Remember how you used to celebrate festivals as a child? The preparations used to start much earlier in the week with the grandparents getting excited the most! I remember how my grandmom used to explain the significance of “why we do what we do” and narrate fun stories for each festival that made it a lot more interesting and fun to look forward to.
Cut to today’s scenario. It looks a lot different today where we are hard-pressed for time. Diwali shopping is done just a week earlier (mostly online!) and we settle for an abridged version of each of these rituals or festivities. And do our kids really know the meaning or significance of each of them? Not exactly.
That’s where books and videos come in handy. With books already being our kids’ best friends, it is easy to help them understand our culture through a range of books on mythology that are thankfully available in the Indian market.
In our exclusive conversation with author Sudha Murty, she explained why it is essential for today’s kids to read more on mythology and connect with our roots and culture better. The simpler the book is to understand, the more they will be able to connect with the festivals, she explains. Isn’t that so true? Today, we in #KSPBookClub, have handpicked a set of popular and useful books on mythology that your kids (aged 2-6 years) would love to pick up and read. Go ahead, scroll down, make your pick and buy them right away!
Author: Anita Raina Thapan
We all know how powerful Lord Hanuman actually was. But did you know he possessed some amazing power and skills right from childhood? Read all about his adventure
Ganesh
Author: Subhadra Sen Gupta
The book has four stories and answers the questions on children's mind about their favourite elephant-faced God in a simple and interesting manner. Ideal for your little readers (2-4 years).
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
In this book, Devdutt Pattanaik reveals how our ancestors imagined the animal kingdom and the key role animals played in human lives. Ideal for kids 3 and above.
The Little Book Of Hindu Deities
Author: Sanjay Patel
This series of book on Indian deities and festivals by Sanjay Patel, is ideal for little children who enjoy colourful pics more. The graphic-style illustrations and the simple narrative makes them an instant hit with the kids.
Author: Jonny Zucker Jan Barger
The book has four stories and answers the questions on children's mind about their favourite elephant-faced God in a simple and interesting manner.
Celebrate Durga Puja With Me! (From the Toddler Diaries)
Author: Shoumi Sen
Ideal for kids 3-8 years, this book describes the festivities and the grandeur of Durga Puja from the eyes of a 3-year-old toddler and how she thinks of them, what it means to her etc.
Mama Suranya Books
Author: Mama Suranya
Mama Suranya books are inspired by everything desi- India's trees, birds, animals, festivals, legends and the arts that help convey interesting stories to kids in a language they will love. Inspired by the Indian art forms such as Madhubani, Pichvai, Kalamkari and Miniature Art, the series also has a line of folk art colouring books for kids where the drawings are done by Indian professional folk artists. Read our review on Mama Suranya books here.
Ganesha: The Curse On The Moon
Author: Sourav Dutta
This book aimed at 3-7-year-olds is ideal to explain to kids interesting mythological stories about Lord Ganesha and his antics. Keeps the young minds occupied with the narrative by Sourav Dutta and illustrations by Rajesh Nagulakonda.
Author: Bhakti Mathur
This 3-in-1 book by Bhakti Mathur is a part of the Amma, Tell Me series. Contains the Amma, Tell Me About Krishna; Amma, Tell Me How Krishna Fought the Demon and Amma, Tell Me How Krishna Defeated Kansa. Ideal for kids aged 4-8 years.
Scholastic Book of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
.Author: Deepa Agarwal
How much do your little ones know about the Gods and Goddess? This book explains to them the basics in a manner they will understand. Ideal for kids aged 4 and above.
Ved and Friends Celebrate Dussehra and Diwali
Author: Diksha Pal Narayan
This is a well-researched collection of short stories for kids, especially the NRI ones, to help them connect with the roots better. Elaborating the Indian festivals in a language the kids can understand, this book is ideal for kids aged 4 years and above.
Krishna & The Mystery Of The Stolen Calves
Author: Joshua M Greene
This Mandala classic is suited for kids 4 and above. Is Krishna just an enthusiastic little kid or does he possess superhuman powers? Find out in this well-narrated storybook for kids.
Author: Pooja Pandey
This book is a part of the vocabulary enhancer series and helps improve your child's hold of the English language with carefully chosen words and their meanings explained inside the book. An easy way to introduce your kids (aged 4 to 8 years) to the fun stories of Lord Ganesha.
This series of board books for your tiny tots (1-3 years) comes featuring all the Hindu Gods- making them easy to understand for the kids, with big, bright illustrations.
Author: Anurag Mehta
This book ideal for kids 5 and above is a collection of tales on children's favourite deity- the prankster Lord Ganesha who loves to eat!
Author: Swamini Supriyananda
What happens when you challenge the mighty Ganesha? Could pride win the battle against the Supreme Lord? Find out how Lord Ganesha teaches Lord Kubera a lesson with his gastronomic skills! Ideal for kids aged 4 and above.
Harshit Malik
Mansi Zaveri
KSP Team
Kanishka Pariani
Mansi Zaveri
Janani S Koushik
