đź“š Best Books for Young Children in India 2025
When I first started looking for books for the little ones in my family, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there.
Bright covers, cute characters, and so many promises of being “educational” or “fun”—but which ones actually keep a child hooked?
Over time, and after many bedtime story sessions (some successful, some ending with giggles and a book tossed under the pillow).
I realized that the best children’s books aren’t just about colorful pictures.
They’re the ones that spark curiosity, nurture imagination, and make a child want to come back to them again and again.
In India, especially in 2025, parents and educators are lucky to have an amazing mix of choices.
These range from timeless classics to fantastic new Indian stories that reflect our own culture, languages, and everyday life.
Whether it’s a toddler flipping through their very first board book or a 7-year-old starting to explore chapter books.
There’s something magical waiting on the shelf for every stage.
In this article, I bring you a handpicked list of the best books for Indian children aged 10 to 12 in 2025.
It is based on storytelling, simplicity of language, and life lessons.
These books are perfect for middle school students and young readers who are stepping into the magical world of reading.
Before we begin the list, let’s understand why this age group is special.
🌟 Why Are Books Important at This Age?
You know how children’s eyes light up when you start telling them a story?
That’s the magic of books at this age.
They’re not just about passing time or putting kids to sleep—books actually shape the way young children think, feel, and imagine.
At an early age, a child’s brain is like wet clay—every story, every rhyme, and every colorful picture helps mold it.
Books introduce new words, sounds, and ideas in ways that feel like play.
They teach empathy when a child feels for a character and curiosity when they discover something new.
And mostly feel comfort when they return to the same story night after night.
And in today’s world, where screens are everywhere.
Books also create a gentle pause—a cozy moment between parent and child.
Where the world slows down and all that matters is the story in their hands.
It’s not just about literacy; it’s about bonding, imagination, and giving them a head start in thinking and communicating.
Now, let’s dive into the list of best books children in India should read in 2025.
Best Books for Young Children in India 2025
1) Swami and Friends — R.K. Narayan
Swami is that kid you instantly know: naughty, honest, and always in a little trouble.
His gang, cricket matches, and school dramas feel real and very Indian.
The language is simple, the humor is gentle, and the feelings are true.
Kids see themselves in Swami—and that’s why they keep reading.
2) Grandma’s Bag of Stories — Sudha Murty
These stories feel like warm tea and pakoras on a rainy day.
Grandma’s voice is kind, funny, and full of wisdom.
Every tale ends with a soft lesson you can use in real life.
Perfect for bedtime or family reading.
3) The Magic of the Lost Temple — Sudha Murty
A simple holiday turns into a discovery of heritage and courage.
The village scenes, friends, and elders feel familiar and safe.
Kids learn curiosity without being “taught” a lesson.
It’s soft adventure with a happy glow.
4) The Magic of the Lost Story — Sudha Murty
This one reminds us that stories are treasures waiting to be found.
Children follow clues, meet new friends, and feel proud of small braveries.
The tone is warm and hopeful.
It quietly builds a love for reading.
5) The Blue Umbrella — Ruskin Bond
A tiny umbrella, a big wish, and a small mountain village—such a simple setup, yet it touches the heart.
Jealousy turns into kindness in the most natural way.
The writing is quiet and beautiful.
Kids learn empathy without heavy words.
6) Tenali Raman Stories — Various Authors
Clever Tenali wins with wit, not weapons.
The problems are fun puzzles; the answers are smart and surprising.
Kids love saying “Ohhh!” at the end.
Great for short reading bursts.
7) Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire — Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
Imagine a friendly dragon moving into your town.
There’s wonder, chaos, and a lot of FUN. The writing mixes humor with heart.
It nudges kids to welcome the “different.”
8) My Mother’s Sari — Sandhya Rao
Toddlers see the sari as everything—a tent, a river, a train.
The pictures are bright, the words are few, and the feelings are big.
It celebrates imagination and daily life. Perfect for read-alouds.
9) Gajapati Kulapati! — Ashok Rajagopalan
One sneeze and WHOOSH—giggles everywhere.
Repetition, sound words, and a lovable elephant make this a hit with little ones.
It’s pure joy in big, clear art.
You’ll act it out every time.
10) Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold — Meena Arora Nayak
Gods, animals, and brave kids jump out of these pages.
The retellings are simple but rich in meaning.
Stories end with gentle wisdom.
A great doorway to Indian folklore.
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11) Matilda — Roald Dahl
Matilda loves books, hates bullies, and believes in herself.
The jokes are sharp, the villains are silly, and the ending sparkles.
Kids cheer for her from page one. It’s a classic for a reason.
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12) Geronimo Stilton Series — Elisabetta Dami
Fonts jump, words wiggle, and jokes pop like popcorn.
The travel and mystery plots are easy to follow.
It’s perfect for kids moving from pictures to chapters.
One book and they’ll want the whole shelf.
13) The Famous Five (Series) — Enid Blyton
Picnics, secret passages, and Timmy the dog—what’s not to love?
The gang solves mysteries with courage and teamwork.
The language is clean and clear.
A perfect entry into long series reading.
14) The Secret Garden — Frances Hodgson Burnett
A closed door hides a world of healing.
Quiet friendships grow like flowers.
It’s slow in the best way—kids learn patience and care.
The ending is sunshine.
15) The Jungle Book — Rudyard Kipling
Mowgli’s jungle is wild, funny, and wise.
Each character teaches something—courage, loyalty, or freedom.
The stories can be read alone or together.
It’s a forever favorite.
16) The Night Diary — Veera Hiranandani
A tender Partition story told through a young girl’s diary.
It treats history with care and heart.
Kids feel her fear and hope.
It opens gentle talks at home.
17) Rikki-Tikki-Tavi — Rudyard Kipling
Short, sharp, and brave—this mongoose is a tiny hero.
The garden feels like a battlefield kids can imagine.
It’s thrilling but not scary.
A top pick for quick reads.
18) Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala — Meenal Patel
A tender connection between a girl and her heritage.
Colors, smells, and memories dance together.
It celebrates families across oceans.
Soft, loving, and bright.
19) Farmer Falgu Goes Kite Flying — Chitra Soundar
Calm, cheerful, and full of little surprises.
The countryside feels peaceful and playful.
Sentences are simple for early readers.
It leaves a smile.
20) Get Off That Camel! — Radhika Menon
A camel ride becomes a string of funny events.
The art is lively and kid-friendly.
The rhythm pulls young listeners in.
Great for giggly read-alouds.
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🎉 Best Comic Books and Magazines for Kids in India
21) Champak — Classic Indian Magazine
Short stories, puzzles, and bright characters keep kids turning pages.
It’s easy to start and hard to stop.
Great for building a daily reading habit.
Affordable and fun.
22) Tinkle Comics — Suppandi & Friends
Suppandi’s silly mistakes and Shambu’s brave acts never fail.
The humor is clean and very Indian.
Kids learn small values while laughing.
It’s comfort reading.
23) Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels — Elisabetta Dami
Same Geronimo fun, now in comic panels.
Visuals help reluctant readers jump in.
The plots are fast and silly.
Perfect bridge to chapter books.
24) Taranauts (Series) — Roopa Pai
Wordplay, puzzles, and starry missions in a fresh Indian universe.
Teamwork matters here, and kids feel smart solving clues.
It blends action with language fun.
Series lovers will binge.
✨ Best Inspirational Books for Children in India
25) My India: Ideas for the Future — Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Simple words, big dreams.
Kalam sir talks directly to young readers.
Kids feel seen and inspired to try.
It’s a book that grows with them.
26) Indian Legends for Kids — Various Authors
The best of Indian myths made child-friendly.
Each tale is short, exciting, and meaningful.
It builds cultural pride.
Great for daily one-story routines.
27) Animal Tales from India — Nikita Gill
These stories purr, roar, and giggle.
The morals are soft, never preachy.
The language sings.
A lovely way to think about kindness.
28) Submerged Worlds & Other Stories of India’s Rivers — Various
Rivers turn into characters with secrets and songs.
Children see nature with new eyes.
It blends wonder with care for the environment.
Quietly powerful.
29) Regional Stories of India — Part 02 — Various
From the northeast to the south, each tale has its own flavor.
Kids “travel” without leaving home.
Short reads fit busy days.
Great for building a reading routine.
30) Know Your India — Various
Facts become fun when told the right way.
This book mixes festivals, heroes, and places.
It sparks questions and family chats.
A handy pick for projects too.
🎨 Best Activity & Learning Books for Kids
31) Peppa Pig Super Sticker Book (India Edition)
Stickers + puzzles = instant focus time.
Great for car rides and waiting rooms.
Builds fine motor skills while kids play.
Zero fuss fun.
32) 101 Brain Teasers for Kids
Short puzzles that stretch thinking without scaring kids.
Confidence grows with every solved riddle.
Great for ten-minute breaks.
Parents enjoy these too!
33) Our World: India — Board Book
Big pictures, few words, strong pages—built for tiny hands.
Babies and toddlers point, name, and smile.
It’s a gentle first step into books.
Very giftable.
34) Hello India! Activity Book
Mazes, spot-the-difference, and quick facts kids remember.
It sneaks learning into playtime.
Works well for travel or holidays.
Easy to share between siblings.
35) My First Library (10-Book Set)
ABCs, numbers, shapes—short, sturdy, and colorful.
Perfect for bite-sized learning.
Repetition helps tiny brains lock things in.
A parent favorite.
36) My First Complete Learning Library (20-Book Set)
A bigger box for curious toddlers.
Touch-and-tell sessions become a daily habit.
Kids feel proud when they “finish” little books.
Great value.
🌟 Extra Must-Reads for 2025
37) Lil’ Muffin Drops the Mic — Romesh Ranganathan
A silly, big-hearted story about finding your voice.
Humor keeps pages flying.
Kids learn it’s okay to try, fail, and try again.
Great for class read-alouds.
38) The Temple Bell Mystery — Nalini Varanasi
A cozy Indian mystery with a smooth pace.
Clues are fair; kids feel smart guessing.
The setting feels real and local.
A gentle step into whodunits.
39) Cuckoo Capers — Bijal Vachharajani
Bouncy prose, curious kids, and eco-friendly fun.
The jokes are light; the ideas are fresh.
It celebrates messy, joyful curiosity.
A mood-brightener.
40) Maanavargalukku India Viduthalaiyin Kathai (Tamil) — M. Abbas Mandhiri
India’s freedom story told in simple Tamil.
Kids meet real heroes and real choices.
It invites questions about courage.
A strong language-learning pick too.
41) Tinchak (Gujarati Poetry) — Kirtida Brahmbhatt
Words skip, hop, and rhyme in playful Gujarati.
It turns language into music.
Great for recitation and stage fun.
A lovely way to love your mother tongue.
🧒 Quick Age Guide
- Ages 2–5: My Mother’s Sari, Gajapati Kulapati, Our World: India, My First Library sets, Peppa Sticker Book
- Ages 6–8: Grandma’s Bag of Stories, Tenali Raman, Champak, Tinkle, Farmer Falgu, Get Off That Camel
- Ages 9–12: Swami and Friends, Famous Five, Matilda, Geronimo Stilton, Taranauts, My India, The Night Diary
Final Thoughts on Best Books for Young Children in India 2025: Choosing the Right Book for Your Child
So, there you have it — a big, colorful list of some of the best books for young children in India in 2025.
From timeless classics like Swami and Friends to playful modern gems like Lil’ Muffin Drops the Mic, every book here has something special to offer.
And the best part?
No matter what your child loves — adventure, puzzles, folktales, or even stickers — there’s a book waiting to spark their curiosity.
When we think about it, books are more than just pages with words.
They’re bridges — connecting children to new worlds, teaching them kindness, sparking laughter, and sometimes even giving them the courage to dream bigger.
And as parents, teachers, or caregivers, it’s magical to see their eyes light up when they find a story that truly speaks to them.
Of course, reading habits don’t grow overnight.
But with little nudges, cozy reading corners, and stories that match their interests, children quickly learn that books are not a chore — they’re a joy.
So, whether you start with a gentle picture book, a laugh-out-loud comic, or a mystery that keeps them guessing, remember this: the best book is the one that makes your child want to read the next one.
Happy reading, and here’s to raising curious, joyful, and lifelong readers! 📚✨
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of children’s books are in demand in 2025?
In 2025, children’s books that are most in demand focus on diverse and inclusive stories that reflect different cultures and experiences. Kids and parents are especially drawn to books that not only entertain but also teach kindness, curiosity, and care for the planet.
What is the most read book in 2025?
It’s tough to crown a single most-read book globally in 2025—reading habits vary by genre, region, and audience—but two standouts include:
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins also dominated the bestseller lists, topping Hardcover Nonfiction with more than 1.76 million copies sold.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros broke records as one of the fastest-selling adult novels in over two decades after launching in January, with over 2.7 million copies sold in its debut week alone.
Which is the biggest book fair in India 2025?
When it comes to scale and crowd-pulling power, Kolkata leads the pack, while the Delhi fair remains a key fixture on India’s literary calendar.
What’s a good book to read in 2025?
A great book to pick up in 2025 is Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, a fantasy sequel that’s thrilling readers worldwide with its mix of dragons, danger, and romance. If you prefer inspiration, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is making waves for its simple yet powerful ideas on living with more freedom and less stress.
