10 books every Indian child must read

In a world where screens and video games are replacing books and storytellers, it is important to try and inculcate a reading habit in children. However, with the workload of school and the time dedicated to extra-curricular activities, there's not always time for you to nurture a reading habit in your child. So to help you pick some of the best books for your child, here is a list of books which will help shape them in great ways.Photo: Shutterstock

C Rajagopalchari, India's last Governor General was not just a great politician but also an eminent historian. His versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata that he published separately, deal with the two mythologies in a unique manner. He eulogizes the heroic men and women of the two mythologies and celebrates their values and characters, inspiring readers to imbibe these traits that would certainly benefit them.
Photo: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

They are a storehouse of information about Indian history, culture, mythoogy and religion in shape of beautiful stories that children love to read. With more than 100 millions copies sold so far in 20 languages, Amar Chitra Khatha has innumerable titles in shape of interestingly narrated mythologies, epics, literary classics, fables and folklores and biographies of famous Indian personalities. These books would open a floodgate of interesting information for your kids.
Photo: Amar Chitra Katha

'Malgudi Days' is R. K. Narayan's short story collection that has been appreciated all over the world. First published in 1943, it consists of 32 short stories that perfectly capture rural life in that era. The stories mostly take place in a fictional village called Malgudi and some characters are recurring across the stories. One of them, Swami is an endearing little boy who studies in class 2 and the book revolves around his friends, his home and his school life.
Photo: Indian Thought Publications

Panchtantra means 5 books and is a collection of several moral stories involving animals who possess human intelligence and personalities. All the stories and lessons are loosely interwoven and the plots are not as simple and dull as most moral stories can be.
Photo: Penguin Random House India

Most of the short story anthologies have stories written in and around the independence era but this book contains stories about now. Written by the well-known children's author, Sudha Murty, this book contains 51 inspirational short stories. Like all her stories, these stories are angled to teach children important values of life.
Photo: Penguin India

Though they aren't stories, the Vedas are the texts that form the basis of Hindu Philosophy. They are one of the oldest texts in the world and the Upanishads are both a part of them and an interpretation of them. This book is a beautiful introduction to the Vedic school of thought for children and even adults will find it interesting.
Photo: Hachette India

The Hitopadesh/Hitopadesha is a collection of stories presumably written in the 12th-century. The origins are unknown but the tales are timeless. With both human and animal characters. There are several tales which all have a moral to them. Children can learn about duty, kindness, nature, politics and several other facets of life in these stories. The tales are simple and there is no one translation to recommend.
Photo: Penguin, Jaico Publishing House

There are two volumes to this series and together they give a basic timeline to the history of India from before recorded history to the present. It has an engaging format and teaches children about the rich heritage of India. The books are filled with fascinating facts which will amuse children and will probably be new to most adults.
Photo: Hachette India

The story of Krishna is loved by all children. Unlike many of the flat characters of mythology, Krishna grows throughout his life. His tale starts as one of a divine baby and every child will be delighted to read that Krishna was a naughty child. However, he grows into a clever adult whose tale teaches one to use courage and smartness to overcome evil. This book follows his endearing antics in an interesting way, giving valuable life lessons all through.Photo: Wikipedia

Ruskin Bond has been a writer for a long while and his books are often compilations of his short stories. The Rusty series wonderfully weaves many of the short stories that have entertained countless children into a beautiful and sequential story. The series has five books that will keep your child entertained for a long time while giving them insight into how life in India was around Independence.
Photo: Penguin