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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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 || 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!
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 || 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) || 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) || 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 || 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 || 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
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 || 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 || 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 || 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
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
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 || 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)
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.
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 andNirmal Pulickal
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 || 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 || 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)
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.
Cuddled up with your kid and looking for the perfect bedtime story? Penguin’s got you covered. Here are our February recommendations to make your kids warm up to reading.
My First Ruskin Bond Collection by Ruskin Bond
My First Ruskin Bond Collection || Ruskin Bond
A carefully picked collection of ten concise, endearingly illustrated stories from India’s favourite storyteller, each book provides a wonderful introduction to the world of Ruskin Bond through fascinating characters and stories that are delightfully crafted in his particular way. This boxset of heartwarming, humorous, and vibrant books makes the ideal present for independent and beginning readers.
10 Unforgettable Indians and their Remarkable Stories
10 Unforgettable Indians and their Remarkable Stories
These biographies, written by authors like Sreelata Menon, Subhadra Sen Gupta, Devika Rangachari, and others, reconstruct the lives and legacies of famous people. This compilation of fascinating stories 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 tale of icons whose lives continue to inspire every generation, making this a wonderful gift package for young readers.
My Little Book of Gods and Goddesses Boxset
My Little Book of Gods and Goddesses
This collection of six endearingly designed board books features stories about some of the most well-known and adored Hindu deities, including Krishna, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Shiva, and Durga. These books provide a special and pleasant introduction to classic myths for contemporary kids. They include fascinating facts about each god as well as a seek-and-find exercise.
Hanuman: Anjani’s Mighty Son (Read and Colour) by Devdutt Patnaik
Hanuman: Anjani’s Mighty Son || Devdutt Patnaik
A new generation of readers is introduced to the tale of Hanuman, a beloved Hindu god, by Devdutt Pattanaik. The read-aloud version of Hanuman, Anjani’s Mighty Son is ideal for introducing young readers to the courage, selflessness, loyalty, and humility that Hanuman possessed. Young readers will love this distinctive, interactive style, especially for nighttime reading.
Terminal 3 by Debasmita Dasgupta
Terminal 3 || Debasmita Dasgupta
Khwab has persevered through bliss and emptiness, desire and loss, penance and serenity. She has a dream about the day when life will be a paradise. The story of the common people in the Valley attempting to live their dreams is told in Terminal 3’s breathing against the setting of violence.
Taatung Tatung and Other Amazing Stories of India’s Diverse Languages by Vaishali Shroff
Taatung Tatung || Vaishali Shroff
Khwab has persevered through bliss and emptiness, desire and loss, penance and serenity. She has a dream about the day when life will be a paradise. The story of the common people in the Valley attempting to live their dreams is told in Terminal 3’s breathing against the setting of violence.
Dakshin by Nitin Kushalappa MP
Dakshin || Nitin Kushalappa MP
Explore this collection of fifteen colourful myths, fables, and folktales from vivacious southern India. Discover the alluring fairies, elves, gods, and goddesses along the route as you journey from the banks of the Kaveri to the coasts of the Indian Ocean, from the depths of enigmatic jungles to the towering Nilgiris, from the opulent palaces of kings to tranquil villages in Coorg. Chuckle at a miser’s humorous actions. Cry at the foolish misfortunes. Be in awe of the weak’s bravery in the face of the powerful. Come and enjoy these wonderful folktales!
Munni Monster by Madhurima Vidyarthi
Munni Monster || Madhurima Vidyarthi
When Munni, a relative of her grandmother’s who has cerebral palsy, moves in with them, Mishti’s life is drastically altered. Her only thought is to somehow get her to leave. But as time goes on, Munni develops oddly appealing tendencies, and when things reach a crisis point, Mishti isn’t so sure Munni is the monster she initially believed she was. A humorously moving tale about a young boy, 10, who must deal with unexpected and challenging changes, a disability, and, most importantly, love.
The Complete Vikram–Aditya Stories by Deepak Dalal
The Complete Vikram–Aditya Stories || Deepak Dalal
India’s response to the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Famous Five mystery novels is the Complete Vikram-Aditya Stories boxset. This collector’s edition boxset includes all eight volumes for the first time ever. The dynamic duo of Vikram and Aditya, together with their ragtag crew of companions, set off on exciting excursions where they come face to face with frightened wild creatures, secluded indigenous communities, and a number of other frightening situations.
Chitti’s Travelling BookBox by Kavitha Punniyamurthi
Chitti’s Travelling Book Box || Kavitha Punniyamurthi
Chitti enjoys reading. But her town doesn’t have enough books, and some of her friends believe they’re boring! Can Chitti convince them to reconsider?
Winter is coming. It’s almost here. There’s a nip in the air and we know you might be fleshing out hoodies and sweaters for your younger ones. To keep them warmer, we present to you their new cuddle buddies, our November releases! Our November releases are some of our greatest because we’ve saved some of the best for some of the last ones of the year. So, here are our November releases for children’s literature, enjoyed best with hot chocolate!
Passepartout, Is that You? || Menaka Raman
Passepartout, Is that You? (Hook Book)
Menaka Raman
Illustrated by Jenna Jose
Thatha has asked Shyam to keep an eye on Passepartout, a rescued tortoise. But now Passepartout has disappeared. Where can Shyam and Kannamma find him?
The Girl Who Loved Words: Mahashweta Devi || Lavanya Karthik
The Girl Who Loved Words: Mahashweta Devi (Dreamers Series)
Lavanya Karthik
Before Mahasweta Devi became a writer and human rights activist, she was a girl with a love for words.
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The Boy Who Made Magic: P C Sorcar || Lavanya Karthik
The Boy Who Made Magic: P C Sorcar (Dreamers Series)
Lavanya Karthik
Before the world knew of PC Sorcar as Jadusamrat-Emperor of Magic, he was a boy enchanted by a dream.
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The District Cup || Mallika Ravikumar
The District Cup
Mallika Ravikumar
Though talented, technically-sound and quick on their feet, the Mulsari Eagles is a football team that is bogged down by tremendous challenges. There’s the mid-fielder Prithvi who wants to play professional football against his middle-class father’s aspirations; the winger Kadambini who is fighting negative attitudes and stereotypes to find respect on the field; the centre-back Mangya who performs on the streets for a living… The struggles are endless.
Their coach Siraj wants the kids to have a fighting chance. But can he clash against the unbridled wave of corruption in Indian football, especially age fraud, for them to lift the District Cup? Can the Mulsari Eagles herald a new era in the once-glorious sport? Can they strike their way through to their goal?
In time for FIFA 2022, The District Cup is the perfect novel for all budding and veteran sportspeople!
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That Big-Voiced Girl || Mamta Nainy
That Big-Voiced Girl
Mamta Nainy
A unique biography that explores and celebrates the life of a popstar as a feisty little girl
Right from her childhood, Usha Uthup knew that music was her true calling.
She picked up songs from the radio and sang with her big, booming voice.
But when rejected during the audition for her school choir, Usha wondered if her big voice was any good. All she wanted was to sing. Does she find a way?
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Looking for Inspiration || Mamta Nainy
Looking for Inspiration
Mamta Nainy
A unique biography that explores and celebrates the life of a poet as a curious boy.
Right from his childhood, Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Robi, was attracted to nature. He found his poetic inspiration amidst the glassy waters of the pond, the leafy trees in his garden and the endless blue sky. But when Inspiration went missing one fine morning, Robi searched and searched all around the house. How would he write his poems again?
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Sleepytime Tales with Nico Numero || Sonia Mehta
Sleepytime Tales with Nico Numero
Sonia Mehta
Bedtime stories with oodles of fun
So, head to your nearest bookstore or buy these wonderful books online and get those perfect winter companions for your little ones this November!
September is here and the summer heat is slowly coming to a halt and the pleasant breeze is soon going to make your kids’ days even more cheerful! After the little ones have studied at school and played in the park, let them spend time reading amazing stories.
Check out our September releases and introduce your kids to diverse topics that they’d thoroughly enjoy reading.
Roshan’s Road to Music
Roshan’s Road to Music || Mamta Nainy
For ages: 5+ years
A unique biography that explores and celebrates the life of a musician as a passionate little girl. Right from her childhood, Annapurna Devi, also known as Roshan, had an ear for music. She found rhythm and melody in the most mundane sounds. She listened with wonder to the koel cooing and her grandmother snoring. But when her father gave sarod lessons to her brother, Roshan was moved to make music of her own. How did Roshan embark on her musical journey?
A Chera Adventure
A Chera Adventure || Preetha Leela Chockalingam
For ages: 9+ years
Curious and spirited, Sharadha loves living life in her ancestral tharavadu. The grand ol’ house, Vishwasam, is right in the heart of her beloved Marayur, in the Chera kingdom. The house is also the centre of activities as Devaki Amma, her grandmother, is a healer for the King no less! Life is good in the sleepy village!
But her inquisitiveness takes Sharadha on an unintended adventure. Trying to investigate a secret, she chances upon a mysterious trader and ends up in the bustling city of Mahodayapuram. And it’s not just any city but the busy multicultural melting pot of the Cheraman Perumal Empire!
As she traverses the metropolis, Sharadha gets pulled into the magical colours, languages, religions, and the vibrancy of the city. She now realizes how complex the Capital is from her small village life-full of intrigue and political scandals. But as a sudden war with the ambitious and powerful Chola Dynasty looms on the horizon, Sharadha pines to get back to her old quiet life in Marayur.
Peek into an account of what life was like during the final years of the Chera Dynasty of the eleventh century Kerala!
There’s nothing like sipping a freshly made lemonade, sitting cross-legged on the floor during your summer holidays and exploring stories through freshly printed books. Add our June releases to the mix and you have a power-packed day – full of action, humour, colours and more! There’s something in this list for every kind of young reader out there. Just browse and take your pick!
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Gupshup Goes to Prison by Arefa Tehsin
Gupshup Goes To Prison||Arefa Tehsin
Khalid’s cat Gupshup has run away to a prison. An open prison, it is called, but everyone knows that prisons are full of horrible, evil people. Or are they? And how on earth will Khalid get Gupshup home?
For readers 7+
The Great Escape by Menaka Raman
The Great Escape||Menaka Raman
Sachit is not a fan of Wunderkind Academy. And it is a beautiful day outside. Aided by new friends Hari and Kris, can he escape to freedom?
For readers 7+
The Egghead Detective Agency by Pika Nani & Jemma Jose
The Egghead Detective Agency||Pika Nani
Has your pool turned pink recently? Are kidnappers after your pet chicken? Is an old forest in danger?
Sisters and little investigators, Tam and Ant cannot believe their eyes when they meet ‘Egghead’ right in their living room! The soon discover that he is, in fact, the ghost of a famous detective who was quite sought-after in his time. The girls now enlist his services for their detective agency-after all, the friendly ghost does come with great abilities.
Together they must solve the strange incidents that keep happening at their beloved Emerald Gardens-the quiet little residential complex.
What’s more, YOU can help the detectives crack the cases with Solve It Yourself clues (SIY), picture puzzles, secret codes and more in this 5-in-1 chapter book!
For readers 7+
Akbar-Birbal & The Haunted Gurukul by Apeksha Rao & Doodlenerve
Akbar-Birbal and The Haunted Gurukul||Apeksha Rao
Just into his tenth year, life’s all good for the future Mughal king, Akbar. But when his bestie, Nassie, the royal elephant goes on a rampage, a dangerous plot to harm the prince is uncovered. With things taking a sinister turn, Akbar is packed away (very far indeed) to the Vishwamitra Gurukul to live undercover.
Life in a gurukul hostel is nothing like his life in the palace! For starters, there’s no halwa for dessert after dinner! And then there’s that ghost who keeps knocking on doors, calling to be let into the room. But when the spirit attacks a student, the young prince must act. Thankfully, he’s just met one of the greatest minds of the future and also his new best friend – Birbal.
For readers 7+
Little Jagadish and The Great Experiment by Anjali Joshi & Debasmita Dasgupta
When young Jagadish realizes that the world is full of unanswered questions, he sets out to explore and discover the world around him using the scientific method. Inspired by the life and work of Indian physicist, botanist, and author Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, this story encourages young readers to embrace their curiosity and unleash their inner scientist.
For readers 7+
Visual Dictionary: My Body
Visual Dictionary: My Body
This colourful board book introduces your child to the human body: how muscles and bones work, what the brain and heart are responsible for, why different internal organs are needed and lots more.
Filled with short stories for little ones, interesting facts and large vibrant pictures, this book is a fun learning experience!
So get ready to seek and find, identify body parts and learn about them.
For readers 3+
Visual Dictionary: Animals
Visual Dictionary: Animals
This colourful board book introduces your child to the world of animals: herbivores and predators, birds and fishes, bugs and spiders, reptiles and lots more.
Filled with short stories for little ones, interesting facts and large vibrant pictures, this book is a fun learning experience!
So get ready to seek and find, identify animals and learn about them.
For readers 3+
Visual Dictionary: Vehicles
Visual Dictionary: Vehicles
This colourful board book introduces your child to different vehicles: rail, air and sea transport, as well as, special military and space equipment.
Filled with short stories for little ones, interesting facts and large vibrant pictures, this book is a fun learning experience!
So get ready to seek and find, identify vehicles and learn about them.
For readers 3+
The Big Book of ABCs
The Big Book of ABCs
Experience the alphabet like never before!
From apples, balloons and cats, to penguins, tulips and zoos, there are delightful, new words with every page turn!
Designed to make learning fun, The Big Book of ABCs introduces new words in vibrant settings that make each word even more memorable.
For readers 0-3 years
The Big Book of First Words
The Big Book of First Words
Get ready for a learning adventure!
In every home, at the park, at the beach, and even at the zoo, new words await.
Designed to make learning fun, The Big Book of First Words introduces new words in vibrant settings that make each word even more memorable.
For readers 0-3 years
The Big Book of Colours
The Big Book of Colours
The best adventures are colourful!
Are you ready to enter the big, beautiful world of colours? Explore places, things, animals, birds and more that bring colours to life.
Designed to make learning fun, The Big Book of Colours helps you decode the secrets of the colour wheel.
For readers 0-3 years
The Big Book of Counting to 100
The Big Book of Counting to 100
A counting adventure from 1 to 100!
Are you ready to explore the world through numbers? Down the lane, through the park and across the ocean, there’s so much to see and count!
Designed to make learning fun, The Big Book of Counting to 100 makes counting a truly exciting activity.
Children are imaginative and curious, which is what makes them so different from adults who almost always lead a mundane life. But what happens when a child’s brain is over-imaginative and borderline paranoid?Meet Avi, the protagonist of Help! My Aai Wants to Eat Me, who is convinced that is Aai is keen on gobbling him up, after watching a documentary that fills his mind with wild ideas. Read an excerpt from the book to find out what happened, below!
“All in all, not Avi’s favourite day.
Until it was time for environmental science a.k.a. EVS—a subject Avi LOVED.
Avi’s favourite subject, EVS
He loved it as much as figs love wasps (so much so that they let the wasp pollinate the fruit and die inside them—‘till death do us part’, just like in the movies that Baba and the Maushis watched and loved).
He loved it more than birdwatchers loved the forest owlet, which had been believed to be extinct for 113 years until it was rediscovered right here in Maharashtra—the same state that Avi lived in!
Avi loved it more than . . . well, it was his favourite subject. Unlike HJ who loved maths and art and always got 24 out of 25 marks in them. And today was EVS Film Day! Which meant they all got to watch a wildlife film instead of studying. Avi settled down next to HJ, his knees aching from having stood for thirty-four minutes outside the classroom. ‘Arre, how will I play cricket today?’
‘Yeah?’ asked HJ. ‘That bad?’ ‘Shhh . . .’ Kshama hissed like a snake and glared at the two boys. ‘Do you want to spend another class outside?’
Avi bit back a retort—Kshama was the class monitor and could easily report him and then he would have to miss EVS Film Day. He had already seen films about climate change, about a tigress called Machli, and one about ghost crabs!
Miss Mankad
Miss Mankad, who taught EVS, walked into class. Every time Avi looked at his favourite teacher, he was reminded of a meerkat—an upright spine, broad head and large, bright eyes. Except, unlike meerkats, she was six feet and one inch tall. Clearly, she did a great job of teaching, given that Avi knew more facts about the natural world than his herd of classmates put together.
Miss Mankad shut off all the lights and Avi and Kshama closed all the curtains, turning the room into a dark den, perfect for watching a film. Even more perfect, it was about bears! Avi watched open-mouthed as jamun-like bear cubs wrestled on the screen, a mama sloth bear battled with a tiger (and won) while defending her cubs, and then . . .
SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAPPENED.
SOMETHING TERRIBLE. HORRIBLE.
DISGUSTING. EEUCHY.
Even worse than the day Avi was having. Another mama bear ate up her second-born cub.
A terrified Avi
At first, Avi thought she was licking the bear cub. But no. She just gobbled the cub up. Slurp. The baby was gone. Back into her tummy. Where he had lived for so long. Avi’s eyes widened. He gripped his pencil box tightly. What just happened? Did she . . . Really? No, that could NOT have happened. He squinted in the dark to see his classmates’ expressions. He couldn’t make out much, but did Kshama also look horrified? Or was that just her usual expression?”
From our school history textbooks to historical fiction and non-fiction, we have been exposed to the history of our country’s past quite often. But whether we were reading factual accounts of the people who fought for our country’s independence, or it was authors reimagining what it might have been to be alive in that reality, the one thing common amongst all these books was adult protagonists.
Nobody really thought what it would be like to be a child during the time when our country was on the brink of its freedom!
Until Lubaina Bandukwala and Aditi Krishnakumar came up with similar ideas and wrote two beautiful books talking about exactly that!
The Chowpatty Cooking Club || Lubaina Bandukwala
The Chowpatty Cooking Club
Lubaina Bandukwala
With Mahatma Gandhi’s call to the British to Quit India, the city has become a hotbed of revolutionary activity-student protests, secret magazines and even an underground People’s Radio which broadcasts news that the British want concealed. Sakina and her friends Zenobia and Mehul desperately want to be part of this struggle for freedom. But there is little that they are permitted to do. But at least, they are trying to do something useful, while their mothers are only running a cooking club …
That Year at Manikoil
Aditi Krishnakumar
While World War II rages in Europe and the Japanese army draws closer to India, Raji and her sisters are sent off with their mother to stay in Manikoil, her mother’s family village. But with her brother now a soldier in the British Indian Army and refugees fleeing from Malaya, Burma and other eastern countries back to India, Manikoil is no longer the peaceful haven it once was. And while there is hope of Independence in the air, Raji is uncertain whether it will come to pass-and what it will truly mean for her and her family.
Pick up one of these books today and let your child step back into British India!
How grateful are we to welcome March, for the little ones can finally come out of their blankets and bask in the soft rays of the sun with a great book in hand! While they are on the lookout for the best reading corners in and around their houses, we are taking care of their reading lists.
Scroll through our latest releases for the month and you’ll find something for the young readers to discover in these engaging stories and beautifully-illustrated books. We are sure that our penguinsters would want to bookmarch…bookmark all of them!
The Sweet Shop Wars
The Sweet Shop Wars || Chatura Rao
For ages: 5+
Best Sweets has opened next to Firoza’s dadu’s sweet shop and is taking away all the customers. How can Firoza make her dadu’s shop better than Best?
The Hook Book series of short simple stories for beginning readers come with fun stories set in different parts of India, gorgeous illustrations and short exercises to enhance the reading experience.
A Birthday Present for Aaji
A Birthday Present for Aaji || Parinita Shetty
For ages: 5+
Aaji’s birthday is coming up, but Jyoti has no idea what to get her. Fortunately, everyone in their village has lots of very different ideas…
The Hook Book series of short simple stories for beginning readers come with fun stories set in different parts of India, gorgeous illustrations and short exercises to enhance the reading experience.
Help! My Aai Wants to Eat Me
Help! My Aai Wants to Eat Me || Bijal Vachharajani
For ages: 7+
Avi has an extremely annoying habit of seeing the good side (pros) and the bad side (cons) of situations that life tosses his way-just like the curveballs his best friend HJ tosses while playing cricket.
Only this time, Avi is in the soup. Just like the mama bear who is known to eat her sickly baby, Avi is pretty sure that his aai wants to dunk him in soup and eat him up. Even though he definitely would not taste good.
Now, the only two options in front of Avi are fight or be fried.
Avi’s thoughts on this book:
Pro: Reading this book will make you a smart cookie and feed your imagination, especially about all things wild.
Con: Cookies are edible and Aai is hungry! Uh-oh.
Dig in at your own risk.
Curious Tales from the Desert
Curious Tales from the Desert || Shaguna Gahilote, Prarthana Gahilote
For ages: 9+
Deep in the wild jungles of Rajasthan resides a magical sparrow that grants wishes…
In Gujarat, a pandit haggles with vendors and chastises merchants as he chases an elusive bargain…
A bullocky in Multan encounters a mysterious and wise old man who charges money to talk!
A pandemonium of fools, geniuses and everyone in between gambol across the deserts of India to amusing and delightful results. So sit back with a bowlful of kheench and get ready to be enchanted by the beauty of the Thar, the nights at the Cholistan, and the markets of Kutch.
The Worlds Within You
The Worlds Within You || Shreya Ramachandran
For ages: 13+
The Worlds Within You tells the story of Ami Shekar, who has decided to take a break from her first year of university in the UK and return to her home in Chennai. Ami is stuck, and finds herself fretting, overthinking and retreating into her own head. But she knows that whatever it is that makes her feel ‘weird’ all the time must have a name to it. And so, Ami is back home, to come to terms with many things: her mental health, her own identity, memories of her grandfather and, finally, herself.
Set over the course of seven writing classes, this is an unconventional and melancholic take on what it means to be alive and find your own emotional support system-no matter how flawed the people within your system might be.
