Books that introduce Indian folktales, culture, and history to kids

India is home to a vast storytelling tradition. Being a melting pot of several religions, languages, politics, and geographies, the country has given rise to thousands of ancient epic poems, traditional fables, and humorous tales. Hence, it is important for kids to know about their culture, and the history of the land they belong to. Thus, here's a look at some amazing books that introduce Indian folktales, culture, and history to kids.

It is a fresh and funny picture book adaptation of how Ganesha came to write the epic poem of Hindu literature, 'The Mahabharata'. With vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and off-beat humor, this is a wonderfully inventive twist on a classic tale.

Pic credit: Tota Books

This book perfectly captures sibling relationships and the lengths one boy will go in order to get his sister to pay attention to him.

"Sometimes it's almost impossible to get your big sister to read your favorite book to you. Sometimes you have to go to great lengths even to get her attention! But if you're really creative and use your imagination, you might just get what you want. Take care, though, not to go too far," reads the book's blurb.

Pic credit: Peachtree Pub Co Inc

This book, which is full of rhythmic prose and vivid chalk pastels, flood the senses and take the reader on a tour of diverse urban India. It offers a lyrical story about contemporary India on the eve of the monsoon season. Readers experience the sights and sounds of the Indian culture as the girl and her brother play hopscotch to the sound of temple bells "clanging, clanging," and a taxi driver honks futilely at the tired old cow who stubbornly blocks his path in the street.

Pic credit: ‎Farrar, Straus and Giroux

It centers on a 7-year-old girl whose mother's suitcase is full of gorgeous silk, cotton, and embroidered saris. Though she is too young, the girl decides that she too should wear a saree. But her mother denies her request. Eventually, the mother realizes how important it is for her little girl to feel like a big girl and dresses up her daughter in the complicated and ornate folds of a blue sari, adding a bindi to her forehead as a final touch.

Pic credit: Hachette

This book acquaints readers with a flood tale from Southern India. Here, a young boy named Pattan finds himself aboard a giant pumpkin with plants and animals on board as they all use the enormous squash to escape a raging storm.

Pic credit: Otter-Barry Books Ltd

It centers on Amminikutty Amma, who needs just one peppercorn to finish the onion chutney. But before she can crush it with her mortar and pestle, the peppercorn escapes! Will Amminikutty Amma be able to catch it and finish her meal?

Pic credit: Tulika Publishers

Overflowing with family, food, and a lot of fun, this book is sure to warm the heart and tickle the tummy. It is a fun way for children to learn about the cultural traditions and foods of India to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Pic credit: Lee & Low Books