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Lights Out

Based on a true event in rural Tamil Nadu, this story follows a boy’s efforts to rally villagers to rescue nestlings of a vulnerable bird species. It captures community involvement in prioritizing a bird’s protection over immediate needs. Diverse characters offer insight into rural life and draw attention to a co-existence with nature and each other. The artwork, using a limited palette, plays with darkness and perspective in interesting ways.

Karadi Tales 2023 Vibha Batra Sahitya Rani

Grace

Perhaps the first children’s book in India that chronicles a significant transgender public figure, Grace Banu. The engaging storyline, along with plentiful illustrations shape an interesting narrative, introducing children to a theme they may not have encountered often. Written by a queer-trans author, this is a significant representation in Indian CL. A great book to help children think about gender and caste realities.

Pratham Books 2023 Sayantan Datta Priya Dali

The Girl Who Loved Words: Mahasweta Devi

TThe book introduces writer Mahesweta Devi in wonderful, spare text and striking artwork that can inspire young readers to find out more about the writer. The writer’s love for words is presented through the trope of a bedtime story told by an older sister to her siblings, with the older sister revealed as Mahasweta at the end. The illustrations draw from the specific context of Bengal, paying homage to the art of Chittoproshad Bhattacharya.

an imprint of Penguin Random House India, Duckbill 2023 Lavanya Karthik Lavanya Karthik

We Hope: Children on Climate Change

This collection features children’s comments on climate change, along with simply and evocatively communicated information on specific issues. Reflecting children’s voices from diverse environments, it covers a range of landscape- related challenges. Spectacular illustrations by different illustrators mirror this diversity of voices and contexts. The book makes space for children’s voices and brings home the idea that climate change affects everyone.

Pratham Books 2023 Multiple children Mulitple illustrators

Bipathu and a Very Big Dream

This lovely book, set in rural Kerala, features a captivating cast embodying essential questions- How to live with difference, how to remain curious, and hold on to dreams. These themes are delicately examined, allowing readers to think independently. The writing, simple yet richly layered, evokes a sense of place and rootedness. The illustrations are few but packed with detail and character.

Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House India 2023 Anita Nair Parmita Mukherjee

Maithili and the Minotaur: Forest of Forgotten Fears

In this wildly, fantastical adventure, Maithili and her irreverent friends – a minotaur, a wolfhound, a snake and a three-eyed cat – embark on a thrilling and dangerous journey through a living, breathing forest. An adventure ensues, as the familiar school library and forest are imbued with an edginess. The superb artwork brings each character alive, making this comic-format book a worthy successor to the first title in the series.

Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House India 2023 C.G. Salamander Rajiv Eipe

How to Reach Mars and other Impossible Things

The Indian Mars Mission has surely been of great interest to many children. Here is a narrative non-fiction that gives an inside look into the mission and the scientists involved. On a field trip to the Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, curious and fearless Rabia seeks out the scientists and discovers the remarkable women behind the mission. Wonderful illustrations with a touch of humour bring the story alive.

Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House India 2023 Menaka Raman Rajiv Eipe

Lady Tarzan: Jamuna Takes a Stand

This was the name given to Jamuna Tudu, a young Adivasi who grew up thinking of trees as her siblings. Her lone battle against rampant deforestation inspired a movement, led largely by women. Her courage in confronting powerful forces shows how anyone can make a difference. Beautifully illustrated, this book brings the forest to life.

Jugnoo Prakashan (Ektara) 2023 Lavanya Karthik Rajiv Eipe