As summer approaches, it’s time to get lost in the magical world of books! India boasts of some incredible authors who have penned enchanting stories for children. From Ruskin Bond, R.K. Narayan to Sudha Murty, here are a few books to read this summer by famous Indian authors. Delve into the world of adventure with this summer reading list specially curated for you!
Ranjit Lal
An awardee of the Zeiss Wildlife Lifetime Conservation Award in 2019, Lal’s stories deal with issues like environmental conservation, animal rights and human relationships. Lal is known for his contributions to both nature writing and children’s literature. Among his notable works are ‘The Bossman Adventures’, ‘Enjoying Birds’, which have gained widespread recognition and popularity. His book ‘Faces in the Water’ was honored with the Crossword-Vodafone Award for Children’s Fiction in 2010 and the Ladli Media Award for Gender Sensitivity in 2011-2012. His must-read books for children include ‘The Crow Chronicles’, ‘Faces in the Water’ and ‘The Tigers of Taboo Valley’.
Sudha Murty
Indian author Sudha Murty’s stories are based on Indian culture, values and everyday life. She is a distinguished author, who writes books in both Kannada and English. She is renowned not only for her literary works but also for her philanthropic contributions. She currently serves as the chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Some of her must-read books for children include ‘The Serpent’s Revenge’, ‘Grandma’s Bag of Stories’ and ‘The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home’.
Ruskin Bond
A beloved Indian author, his stories are set in the hills of India and revolve around nature and simple joys of life. Bond has written over 500 short stories, essays, and novels. He is known for his captivating storytelling style and his ability to transport readers to the enchanting landscapes of the Himalayas. Some of his must-read books for children include ‘The Blue Umbrella’, ‘Rusty the Boy from the Hills’ and ‘The Room on the Roof’.
R.K. Narayan
R.K. Narayan was an Indian writer and novelist known for his stories set in the fictional town of Malgudi and revolving around everyday life. He is considered to be one of the finest English language writers in the country. His works, including the classic Malgudi Days, showcase his witty humor and insightful portrayal of Indian culture and society. Some of his must-read books for children include ‘Swami and Friends’, ‘The Bachelor of Arts’ and ‘The English Teacher’.
Arundhati Venkatesh
Hailing from Bengaluru, this author is either cooking up stories or dreaming of food. Her stories are full of humour, adventure and are inspired by Indian culture. Some of her must-read books for children include ‘Bookasura’, ‘Junior Kumbhakarna’ and ‘Petu Pumpkin: Tiffin Thief’.
Roopa Pai
Based in Bangalore, Roopa Pai is a prolific children’s author and journalist with over 20 published books to her credit. Her works include the country’s first fantasy-adventure series for children, ‘Taranauts’, and the national bestseller ‘The Gita for Children’.
Madhumita Roy
Madhumita Roy is an assistant professor at IIEST Shibpur, and her book ‘Bulti’s Adventures in the Dooars’ is a captivating tale about a 10-year-old girl. This short story is a must-read for children this summer.
Writing has always been Shreesha’s passion, be it for imparting knowledge or expressing opinions. In her former role as a journalist, she contributed to enriching society with knowledge. Now, at BYJU’S, she has moved on to something more exciting – creating tailor-made content for students. When she is not writing, you would find her looking for new ways to engage her child.