Over the last several months I have been checking out books set in India from our local library. It is important remember that we can open our children’s eyes to the world beyond their homes by simply reading a picture book. Diverse picture books allow children insight into a culture that has similarities and differences from their own. It gives them a chance to see themselves within the pages and to practice empathy. In the most recent events happening in the world with the Black Lives Matter movement, it is apparent that there is still so much learning and work to do to make equality a reality for so many different groups. I believe a major way we, as parents, caregivers, librarians, writers and bookstores owners can contribute to the kindness and acceptance of ALL is starting with teaching the children. Being a role model and practicing what we preach.

We are excited to share some titles with you that are set in India, in celebration of the upcoming new release, published by Cardinal Rule Press, written by Anita Amin and illustrated by Parwinder Singh, Raja’s Pet Camel! Preorder the book today and have a message of HOPE in your home or store this fall for children to enjoy!

Books List: Books Set In India

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by Farhana Zia
About the book:
Overflowing with family, food, and a tall stack of fun, Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji is sure to warm the heart and tickle the tummy. A fun way for children to learn about the cultural traditions and foods of India to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Thread of Love by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal
About the book:
Three siblings enjoy the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan—a celebration of the special relationship between brothers and sisters,

Chachaji’s Cup by Uma Krishnaswami
About the book:
Neel loves listening to Chachaji’s many stories over steaming cups of tea. Chachaji’s tales of great Hindu gods and demons and of his adventures in the Indian Army leave Neel openmouthed.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest by Sophia Gholz
About the book:
As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India’s Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees.

Mina vs. The Monsoon by Rukhsanna Guidroz
About the book:
Mina loves to play soccer all year round. Nothing comes close to it. But when the monsoon arrives, Mina is stuck indoors and she can’t help feeling restless and bored.

Manjhi Moves a Mountain by Nancy Churnin
About the book:
Dashrath Manjhi used a hammer and chisel, grit, determination, and twenty years to carve a path through the mountain separating his poor village from the nearby village with schools, markets, and a hospital.

The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal
About the book:
This picture book brings an international twist to the beloved nursery rhyme, The Wheels on the Bus, by bringing you aboard a busy three-wheeled taxi in India! Anything can happen as the tuk tuk rolls through town—from an elephant encounter to a tasty treat to a grand fireworks display.

Festival of Colors by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal
About the book:
Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!

Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala by Meenal Patel
About the book:
Priya lives in the United States and her family is from India. She feels the magic of the place her family comes from through her Babi Ba’s colorful descriptions of India–from the warm smell of spices to the swish-swish sound of a rustling sari.

Feast of Peas by Kashmira Sheth
About the book:
Hard-working Jiva might not be the only one anticipating a delicious feast of peas from his garden. Every morning, Jiva works in his garden until the sun turns as red as a bride’s sari.

Lali’s Feather by Farhana Zia
About the book:
Lali finds a little feather in the field. Is it lost? Lali sets out to find feather a home, but one bird after another rejects it.

Grandmother School by Rina Singh
About the book:
Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write.

Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairman
About the book:
Extreme weather affects two children’s lives in very different ways and shows how the power of nature can bring us together.

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