children’s Book

Grow Your Love for Reading with these April Books!

Posted on by prathod

Step into a world of wonder and imagination with our latest April books for children. From understanding the importance of mental health to discovering secret gardens and thrilling adventures, there’s something for every young reader. Dive in!

Sad-Glad
Sad-Glad || Sidhartha Mallya

One morning, Sid wakes up feeling different. He can’t quite put his finger on why. The day seems gloomy, and Sid doesn’t feel like getting out of bed.

Luckily, Duke, Sid’s best buddy, senses that Sid needs comforting. He gently encourages Sid to accept all the different emotions he is feeling.

A helpful companion for a dull day, this assuring picture book is filled with many feelings and thoughts that offer a lot of hope!

 

The Boy Who Built a Secret Garden
The Boy Who Built a Secret Garden || Lavanya Karthik

Before Nek Chand built his iconic garden, he was a boy with a dream—of home.

 

Mum in a Mess
Mum in a Mess || Sanjana Kapur

When Mum breaks a coffee jar, it does not seem like a big deal. But then, Mum starts acting very strangely. What is Vishi to do?

 

The Egghead Detective Agency 2
The Egghead Detective Agency 2 || Pika Nani

• Why is there a dinosaur bone in the garden?
• Who is sneaking comics out of the bookstore?
• Could there really be another ghost in the neighbourhood?

Ever since Egghead, the friendly ghost detective, showed up at Tam and Ant’s home, life has been one big adventure. With their little buddhis and a dose of Egghead’s ghostly powers, Tam and Ant have cracked case after case in their beloved apartment complex, Emerald Gardens.

But now, Egghead and his magical armchair have gone missing! Can Tam and Ant find their friend before it’s too late? Join the sisters in their ‘egg-ceptional’ quest that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

What’s more, YOU can help the detectives crack the cases with Solve It Yourself (SIY) clues, picture puzzles, brain-teasers and more in this 5-in-1 chapter book!

 

 

The Padmas
The Padmas || Neha J Hiranandani

Step into the world of the Padma Awards—one of India’s highest civilian honours. Announced on the eve of Republic Day every year, the awards recognize the achievements of people who have fought to make a difference in the world.

This book features fifty incredible people—artists, scientists, freedom fighters, social workers, sports stars and many others from different walks of life—who have proven that determination, perseverance and courage are the only ingredients needed to accomplish remarkable things.

Celebrating seventy years of the Padma Awards, this beautifully illustrated book will inspire young readers to dream big and persevere against all odds.

Jingle All the Way with These Children’s Books

Posted on by prathod

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)
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
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
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!

Awesome August Books for Children

Posted on by prathod

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

Posted on by prathod

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?

‘We need to see inclusion as a basic human right’ – Lavanya Karthik

Posted on by ashmita

We have adored Adil ever since we got our hands on the book. We chatted with Lavanya Karthik, the author of When Adil Speaks, about her creative process, favourite books, and more!

 

How did Adil come into being?

LK: Adil was a little glimmer of an idea in my head for a long while. I wanted to explore the idea of communication in a picture book. I wanted to address the idea of diversity, as well as look at the little things that make us all the same – fear of not being accepted, shyness, wanting to be heard and seen.  And I was fascinated by sign language. I realised I could do all of this in one book and, slowly and steadily, these ideas developed into ‘Adil’.

 

What was your creative process behind a children’s book on inclusivity?

Front cover of When adil speaks
When Adil Speaks||Lavanya Karthik

LK: While the central character is disabled, I did not want that to be the focus of the book. Rather, it is his personality that stands out – he is fun, popular, a great athlete. I wanted this book to be about communication, and finding ways to connect. And what better way to connect than through art!

This book then evolved quite organically, as I imagined how the story of Adil and his friend would develop, and how they would figure out a way to ‘speak’ without words.  Comics seemed the obvious choice; whenever I visit schools or conduct workshops, I find that kids – from the quietest ones to the noisiest, from municipal schools and elite private institutions – love drawing comics. They dive right in, drawing themselves as superheroes, confronting demons, making great speeches. filling up pages and pages with art and ideas.  Then they would gather around, inspecting each other’s comics. What better way to make friends!

 

If you had to recommend a reading list on inclusivity for children (or adults!), which books would you add to it?

LK: This would really be a very, very long list! To narrow it down to a very short one,

Picture Books

  • I Didn’t Understand by Mini Shrinivasan
  • Guthli Has Wings by Kanak Shashi
  • My Travelin’ Eye by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

 

Middle Grade

  • El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel
  • Simply Nanju by Zainab Suleiman

 

YA

  • Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
  • There Will be Lies by Nick Lake
  • Dear Rachel Maddow by Adrienne Kisner

 

Inclusivity and the idea of embracing difference is still a severely stunted conversation in the country. Do you think some level of sensitivity training should be mandatory, particularly for people working in educational institutions?

LK: I think we need to see inclusion as a basic human right and not as an act of benevolence. We need schools and playgrounds, systems and processes that can be accessed by everyone, and that acknowledge diversity, not enforce sameness. Sensitivity training is definitely important as a first step to enabling this.

 

Three James Patterson Titles your Little Ones Shouldn't Miss

Posted on by Penguin India

James Patterson has created more enduring fictional characters than any other novelist writing today and has sold over 350 million books worldwide and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers.
From Hero to Zero is his latest book, in which Rafe visits the incredible city of London with his class. Out of all of his adventures, this trip could prove to be Rafe’s most embarrassing yet, undoing everything good he has going for him back home!
Here are three titles in The Middle School series by him that your little ones must read.
From Hero To Zero

 
After a mostly-successful stint at Hills Valley Middle School, Rafe is excited to visit the incredible city of London with his class. But it’s no surprise that Rafe’s bad luck follows him across the pond, putting him in one crazy situation after another – all under the watchful eye of his bad-tempered principal.
The Nerdiest, Wimpiest and Dorkiest

 
Comedian Jamie Grimm can’t help feeling like he’s reached the top – he has his own smash hit TV show and he’s won a national funny-kid competition. But now he’s taking his fame and fortune to international levels by competing in the upcoming world kid comic contest! Will Jamie prove that he’s the funniest kid on earth – or does he stand (or sit!) to lose his crown?
Dog Diaries

 

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I’ve been waiting for ages to tell my story, and now it’s finally happening! Being Rafe’s dog isn’t always easy, but it is always EXCITING! I’ve got so much to tell you about:
-How I protect the yard from birds, raccoons, squirrels, raccoons, mail carriers…and did I mention RACCOONS?
-Sniffing pooch posteriors for the latest canine news.
-And the terrifying monster hiding in the hall closet: the vacuum cleaner!

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Your Puffin Reads this Autumn

Posted on by Penguin India

This autumn, we have a list of books full of adventure for your little ones! You can send them to solve a mystery with Feluda and Topshe or to meet the ghosts from Ruskin Bond’s world. They can hang with the two most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu or read Sonia Mehta’s fun series on how to deal with feelings!
Here is the list of Puffin Reads to choose from:

Feluda Omnibus by Satyajit Ray


Including three unputdownable mysteries by master storyteller Satyajit Ray, this omnibus edition is the perfect introduction to the greatest exploits of Feluda and his sidekick, Topshe. Traversing fascinating landscapes and electrifying escapades, this collection is an absolute classic and a must-have for fans of detective fiction.

The Upside-down King by Sudha Murty


The tales in this collection surround the two most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu-Rama and Krishna-and their lineage. Countless stories about the two abound, yet most are simply disappearing from the hearts and minds of the present generation. Bestselling author Sudha Murty takes you on an arresting tour, all the while telling you of the days when demons and gods walked alongside humans, animals could talk and gods granted the most glorious boons to common people.

Wind on the Haunted Hill by Ruskin Bond


A gritty, hair-raising story about friendship, courage and survival from India’s favourite teller of tales, this stunning edition is an absolute must-have to introduce young readers to the magic of Ruskin Bond’s craft.
 

Dealing with Feelings Series by Sonia Mehta


Sonia Mehta is a children’s writer who believes that sparking off a child’s imagination opens up a world of adventure. Here is a list of books by her, that your little one will enjoy (and learn from)!

  1. Being Happy Is Fun
  2. It’s not nice to be jealous
  3. It’s okay to be confused
  4. Being Sad isn’t any fun
  5. Being Bored isn’t fun
  6. Being Silly is Silly

 

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The Three Ghosts your Child will Love!

Posted on by Penguin India

The Curious Case of the Sweet and Spicy Sweetshop by Nandini Nayar is a spooky story packed with curious characters, a hilarious hero and a super-fun plot. While reading this book, your child will be in for a double treat- witnessing witty family relations and discovering the magical world of sweets!
Most ghosts are super scary but here are 3 ghosts your child will absolutely love:
Bhagwandas Mithaiwala
Plump man with hair cut short, Bhagwandas was dressed in a full sleeved shirt in his portrait. While looking at the portrait, this was a man, Laddoo thought, who probably enjoyed eating the sweets he made and sold. The post-master and Bhagwandas were best friends. The postmaster remembered Bhagwandas as a cheerful man, with cheeks like his famous gulab jamuns and a voice as thick and caramelly as the best sugar syrup!
Ramcharandas Mithaiwala
Vishnu’s grandfather, Ramcharandas was a serious looking man. A man with curly grey hair, that clustered around his head, he had a droopy moustache over his lips and looked serious. He was famous for being incredibly suspicious! He was convinced that people were trying to steal his recipes. So he built the sweetshop— without a single window. He wanted to make sure that not even a whiff of the fragrance of the sweets could escape the room.
 Girijakumar Mithaiwala
Vishnu’s great-grandfather was a thin man with a melancholy expression on his face. He was the one who set up the sweet shop. He built his house and the sweetshop under it because he believed that no sweet maker should live far away from his shop.
 

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