In today’s technology-driven world, guiding your child’s energy towards the enriching pursuit of reading can have a profound impact on their holistic development. Reading is not just about enhancing cognitive abilities and language skills; it is a gateway to a world of imagination and critical thinking. Books transport children to distant lands and unfamiliar realms, enabling them to vividly picture characters, settings, and events. This immersive experience ignites their creativity and encourages them to explore unconventional ideas. Moreover, reading about a diverse array of characters and situations nurtures empathy and a deeper grasp of different perspectives and emotions. Through literature, children gain insights into human relationships and the complexities of the human experience. This festive season, let your child immerse in the world of reading, with 6 highly recommended books for children.
- Adventures of Samara and the Alphabet by Priyanka Agarwal Mehta
Adventures of Samara and the Alphabet series by Priyanka Agarwal Mehta consists of two titles; Adventures of Samara and the Alphabet: The First Magic Trick & Adventures of Samara and the Alphabet: Saving the birds. The First Magic Trick revolves around the narrative of Alphabet, the elephant, who nurtures a heartfelt desire to transform into the color blue. The question arises: can Samara wield the magic to make this whimsical wish a reality? This book sparks empathy, fosters problem-solving abilities, and ignites the flames of storytelling within young readers. It is a story of two inseparable friends that serves as a perfect read for parents, schools, and teachers, allowing them to instill in children the art of problem-solving and nurturing their budding storytelling talents. While Saving the Birds book serves as a powerful tool to nurture sensitivity in children towards the animals and birds that share our daily lives. It also lays the foundation for developing problem solving skills and sparks the early storytelling abilities of young readers.
- Gopi Diaries: Coming Home by Sudha Murthy
The Gopi Diaries is a series of three books for children about a dog named Gopi. The story is narrated in Gopi’s voice, and is the first book of the series, Coming Home. It is about Gopi going to his new home, and the beautiful transition of him settling with his loving human family. How Gopi sees the world around him and what he thinks of the people in his life gives the story a truly unique flavor. Written in Sudha Murty’s inimitable style, Gopi Diaries is a treasure book of a simple and endearing story of how coming home looks from a dog’s perspective. The book is a delightful read for children and sparks imagination and empathy and allows kids to harbor love and understanding for their pets.
- The Leaky Beak
The Leaky Beak authored by Priyanka Agarwal Mehta is a funny read for kids between 4-6 years old. In this delightful tale bursting with captivating illustrations, a persistent, drip-dropping leaky tap becomes a source of frustration for a hen residing in the chicken coop. Determined to resolve the issue, the hen recruits the help of a well-intentioned horse. However, a small mishap triggers a series of comical misadventures that will have children laughing heartily by the story’s end. This book not
only entertains but also offers an engaging script for reenactment, enabling children to hone their storytelling, drama, and sequencing skills in an enjoyable and interactive manner.
- The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murthy
The Magic of the Lost Temple” is a captivating novel for children, skillfully penned by Sudha Murthy. The story revolves around a spirited twelve-year-old girl named Nooni, who revels in physical activities such as climbing, walking, and hiking, unlike the kids of today who are consumed by technology. Through the narrative, young readers are treated to a delightful exploration of village life, culture, the enchanting flora and fauna of forests, and valuable lessons on respecting elders and fostering meaningful friendships. The story also highlights the themes of unity and generosity, as exemplified by the villagers and the central characters, Ajji and Ajja, who assist archaeological enthusiasts. Sudha Murthy’s personal introduction, sharing a touching incident from her life, imparts a profound life lesson about material possessions. This heartfelt dedication to her granddaughter Anoushka, whom she affectionately calls Nooni, sets the stage for a charming and engaging journey through this novel.
- Seasons of Splendour by Madhur Jaffrey
Seasons of Splendour is a vibrant collection of Indian myths and legends illustrated in beautiful watercolors and told by one of India’s sparkling personalities, Madhur Jaffrey. It is a treasure trove about Indian gods and goddesses, kings and queens, princes and demons. This collection contains those enduring and vivid childhood stories, each one introduced with a humorous anecdote in conjunction with religious festivals throughout the Hindu Calender. The stories are a beautiful way to engage young minds with the rich and illustrious Indian mythology and introduce them to the Hindu epics, the Ramayana & and Mahabharata. It is a beautiful compilation of worthy tales, myths, and legends, a cycle of stories to read aloud and engage with your children, through the grandeur of the illustrations.
- Classic Tales from India: How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and Other Stories by Vatsala Sperling
Classic Tales from India, How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and Other Stories is a storehouse of seven beautifully illustrated traditional stories that will help kids immerse in the ancient culture of India as well as impart important life lessons to children. The tales are drawn from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas, translated by the authors illustrated throughout with glowing full
color paintings in traditional Indian style prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon. The glowing illustrations, beautifully executed in transparent watercolors and tempera paints, are perfect to intrigue young minds to learn and immerse themselves in the mystical world of ancient India.
