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Archives: Books

Soldier & Spice

For Pia, regular life is a thing of the past. She is now an army wife. From ‘just Pia’ to an aunty, a memsaab . . . and, her favourite words in the whole wide world, Mrs Pia Arjun Mehra.

Pia finds herself having to suddenly be more ‘lady-like’, focus on themed ladies’ meets, high teas and welfare functions, and deal with long (unexpected) spells of separation from her husband. She faces extraordinary challenges, a little heartache and, well, army-life lessons. In the mysterious and grand world of army wives, Pia learns that walking in high heels is okay as long as you don’t trip on combat boots. She learns that ‘civil’ is also a noun, that JCO and GOC are (very) different from each other, that snacks are ‘shown’ and ‘WTF’ is better explained as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Yes, it really is a new world.

This quirky, hilarious story of the first year of Pia’s life as an army wife will show you that the spice to a soldier’s life is most definitely his better, very strong, extremely elegant, never-cussing, witty, warm and passionate half-his army wife.

Sivakami’s Vow: Paranjyothi’s Journey

A young man trudges from a tiny Chola village to Kanchi, the great city of art and learning, hoping to discover his destiny. A bikshu wanders around the Pallava empire, befriending lonely souls. Spies lurk in the shadows, and even statues of the Lord Buddha conceal secrets. Emperor Mahendra Pallava, connoisseur beyond compare, rules with compassion and justice, while his son, Kumara Chakravarthy Narasimhar, falls deeply in love with the greatest dancer of the empire, Sivakami.
Somewhere in the distance can be heard the drums of war. The fearsome Chalukyas are planning an invasion: their war elephants, horses and infantry sweep towards the Pallava empire. Emperor Pulikesi eyes Kanchi as the crowning glory to his martial achievements.
Paranjyothi’s Journey, the first in the four-volume Sivakami’s Vow series, is a riveting tale of war, betrayal, secret passages, guarded forts, passions and a Pallava emperor who will do anything to save his kingdom. It was written by Kalki, a master storyteller who raised Tamil literature and history to new heights almost single-handedly.

Hanuman: Anjani’s Mighty Son (Read and Colour)

Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the story of Hanuman, the much-loved Hindu deity, to a new generation of readers. Hanuman, Anjani’s Mighty Son is perfect as a read-aloud to acquaint young readers with the qualities of valour, selflessness, loyalty and humility that Hanuman embodied.

Curated with fascinating bite-sized stories–from how young Hanuman almost ate the sun to how he helped Ram rescue Sita from Lanka–it features over forty playful artworks along with dedicated colouring pages.

One-of-a-kind, this book is a must-have for every curious mythology enthusiast and budding artist!

A companion to Shyam, Our Little Krishna, also by Devdutt Pattanaik, this book has fun and quirky illustrations and is written as short, easy-to-read episodes.

This unique, interactive format is perfect for young readers, especially for bedtime reading!

The Complete Vikram–Aditya Stories

The Complete Vikram–Aditya Stories boxset is India’s answer to the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Famous Five mystery novels. For the first time ever, this collector’s edition boxset brings together all eight books. The dynamic duo, Vikram and Aditya, and their motley group of friends embark on thrilling adventures as they face desperate criminals, dangerous wild animals, isolated indigenous tribes, and several other perilous encounters. A perfect present for 13+ readers, each gift box includes:

Lakshadweep Adventure: Far out in the Arabian Sea, lies a chain of bewitching coral atolls-the Lakshadweep Islands. In their first adventure together, Vikram and Aditya arrive here only to stumble upon a devious kidnapping plot, turning their idyllic holiday into a desperate struggle for survival. Journey through these breathtaking islands with a tale of scuba diving and sabotage, set in one of India’s most unspoilt destinations.

Ranthambore Adventure: Vikram, Aditya their friend Aarti go on a thrilling chase when they attempt to lay their hands on a diary that belongs to a ruthless tiger poacher. This takes them deep into the magnificent game park of Ranthambore. Journey through the wilderness, brimming with tiger lore, with a tale set in one of India’s most popular destinations.

Ladakh Adventure: The first adventure in which Vikram and Aditya travel to the Changthang plateau of Ladakh. They find themselves on the run along with a Tibetan boy Tsering, while camping there. Journey to the roof of the world with an enthralling tale set in one of India’s most splendid destinations.

Snow Leopard Adventure: Vikram and Aditya are back in magnificent Ladakh. The duo joins a team of ecologists and explorers to track down the grey ghost of the Himalayas. Journey in search of the elusive snow leopard with an enthralling tale set in one of India’s most glorious locations.

Andaman Adventure–The Jarawa: The Andaman coast is untamed and only partly explored. Its magnificent forests are the home of a proud and ancient people known as the Jarawa. Vikram and Aditya, accompanied by the free-spirited Chitra, embark on exhilarating voyage here. Journey to the Andamans in the first part of this riveting tale of adventure and mystery, set in India’s far-flung islands.

Andaman Adventure–Barren Island: In a remote corner of the Andaman Sea lies a forgotten and uninhabited island called Barren. Here, Vikram has to pit his wits against a band of desperate men as well as primal forces of nature. His friends Aditya and Chitra also embark on their own trajectories of this roller-coaster adventure. Journey to the Andamans in the concluding part of this riveting tale of adventure and mystery, set in India’s far-flung islands.

Sahyadri Adventure–Anirudh’s Dream: Once upon a time, there were fields in the city of Mumbai, where stood a fort guarded by cannons. One day, in a cave on a windswept Sahyadri mountain, Vikram’s friend, Anirudh, had a strange dream. Journey to the Sahyadris in the first part of this riveting tale where history meets adventure in one of India’s most beautiful locales.

Sahyadri Adventure–Koleshwar’s Secret: Far out in the Sahyadri rises a mountain known as Koleshwar. Fascinated by Anirudh’s revelations, Vikram explores Mumbai with him and stumbles upon a forgotten legacy that leads to this mountain. Journey to the Sahyadris in the concluding part of this riveting tale where history meets adventure in one of India’s most beautiful locales.

Munni Monster

‘She was angry too, angry inside; about this unknown person who was being suddenly forced into her perfect life. That she would have to give up her room-her bed!-and share Thamma with this-this . . .’
Mishti’s life changes when her grandmother’s cousin Munni, who has cerebral palsy, comes to live with them. Her only thought is to make her leave, somehow.
But as time goes by, Munni shows strange endearing habits and when matters come to a crisis, Mishti is no longer sure that Munni is really the monster she thought she was.
A funny moving story about a ten-year-old dealing with strange and difficult changes and disability, and above all, about love.

A Complete History of India, One-stop introduction to Indian history for Children

This book traces the captivating story of Indian history, from the earliest times to the present. It covers all key historical milestones-the advent of the first people, the rise and fall of the Harappan civilization, the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism, prominent dynasties of ancient and medieval India, the arrival of the Europeans, the British regime, the Indian resistance from the Revolt of 1857 to independence, and the nation’s progress as a thriving democracy, from 1947 till the present day. It also illuminates Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to the freedom struggle, India during WWII, Partition and its aftermath, the drafting of the Constitution and the enterprise of nation building, and all governments from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi.

Going beyond a mere chronological retelling, this well-researched book provides fascinating anecdotes
and trivia along with rich illustrations and maps, to make history engaging for young learners.

It will be an invaluable ready reckoner for students of Indian history and general readers alike.

My Little Book of Gods and Goddesses

Let’s dive into the vast and wonderful world of Hindu mythology!

This series of six charmingly illustrated board books showcases fun, accessibly written stories about some of the best known and best loved gods of the Hindu mythology-Krishna, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Shiva and Durga. Featuring interesting facts about each god as well as a seek-and-find activity, these books offer a unique and enjoyable introduction to timeless myths for modern kids.

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

  • Suitable for bedtime reading and parent-child association.
  • Perfect way to familiarize babies with India’s rich cultural fabric.
  • These books offer a fun and enjoyable introduction to timeless myths and festivals for modern kids.
  • A must have to impart important life lessons from various gods and goddesses.
  • Collect all books in the series!

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY THIS BOXSET:

  • AGE APPROPRIATE: Written in simple language to make reading easy for readers 3 and up
  • STURDY AND DURABLE: Perfect for learning and playing for a long time
  • SAFE FOR BABY: Handy format makes this safe for your baby
  • PERFECTLY SIZED BOOKS: Easy and convenient for little readers to hold
  • BRIGHT AND FUN PICTURES: To keep your little one interested and engaged
  • A PERFECT GIFT SET: For every preschooler for a holistic learning experience

Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold | Winner of the Bal Sahitya Award 2025

Dive into this treasure trove of fifteen opulent folk tales, myths and fables from vibrant southern India. Travel down the banks of the Kaveri to the shores of the Indian Ocean; from the depths of mysterious jungles to the towering Nilgiris; from the lavish abode of kings to quiet villages in Coorg; and finally, meet the enchanting fairies, elves, gods and goddesses along the way!

Laugh at the funny deeds of a miser. Cry at the misfortunes of the naïve. Wonder at the courage of the weak against the mighty. Come, revel in these fantastic folk tales!

Terminal 3: A Graphic Novel set in Kashmir

It’s August 2019 and Khwab Nazir is waiting to board the plane at Terminal 3 of New Delhi International Airport. Set to represent India at an international jiu-jitsu tournament, Khwab nervously looks towards her unknown future. She also reflects on her complicated past-of growing up against the insurmountable difficulties
of life in Kashmir.

Between happiness and emptiness, desire and grief, penance and peace-Khwab has endured. She has a dream that life will be a paradise, one day. Breathing against the backdrop of conflict, Terminal 3, is the story of the everyday people striving to live their dreams in the Valley.

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