Every month we get many many many review copies from our partner publishers. We’re sharing all the latest releases that we have come across in 2024! This curated post gets updated throughout the year so bookmark it for sure!
Would you like to eat soft fluffy Idlis? by Radhika Suri for 1.5-4 years
The Girl Who Lost Her Yes by Aarti Khatwani Bhatia, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan (36 pages)
Cactus Wants a Hug (32 pages) – about making a huge effort to find a friend
Marvellously Mixed Up (32 pages) – a funny, adventure on mixed up, unique creatures
Sad-Glad | A picture book about embracing changing emotions | good mental health | ages 3 and up (32 pages)
My Grandmother Can’t Cook! by Indu Balachandran for 4-8 years
Paro of the Sundarbans by Vaishnavi Giri for 4-8 years (36 pages)
A Thousand Full Moons by Shobha Vishwanathan
Keshav’s Kolam by Shobha Vishwanathan (20 pages)
Priya, the Jungle Dancer
The Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds a Home | A picture book on caring for the planet and friendship with pets by Alia Bhatt for 5 years+
Lakshmi’s Little Bird by Sharanya Kunnath for 5 years+ (32 pages)
The Day It Rained Letters by Nury Vittachi (48 pages)
BOO BOO SERIES by Tanushree Podder for 7-10 years (110 pages) published by OM BOOKS
Boo-Boo’s Adventures
Boo-Boo Investigates
Boo-Boo the Eco-Warrior
Boo-Boo Investigates – Amardeep has this and has shared an inside page in the fb group here.
Quoting her: “This is the story of an adorable ghost turned detective, who along with his friend Tanya, goes on several adventures and solves many mysteries.
The font is not only easy to read but the different sizes used, makes it attractive for kids. Even though the book is low on illustrations, the exciting story is enough to keep the readers glued to the book.”
The Alligator and The Stapler and Other Magical Tales for 6-10 years (136 pages) published by OM BOOKS
TruBuddy Comics for 7-14 years by the makers of MENSTRUPEDIA (24 pages each)
TruBuddy Complete Guide to Mastering Habits (Set of 3 Books)
TruBuddy Complete Guide to Effective Communication (Set of 3 Books)
TruBuddy Comics: Needs vs Wants – Gulu Meets Money
TruBuddy Comics: Believe to Achieve – Developing the Winning Attitude
TruBuddy Comics: Bounce Back from Failure
TruBuddy Comics: How to Talk Confidently
TruBuddy Comics: The Secret to Forming Habits
TruBuddy Comics: How to Break Bad Habits
TruBuddy Comics: How to Stick to Good Habits
TruBuddy Comics: Revision Techniques for Exam Success
TruBuddy Comics: How Friends Shape Us
TruBuddy Comics: How to Read for Better Learning
TruBuddy Comics: Appreciation The Art of Winning Hearts
TruBuddy Comics: Public Speaking Like a Leader
Ostrich Girl | An illustrated chapter book on biodiversity and conservation (hOle Book) by Lesley Biswas for 6-9 years. Amardeep has reviewed this book in the kbc fb group here and has shared an inside page as well. Excerpts:
“Ostrich Girl” is a story about a girl named Ritu, her secret life as a bird-call mimicker, and her quest to help conserve the bird population in her island.
The story is set in a small village in West Bengal, where the main income for everyone is derived from tourism. However, with a thriving demand for pet birds in the cities, the birds from the villages are slowly disappearing and small children are being recruited and trained to imitate bird calls, to fool the tourists. On one such day, Ritu’s call is mistaken by a small boy to be that of an ostrich, and he insists on seeing one! Where will they find an ostrich in India?
Like all hOle books, this one too has a large font, and lovely black and white illustrations (of birds). The author has done an amazing job of discussing important and critical issues of animal conservation, extinction and pet trade through a brilliantly crafted adventure that is humorous and insightful, and an absolute joy for bird lovers with tonnes of names of birds and their bird calls! It’s not all fun and games though, it encourages the reader to think about the reasons for the pet trade and why the villagers are often pushed into it due to monetary reasons, and offers solutions too!
The Great Indian Nature Trail With Chunmun by Rohan Chakravarty and Bijal Vachharajani for 7 years+ (112 pages)
Feathers, Fools and Farts: Manipuri Folktales Retold for 8 years+
How and Why Tales by Geeta Ramanujam | A collection of illustrated, imaginative folktales, perfect for bed-time reading | 8 years+. Mahima has shared inside pages here in the fb group. Aarav, her 8yo son, enjoyed the book big time. Quoting her, “This book taps into mystical stories from different lands and boundaries. Aarav was so drawn to it that he read the stories by himself and narrated them to me.”
“The stories are so fascinating Amma” that’s how it started. His enthusiasm while reading and narrating them to me or his dad was worth watching. …… Why do cockroaches die on their back? He cried while narrating the story and felt so sorry for the cockroach. How the great bear became a constellation while trying to save his family and the look of empathy for the bear. The nightingale, the conch, the ostrich every single story is etched in his mind. He felt transported to a magical land where he witnessed these events happen. He didn’t want to part with the book till he completed it.
This book has sparked so many discussions in our house about a lot more “why’s and how’s”. Geeta Ramanujam’s simple language brought the characters alive for my 8yr old. He lived and loved every story. Every now and then he walks up to me to tell me about the little “did you know” notes added at the end of each story.”
. Seetha Lakshmi has shared Mahathi’s review here in the fb group with some inside pages. Excerpts:
“This book lets you dive into the amazing world of the Padma Awards, one of India’s top honours! It introduces you to fifty fantastic individuals—like artists, scientists, freedom fighters, social workers, sports stars, and more. It provides a vivid look at how these individuals succeeded and became famous. They’ve shown that with grit, persistence, and bravery, anything is possible.
Some of my favourites were: Mihir Sen, the first man to swim the oceans of five continents in one year inspired me to set my goals high in my swimming journey.
Aruna Asaf Ali, who hoisted the forbidden Indian Flag at Gowalia Tank in Mumbai marking the start of the Quit India Movement, inspired me with her courage.
Keshava Shankar Pillai, master cartoonist, who drew humorous and satirical cartoons is an inspiration to be boldly creative.
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who defied segregation by entering a “Whites Only” train compartment and refusing to move is yet another inspiration to be brave and stand your ground for the right thing.
Ismat Chughtai, a free-spirited writer who defied societal norms by befriending a Hindu girl despite religious differences amused me more when I got to know she became a celebrated writer even though she was awful at spellings!The book also highlights the Civilian Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri) these individuals have received.
One story that particularly surprised me was that of Narthaki Natraj, a transgender Indian dancer who overcame numerous struggles and was awarded the Padma Shri. Another inspiring story was that of Melville De Mellow, a radio broadcaster, who received a Padma Shri for his warm and sweet voice. These stories were truly mind-blowing and inspires me to strive for more in my own life.
The illustrations in the book are colourful, evocative and fascinating. I loved the colour pallete for each of the pages. They are all so different and unique.
Marking seventy years of the Padma Awards, this beautifully illustrated book will inspire young readers to aim high and conquer any obstacle. This book is a must-have!”
Threads That Bind: Sibling Stories from Indian Mythology | Short, Illustrated Stories Perfect for Bedtime | Ages 8+ by Nalini Ramachandran (the author of NAVA DURGA)
Mehar’s World of Colours | A middle-grade story about self-discovery, parental pressures and friendship hurdles by Arti Sonthalia for 8-12 years (160 pages)
Ghoul School by Vibha Batra for 9 years+.
Kushti Kid by Vibhna Batra for 9 years+
Mystery of Graveyard Gold by Vidya Varadarajan for 9 years+
The Mystery Of The Missing Geometry Boxes also by Vidya V for 9+
How to Win an Election (A Most Unreliable Guide) | A humorous story about two best friends navigating school elections by Menaka Raman for 10 years+ (232 pages)
Muniya’s Quest by Mandira Shah for 10 years+ (224 pages)
Living with Adi: A middle-grade novel about an autistic teenager navigating through life by Zarin Virji for 10-13 years (224 pages). Read review here.
The Talking Book by Jane De Suza (the author of Flyaway Boy – a must must read recommended by Aarini) for 10-12 years (216 pages)
Tiger Tiger! Stories of the Big Cat (read detailed review here) for 10+
Let’s Be Best Friends Forever : Beautiful Stories of Friendship by Ruskin Bond, Rudyard Kipling, Mahadevi Varma, Jerry Pinto, Shabnam Minwalla, and many more for 10 years+ (312 pages)
Megha’s Autumn Equation for 10 years+ by Reshmi Sujesh. Lakshana received a review copy from the author and shared a review in the fb group here. To quote her:
“This story is about a teenage girl Megha who hates three things in life – Maths, Pigeons, Bananas. Story plot unveils when Megha’s Autumn vacation is cancelled and she is made to join special maths classes instead. There she meets Damini who teaches Megha how to ace in maths. The story teaches the importance of how anyone can make positive impact on society no matter whether you are adult or child.
Throughout the story, ,I felt this book is about me. I could very well relate to Megha – be it hating maths ( my marks in maths went down since my mom stopped teaching me) / Bananas or getting compared with my maths expert sibling. I found this book very funny at times for instance when Megha kept the name of group of girls as ‘burpees’. Such a simple and fine read all teenagers would love. This book deserves much praise – thanks to the author for such writing such a funny, witty and totally relatable and thoughtful story.”
Amil and the After | A Story of Partition | Companion to the Award-Winning The Night Diary | Ages 9+ by Veera Hiranandani (272 pages)
The Case Files of Anwesha Krishnamurthy: Mystery of the missing friend for 9 years+ by Reshmi Sujesh. Mona got a review copy and shared Spriha’s review in the fb group here. Excerpts:
“Anwesha has a goal of cracking every case she finds and organizes all those in her diary. She likes exchanging facts and learning laws from her uncle who is a policeman. After summer vacation, Anwesha can’t hold her excitement to meet her best friend, Sheetal. But she learns that Sheetal’s transfer certificate was given two days back. Some things don’t add up when Anwesha tries to find ways to contact her closest friend. It gives me goosebumps thinking of the moment Anwesha finally decides to add new case in her diary – The Mystery of The Missing Friend.
Story picks up pace towards the last chapters when this mystery novel eventually transforms into a crime thriller. Whenever Anwesha is stuck, she plans how she can get next piece of information. Then, piece by piece, she fixes it like a jigsaw puzzle. My heart was racing, hands were sweaty, and eyes were glued to know what would happen next. It was much more than disappearance of a friend. At times, I felt Anwesha is too brave and sometimes I just hoped she stayed safe. Anwesha inspires me to have courage, stay alert and act smart.”
The Men Who Dared – 12 Inspiring Life Stories for 9/10-14 years. Medhansh has a review copy and his mom Rakshita has shared an inside page here in the fb group as well as a few lines about it:
“What these are all Indian men…and what a lovely compilation by the author Ridhi Sarda.
Here is what I love as a mother, that how blessed our kid’s generation is to have access to such information from our own country. While you and I know these men, but how much do we know is the question. So why not let our kids learn from their lives a bit or two, because you never know what connects the chord and how that impacts their journey.”
MEDHANSH HAS SHARED A VIDEO REVIEW IN THE KBC FACEBOOK GROUP HERE!
The Book of Emperors: An Illustrated History of the Mughals for 9/11 years+. Medhansh has a review copy and his mom Rakshita has shared a video of the inside pages here in our fb group. Quoting her:
So while Medhansh is busy with exams and his review will take time, I thought to share my input with this video. No I am not judging the book by it’s cover but certainly these illustrations are too appealing for me to not share a video on the look an feel.
Ok…I am a look and feel person when it comes to books. And now I just want to go back in my teens to enjoy reading such fab looking history books. While as a child I had no inclination in history but this book certainly made me sit down and go through the content much before Medhansh came home. Why can’t they introduce such books in schools. Kudos to the authors for making Indian history so much fun and beyond mugging.
If you have an advanced reader then 9+ is a good age, otherwise 11 year olds will definitely enjoy. This book is for keeps…you can read , enjoy, discuss on dining table types. You can gift this to someone who loves reading about Indian history. In my opinion illustrations work very well for kids and this can easily be a starter kind of book if you want to develop interest in Indian history.
The Body in The Swimming Pool : The Chicken Pox Club Investigates by Shabnam Minwalla for 12 years+ (208 pages)
Persian Nights an Indian Child in Iran : A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Alaka Rajan Skinner for 12 years+ (80 pages)
Woebegones Warehouse of Words by Payal Kapadia for 12 years+ (304 pages). Read outstanding review here!
The Later Adventures of Hanuman | 40 fantastical tales of Hanuman’s adventures after the age of Rama | Mythological fiction (YA) by Amit Majmudar for 14 years+
Men of Steel by Tanushree Podder for 14 years+ (200 pages)
Hold On to Your Dreams : A Letter to Young Friends by Ruskin Bond (YA). Sowmya got a review copy. Excerpts from her review in the kbc fb group: “This is a treasure trove of wisdom and wit. It is a poignant essay in which Bond effortlessly weaves tales of love, kinship and solitude.
We get a rare glimpse into the personal daily life of Ruskin Bond. You will giggle as he swats away his feline friend, Mimi. Or enjoy his favourite strawberry milkshake made by his (adopted) granddaughter, Srishti. He wonders whether he could have been a tap dancer or sold boiled eggs, if not for becoming an author!
Now in the twilight of his life, this book has Bond’s trademark wry humour (‘My eye sight is affected, which means I no longer fall in love at first sight’) intermixed with philosophical musings(‘Old writers never die, they simply go out of print’).
He advises us that being alone is good but not to seek solitude for it may lead to loneliness. All three words more or less mean the same thing conceptually, however have different meanings. The author cautiously advises his young readers on how to navigate life without sounding patronising.
The gist of the essay is to hold onto your dreams- for they will fuel your life. It will help you tide over disappointments and power you through happier times. Bond effortlessly weaves nostalgic stories of the past and reflects on the tumultuous war-torn present day. He wonders whether man is on a mission to destroy fellow humans.
The highlight of the book are the quotes which are pearls of wisdom, which are printed in various fonts and styles. Pearl D’Souza ‘s stark illustrations complement the words. I loved that Mr.Bond’s silhouette peers at us between the pages. An afterword written in Ruskin Bond’s handwriting was a beautiful addition as well!!”
Everything Sucks by Andaleeb Wajid (YA). Read review here.
Hug Yourself: Body Positivity and Empowerment Stories for Teenagers | A Powerful Anthology of 16 Stories Featuring Prominent Writers Like Anuja Chandramouli, Harshikaa Udasi, Santhini Govindan, Shals Mahajan (272 pages)
565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India by Mallika Ravikumar for teen and adult history enthusiasts (528 pages)
ZardoZi – Stitched with Love a YA graphic novel by Debsmita Dasgupta, edited by Rajat Mittal (60 pages)
Aseema: A Journey Beyond Boundaries by Dilbur Parakh for late teens onwards and definitely for grown ups! (278 pages).
Pooja received a review copy from the author and has shared a detailed review with inside pages here in the kbc fb group. Excerpts: “Aseema with a literal meaning “something with no end” is a charitable trust, an NGO built to promote and protect rights of less privileged children, giving them an opportunity to receive quality education. The book takes us through Dilbur and Aseema’s 25 year old journey – good, bad and everything in between.
The book weaves together personal narratives and broader social themes, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of building Aseema, navigating its path in a complex world.
The book also takes us through Dilbur’s exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience while building Aseema. Dilbur’s keen interest to make a difference led in her setting up schools in Mumbai and beyond (spreading its footprints to locations such as Igatpuri, Kanpur and Lucknow); growing from serving 18 children in early years to 9000 children by 2023.
The writing is both lyrical and incisive, inviting readers to reflect on their own boundaries. The characters are well-developed, making their journeys relatable and impactful. The themes of resilience and self-discovery resonate throughout, encouraging a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity.
I liked the sections where we have testimonials of the children from Aseema who have gone out into corporate, shining bright and marking a mark for themselves while also setting an example for others to follow. Also, each chapter has lovely illustrations and beautiful quotes, setting tone on what the author aims the reader to takeaway from the story.
There were some beautiful artworks made by Aseema children – I could just not get my eyes off them! I learnt that some of the artwork has been picked up by brands like Global Desi, American Touristor and many more – I guess all of us might have purchased so many of the Kurtis from Global Desi! They also have a website with so many handmade products up on sale, I must say that they are quite beautiful and original. The fact that the author/ founder says that she does not want people to buy Aseema products out of sympathy or for charity but for the art work by remarkable children, makes me wonder and applaud her tenacity and the purity with which she backs her children.
I learnt that “Raju & I”, a National award winning animation movie was made by Aseema focusing on child rights and education – quite impressive! Overall, the book is a compelling read that challenges perceptions and inspires introspection, making it a valuable addition to India’s literature.”
[Note from Team Kids Book Café: For your convenience, affiliate links (MARKED IN PINK) to some of the book titles & images have been added to enable you to buy the books from AMAZON, should you wish to! A very small amount of money comes to kidsbookcafe.com when you purchase a book via the amazon affiliate link provided (at absolutely no extra cost to you!). Do let us know if you need information about other children’s books by writing to asha@kidsbookcafe.com.]
