Introduction
Children’s books play a pivotal role in a child’s development, sparking imagination, fostering empathy, and teaching valuable life lessons. As a parent, choosing the right books for your child’s bookshelf can be a daunting task. To help you navigate through the vast array of children’s literature, here is a list of ten best children’s books by Indian authors that every parent should consider adding to their child’s bookshelf:
Top 10 Best Children’s books by Indian Authors
1. “The Blue Umbrella” by Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond’s “The Blue Umbrella” is a captivating tale set in the picturesque hills of Garhwal. The story revolves around Binya, a young girl who trades her lucky leopard’s claw pendant for a beautiful blue umbrella, much to the envy of everyone in her village. Bond’s storytelling effortlessly captures the essence of village life, weaving a narrative that is both heartwarming and humorous. This is one of the Best Children’s Books Every Parent Should Add to Their Child’s Bookshelf.
2. “Malgudi Days” by R.K. Narayan
“Malgudi Days” is a collection of short stories by R.K. Narayan, all set in the fictional town of Malgudi in South India. Each story offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the people of Malgudi, showcasing Narayan’s keen observation and storytelling prowess. The book is a delightful read for both children and adults alike. This is one of the Best Children’s Books Every Parent Should Add to Their Child’s Bookshelf.
3. “Grandma’s Bag of Stories” by Sudha Murthy
Sudha Murthy’s “Grandma’s Bag of Stories” is a delightful collection of tales that will transport readers to a world of kings, princesses, and magical creatures. The stories, narrated by a grandmother to her grandchildren, are not only entertaining but also impart valuable life lessons. Murthy’s storytelling is simple yet profound, making this book a must-read for children of all ages. This is one of the Best Children’s Books Every Parent Should Add to Their Child’s Bookshelf.
4. “A Children’s History of India” by Subhadra Sen Gupta
Subhadra Sen Gupta’s “A Children’s History of India” is a comprehensive journey through India’s past, from the first cities of Harappa to the independence movement. The book is filled with fascinating facts, engaging stories, and fun activities that make learning history a joyous experience for young readers. This is one of the Best Children’s Books Every Parent Should Add to Their Child’s Bookshelf.
5. “The Tree with a Travelling Heart” by Paro Anand
“The Tree with a Travelling Heart” is a heartwarming tale about a boy who shares his travel adventures with a tree in his garden. Paro Anand’s storytelling is poignant and thought-provoking, exploring themes of friendship, adventure, and the beauty of nature. This is one of the Best Children’s Books Every Parent Should Add to Their Child’s Bookshelf.
6. “Tigers of Taboo Valley” by Ranjit Lal
Ranjit Lal’s “Tigers of Taboo Valley” is a captivating story about a tiger family’s struggle for survival in the wilderness. The book is filled with adventure, humor, and suspense, making it a thrilling read for young readers.
7. “Squiggle Takes a Walk: Learning about Punctuation” by Natasha Sharma
Natasha Sharma’s “Squiggle Takes a Walk” is a fun and interactive book that teaches children about punctuation. The story follows Squiggle, a curious character who embarks on a journey to discover her identity, encountering various punctuation marks along the way.
8. “Granny’s Sari” by Asha Nehemiah
“Granny’s Sari” is a heartwarming story about a grandmother’s favorite sari that goes on a journey of its own, bringing joy and happiness to those it encounters. Asha Nehemiah’s story is a gentle reminder of the power of giving and sharing.
9. “How did the Harappans Say Hello and 16 Other Mysteries of History” by Anu Kumar
Anu Kumar’s “How did the Harappans Say Hello” is a fascinating exploration of India’s rich history, uncovering mysteries and answering questions about ancient civilizations, kings, and kingdoms. The book is a treasure trove of information that will pique the curiosity of young readers.
10. “Rain Must Fall” by Nandita Basu
“Rain Must Fall” is a touching story about love, loss, and friendship. In the middle of one night Rumi encounters a ghost–Rain, who does not remember his own story or why he is compelled to be a ghost. And it is in trying to help Rain find his peace, that sets Rumi on a journey of love, friendship and acceptance. Nandita Basu’s storytelling is poignant and heartfelt, making this book a compelling read for children and adults alike. This is a tale of love and loss, of rejection and affirmation, and above all, the healing and illuminating power of friends.
Conclusion
These ten essential children’s books by Indian authors offer a diverse range of stories that entertain, educate, and inspire young readers. By adding these books to your child’s bookshelf, you can provide them with valuable lessons, spark their imagination, and instill a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on life, culture, and history, making them not only enjoyable but also educational.
As a parent, sharing these books with your child can be a rewarding experience. You can bond over the stories, discuss the characters’ choices and actions, and explore the themes together. Reading these books can also help broaden your child’s horizons, introducing them to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
In conclusion, these ten essential children’s books by Indian authors are a must-have for every parent looking to enrich their child’s reading experience. Whether it’s Ruskin Bond’s enchanting tales, R.K. Narayan’s vivid portrayal of Malgudi, or Sudha Murthy’s heartwarming stories, each of these books has something unique to offer. So, go ahead, add these books to your child’s bookshelf, and watch as they embark on a magical literary journey that will stay with them for years to come.
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