Stories of India: A Republic Day Reading Guide

RECOMMENDED FOR 5+ YEARS

THE STORY OF INDIA’S NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Written By: Kavitha Mandana
This book teaches young readers about India’s national symbols, like the emblem, peacock, tiger, lotus and more, using rich illustrations and engaging narrative. The book also tells you ways in which India’s endemic animals are saved and conserved in our country. It breaks down many myths that surround the Indian cobra and also introduces you to legends about the peacock.

HELLO INDIA! FUN ACTIVITY BOOK: FOOD AND CULTURE
A lively, interactive activity book that ties food, festivals, culture and art into fun puzzles and prompts—great for getting kids thinking about India’s diversity through play. Well-designed and thoughtful, it makes learning cultural heritage super easy and hands-on.

RECOMMENDED FOR 7+ YEARS

THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA FOR KIDS: AN ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN’S BOOK
Written By: Sutapa Basu
This colourful, beautifully illustrated edition breaks down big constitutional ideas into accessible, child-friendly language and visuals, making civic education engaging and understandable.

INDIA IN SCIENCE
Written By: Vishakha Shivdasani
This vibrant, illustrated volume introduces India’s scientific heritage–from biology to architecture–with bite-sized facts and information about the works of some of India’s most brilliant scientists, such as Asima Chatterjee, Birbal Sahni, Jana ki Ammal, JC Bose and others. The book is written in simple language, making it apt for This vibrant, illustrated volume introduces India’s scientific heritage–from biology to architecture–with bite-sized facts and information about the works of some of India’s most brilliant scientists, such as Asima Chatterjee, Birbal Sahni, Janaki Ammal, JC Bose and others. The book is written in simple language, making it apt for young minds.

10 INDIAN TRADITIONS OF FOLK MUSIC THAT TELL OUR STORIES
Written By: Mamta Nainy
This book is a celebration of India’s folk-music diversity. It explores 10 distinct traditions across regions and voices, which include the Bidesia of Bihar, the Gathas and Kathas of Rajasthan, the Ladishah ballads of Kashmir, the Kabir Vaani of Kutch, the Lavani of Maharashtra and the Li of the Chakhesang Nagas. The book is extremely educational and a must-read to understand the depth of our cultural history.

HISTORY UNPACKED
Written By: Saisudha Acharya
This sharp and witty book breaks down big, difficult historical ideas into small, digestible chapters. With playful illustrations and an easy-to-read tone, it turns complex events into stories kids can actually enjoy—perfect for curious readers who like history served with humour.

RECOMMENDED FOR 10+ YEARS

10 MAKERS OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Written By: Karthik Venkatesh
A clear, well-structured introduction to 10 key, yet relatively unknown, figures that include Jaipal Singh Munda, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, Daksh ayani Velayudhan, Hasrat Mohani, KM Munshi, Hansa Mehta, James Joy, Mohon Nichols Roy and G Durgabai. The writer talks about how they collectively worked together to create modern India. Highly informative and recommended for older tweens.

THE PEOPLE OF INDIA
Edited By: Anwesha Sengupta and Debarati Bagchi
A vivid and empathetic account of how everyday lives, languages, traditions and trade have shaped India’s identity. The book helps children dive into the story of real people and learn from their experiences. It traces the lives of people who lived through partition, of tribes that brought clothes to India, the first Indian hockey team and more.

INDIA IN TRIANGLES
Written By: Shruthi Rao and Meera Iyer
Author Shruthi Rao has written a compelling story of how India’s landscape was mapped via surveying, trigonometry and daring adventure by fearless surveyors who trekked across forests, mountains and monsoons, facing disease, wild animals and gruelling terrain. Their goal was to chart the subcontinent with astonishing precision. The book is full of scientific facts, yet doesn’t get too heavy for younger readers. The book also has rare original maps from British archives.

SERIES: GREAT FREEDOM STORIES OF INDIA

THE STORY OF MY LIFE: MK GANDHI
A simple, engaging retelling of Gandhi’s childhood, values and journey that took him from a student to a national leader. The book works well for young readers to help them understand values like truth, courage and non-violence through real stories.
INCREDIBLE INDIANS
Written By: Ashwitha Jayakumar
A lively set of mini-biographies highlighting Indians who shaped the nation through bravery, creativity or quiet determination. It is inspiring, fast-paced and great for sparking curiosity about real heroes.
INDIA’S FREEDOM STORY
Written By: Ira Saxena and Nilima Sinha
A clear, well-structured introduction to India’s long struggle for independence—from early resistance to iconic movements. It makes history easy to follow and relatable for young readers.
REVOLUTIONARIES: FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
Written By: Sanjeev Sanyal
A gripping, action-packed book that shines a light on fearless revolutionaries who fought British rule. Dramatic, energetic and ideal for kids who enjoy bold characters and exciting true stories.