12 new children’s books to inspire young Indians about their land and people

By Neha Kirpal

Reading books is the best way to keep young kids occupied in the holidays, and make them aware about the world around us. Read on for our recommended list of 12 recently launched books for children. Appropriate across age groups, the books have wide-ranging themes – from mythology to animals, courage, humor, life lessons, general knowledge and history.

In a time of rampant disinformation online and deleting of targeted sections from school textbooks motivated by divisive political forces, most of these new books fill in the gaps by educating children about India’s past and present realities, its diversity, culture and societal challenges.

Our Constitution Our People
By Harsh Mander, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan (HarperCollins India)

This is an important book by lawyer-activist Harsh Mander that teaches young people about what it means to be a citizen of India. It narrates the story of how the Constitution came into being, its basic tenets, Dr BR Ambedkar’s role in it, and our reality today. The book, which is dedicated to all those who fought for an India that is free, equal, just and kind, also contains a reproduction of the original Preamble to the Constitution of India.

Tall and Short
By Vibha Batra, illustrated by Prashant Soni (Perky Parrot / Niyogi Books)

Kabir doesn’t like going to school, as the kids make fun of him for being so tall – comparing him with a clock tower, the Qutab Minar and Mount Everest. He questions why he is so tall, until a little courage and a new way of seeing himself helps him to see the bright side – sitting in the first row, reaching all the way up and leading the way – and soon school becomes fun again.

History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Medieval India
By Saisudha Acharya, illustrated by Rohit Bhasi (Penguin India)

This book dives into the Middle Ages in India – from 600 to 1700 CE – through numerous stories of colorful battles, kings, temples, traders and several adventures. With the help of funny cartoons, timelines, quizzes and maps, the stories come alive – making them entertaining to read. For all those who find history boring and tedious, this book proves that it can also be fun.

Numbers with Krishna
By Sarita Saraf and Priyanka Pachpande (Adidev Press)

This beautifully illustrated book in English and Hindi teaches little ones to count from numbers 1 to 10, through various playful and adventurous scenes from Lord Krishna’s childhood – climbing handis, dancing with gopis, being fed butter and ghee, fighting with demons, lifting Mount Govardhan and saving Vrindavan from harm.

Unlock the Animal World: Incredible Facts for Young Superheroes
By Ingrid Newkirk (HarperCollins India)

Each species has its own unique traits and abilities. When humans stop thinking of ourselves as superior to all other animals, we can actually learn a lot from them. Birds were the inspiration behind airplanes, helmets are a copy of turtles’ protective shells and the webbed feet of duck is the idea behind swim fins.

This fun book travels through the sky, oceans and forests to tell young ones some amazing facts about animals in the world. The book also provides some cool career options that can help create a better world for animals.

Bird/Dog
By Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan (Perky Parrot / Niyogi Books)

Bird/Dog by award-winning author Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan explores freedom, friendship and the search for belonging through the contrasting lives of a free-flying Bird and a Dog who longs to escape the familiarity of home.

Through this unlikely friendship, the book raises questions about individuality, relationships and the tension between personal freedom and the security of belonging. The story also offers a gentle perspective on how differences can shape relationships and broaden understanding.

Laugh With Me
By Ruskin Bond, illustrated by Shamika Chaves (HarperCollins India)

At 92, Ruskin Bond confesses that he is getting his colors mixed up. The message of his latest book is to be able to see the humor in one’s life and laugh at oneself every now and then.

The author, who has been writing books and stories for the last 75 years, shares small vignettes and hilarious incidents and moments from his life, with his readers. He rightly points out that great books of humor are rare, as humorous writing is a difficult art.

Warriors of Non-Violence: Stories of Freedom Fighters Who Chose Peace
By Ira Saxena (HarperCollins)

One of the major reasons for India’s independence was the unique way in which the country’s masses fought for freedom – by following Gandhi’s path of satyagraha. This collection of stories consists of tales of unsung heroes who successfully showed oppressors the power of non-violence as our ancient civilization blossomed into a new nation.

The stories are set against the backdrop of several movements, such as the non-cooperation movement, the civil disobedience phase, vyaktigat satyagraha and the Quit India Movement. The main source of the stories is the author’s mother, Kamala Chaudhri, a recognized freedom fighter and reputed leader from Meerut.

Earth Tales: Folklore about India’s Nature, Wildlife and Environment
By the Centre for Contemporary Folklore (Duckbill)

This beautifully illustrated book consists of 36 wide-ranging stories from every state and union territory in India. Archiving folklore, the stories are told by various tribes and communities in the country. More than 20 illustrators have worked on the book, which uses traditional art styles derived from the areas in which the stories originate.

The stories highlight sociocultural problems and environmental shifts in different habitats. Each story has a unique motif that can be found on the map at the beginning of the book. The stories also give readers insights into the states and their folk-art inspirations.

Travelling Treasures 2.0: 75 Incredible Tales of Things India Gave to the World
By Mala Kumar (Hachette India)

Not many people probably know that India gave the world diamonds, ivory, pepper and badminton. Indian practices like yoga and concepts such as ahimsa have traveled far beyond their origins, becoming part of everyday global vocabulary and lifestyle.

The second part of the Travelling Treasure series, this book tells fascinating stories about how ordinary things made extraordinary journeys from India into the world before Independence.

Conspiracy in Ladakh
By Sutapa Basu (Perky Parrot / Niyogi Books)

The second book in the Mystery Hounders series takes its young detectives to Ladakh, where a poisonous lake is killing birds and animals. Their investigation leads them towards an ancient Changpa legend and the possibility of a wider geopolitical conspiracy.

Blending adventure with environmental concerns and political intrigue, the book introduces readers to Ladakhi and Tibetan cultures while drawing attention to the fragile ecology of a strategically significant region. The narrative offers young readers an accessible entry point into questions of conservation, cultural heritage and territorial tensions.

My Joy
By Shreeja Rao, illustrated by Shrujana N Shridhar (HarperCollins India)

Some say she’s not good enough, some don’t want to sit with her or be her friend – all because of her caste. But she feels joy when she raises her hand in the classroom or comes first in an elocution – it’s symbolic of all the times her ancestors were not allowed to read or write.

In this picture book for young readers on Dalit identity and self-assertion, the protagonist’s anti-caste resistance is in her smile and her laugh. “Your identity is not something to escape. It is something to embrace,” writes the author in her note for this simple book with a powerful message.

Looking for more children’s books? Check out our past recommendations here: