2020 has been a good year for young booklovers! During the lockdown and forced time at home, children have had the opportunity to read to their heart’s content. RobinAge spoke to some literati from the world of children’s books and asked them to round up their picks of the best books for kids this year. Here’s what they recommend.

AMRITA SOMAIYA
DIRECTOR-FOUNDER, KITAB KHANA, MUMBAI

Timeless Tales from Marwar
written by Vijaydan Detha; translated by Vishes Kothari

‘Timeless Tales from Marwar’ introduces children to some lesser-known stories that have survived oral traditions from Rajasthan. The book is complete with some stunning illustrations. 

Available on Amazon.in

Fauja Singh Keeps Going
written by Simran Jeet Singh; illustrated by Baljinder Kaur

‘Fauja Singh Keeps Going’ is an inspiring, true story about a 100-year-old marathon runner that teaches us important lessons about determination, grit and how not to cower when faced with obstacles.

Available on Amazon.in

Ogd
written by Anushka Ravishankar

‘Ogd’ celebrates absurd storytelling that we love, thanks to the likes of Lewis Carroll and Sukumar Ray.

Available on Amazon.in

PREETI VYAS
CEO, AMAR CHITRA KATHA PVT LTD

Vikram Sarabhai
by Amar Chitra Katha

This is the fascinating and inspiring story of the man who pioneered India’s space programme. The Vikram Sarabhai comic was recently launched by ISRO to commemorate the birth centenary celebrations of Vikram Sarabhai, at a memorable ceremony in the presence of the president of India.  

Available on Amazon.in

Your Turn Now: True Stories of Kindness
by FunOKPlease
 
A new compendium including the best true stories of random acts of kindness, from Books 1 and 2, with new colour illustrations and fun activities.

Available on Amazon.in

Tinkle Gold
by Tinkle

Brand new stories of all your favourite characters like Suppandi, Shambu, Tantri, Defective Detectives and NOIS in a special commemorative issue that celebrates 40 years of the legendary Tinkle, where learning meets fun.

Available on Amazon.in

SANGEETA BHANSALI
FOUNDER, KAHANI TREE, MUMBAI  

The Miracle on Sunderbaag Street
written by Nandita da Cunha; illustrated by Priya Kuriyan

Young Zara sits alone every evening, in a dump yard on Sunderbaag Street. One day, Miss Gappi plants an idea in Zara’s mind. This sets them off on a mission that changes Zara’s life…and the lives of many who live on Sunderbaag Street. Heart-warming and beautifully illustrated, we highly recommend! 

The Grand Chapati Contest
written by Asha Nehemiah; illustrated by Chetan Sharma

When the Chief Chapati Cook quits, who will make fluffy-puffy perfect chapatis just the way the King likes them? Can the kingdom find another champion chapati maker at the Grand Chapati Contest? An unputdownable and fun read! 

Available on Amazon.in

Nomad’s Land
written by Paro Anand

Shanna and Pema, two girls growing up in a big city, meet at their new school. They come from displaced communities— one is a Kashmiri Pandit and the other belongs to the nomadic Pardhi tribe. Searing and tender, ‘Nomad’s Land’ talks about the effects of terrorism and displacement and the healing powers of hope, friendship and reconciliation.

Available on Amazon.in

RAKHI GARG
FOUNDER & OWNER, PUPILIO

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy

A gem of a book on hope, friendship, self-esteem and kindness with incredible illustrations. The messages are universal, thus making it fit for any age group.

Available on Amazon.in

Friends Behind Walls
written by Harshikaa Udasi

A witty chapter book with fun, relatable characters. It also introduces new phrases and words in a fun and meaningful way.

Available on Amazon.in

Srinivasa Ramanujan: Friend of Numbers
written by Priya Narayanan; illustrated by Satwik Gade

A wonderful biography about the brilliant mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, a man who absolutely loved numbers and saw patterns in everything. The book is full of facts that are woven in an interesting manner and the illustrations are beautiful.

Available on Amazon.in

JANANI S KOUSHIK
SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR, kidsstoppress.com 

Miracle at Happy Bazaar
written by Ruskin Bond

This one is a collection of 50 best stories by Ruskin Bond that narrate tales in his inimitable style and entertain kids at the same time.  

Available on Amazon.in

Coronavirus: A Book for Children About Covid-19
written by Kate Wilson, Elizabeth Jenner, Nia Roberts; illustrated by Axel Scheffler

2020 will remain one of the most unforgettable years for us—as adults and kids. This award-winning book helps children understand this truly unique time in which a hidden virus has compelled them to stay at home, away from their friends and stuck indoors.

Available on Amazon.in

Vahana
written by Devdutt Pattanaik

Almost all the Hindu gods we see in books or temples have an animal as a vehicle—ever wondered why? Kids will enjoy this simple and fun book especially during the festive season. 

Available on Amazon.in