Strange things happen all the time—doors creak open, shadows shift when no one’s looking and some places never quite forget their past.
Enter the world of mystery, magic and macabre with master storyteller Satyajit Ray as he weaves the finest supernatural tales. Featuring haunted houses, curious doppelgangers, sinister shape-shifters and the lingering echoes of a forgotten past, these hauntingly beautiful stories are presented for the first time to a new generation of readers in this collectable edition, featuring Ray’s original artworks.
Come, venture into the realms where the boundaries blur!
Crispy, golden-brown, fluffy and white . . . with a hole that fits his finger! Who will make the perfect medu vadas for Manvinder?
About the Hook Book Series
In a world where children’s books often feel cut from the same cloth, Hook Books stand out as a vibrant blend of imagination, humour, and heart. Crafted as a bridge between picture books and early chapter books, this series delivers stories that spark joy and wonder, while remaining rooted in age-appropriate learning.
Hook Books keep the fun going with:
- Short, digestible bits of text (perfect for budding readers)
- Bright colour illustrations that pull kids into the story
- Themes that speak to the everyday lives of children—plus a sprinkle of whimsy!
From fantasy tales to those that touch on more advanced ideas, Hook Books ensure that young readers are always in for a treat, no matter their reading level. Even better, these books take children on journeys through different parts of India, giving them a taste of the rich diversity of our world through local flavours, landscapes, and cultures. Whether the story takes place in bustling cities or quiet villages, Hook Books make every setting feel like home.
Nine-year-old Agalya is on cloud nine—she has been cast as Rapunzel in the school play! But her excitement is short-lived when her best friend, Prisha, turns against her. Prisha wanted the role too and can’t understand why Agalya, who is into gymnastics, suddenly cares so much about being a princess in a play.
Just when things couldn’t get worse, Agalya develops alopecia, leaving a glaring bald spot on her head. A bald Rapunzel? That’s unheard of!
As whispers and self-doubt grow, she must find the courage to embrace herself. Can Agalya rise above it all and let her true self shine?
Emile is not shy—he is quiet.
On the outside, Emile may seem reserved, but inside, his imagination is bursting with adventure. While others see a quiet boy who doesn’t raise his hand in class, Emile sees himself as a high-seas adventurer, a fearless explorer, and a friend to wild beasts.
Through heartfelt storytelling and stunning illustrations, I Am Quiet celebrates the power of introversion, self-acceptance, and the richness of an imaginative mind. This beautifully crafted picture book encourages young readers to embrace who they are and reminds us all that being quiet doesn’t mean being small—it means thinking, dreaming, and seeing the world in a unique way.
Perfect for:
- Children ages 4+ who love thoughtful, introspective stories
- Parents and educators looking for books on self-acceptance and social-emotional learning
- Young introverts who want to see themselves represented in stories
Discover the incredible journey of Ashoka the Fierce, the emperor who transformed from a ruthless warrior into Ashoka the Great, a legendary ruler of peace and compassion.
As a young prince, Ashoka was overlooked as his father’s successor. Determined to prove himself, he became arrogant, impatient, and consumed by anger. When he finally seized the throne, he sought power through conquest, leading his army into brutal battles. But one devastating war changed everything—haunted by the suffering he caused, Ashoka was heartbroken and longed for a new path.
Encouraged by his wife and guided by a wise Buddhist monk, Ashoka embraced kindness, wisdom, and service. He dedicated his life to helping his people, spreading the teachings of peace, and proving that true strength lies in compassion.
With stunning illustrations and a powerful moral lesson, Ashoka the Fierce is a must-read for children, teaching the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and the power of change. Perfect for young readers interested in history, mindfulness, and stories of transformation!
- Ideal for ages 4+
- A beautifully illustrated historical tale
- Teaches the values of kindness, self-awareness, and leadership
“I’ve found that there is always some beauty left?in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.”
Anne begins her diary entries at the age of thirteen in June 1942, recording all her experiences until August 1944. All people have the right to freedom, but Anne wasn’t sure that idea included her. During WWII, Anne and her family were forced to go into hiding like many other Jews.
Vivid snippets of two years of living in an annexe, without seeing the sun, are journalled by Anne. From their bones dwindling to her emotional growth all is reflected in her writings. She writes of her passion for literature and art, her desire to travel, the struggles of family ties in hiding: showing her incredible emotional resilience.
How does she keep her spirits alive through imagination, hold onto the hopes of free life, when they weren’t allowed to bring attention to themselves?
Dandi, 1930
All the world’s eyes are on this tiny village by the Arabian Sea, where Mahatma Gandhi will soon break the Salt Law to defy British rule.
Dinu would rather be home in Surat, reading his beloved Sherlock Holmes books. Instead, he finds himself wading through mud, battling angry goats and eating burnt food as the youngest of the student volunteers helping prepare Dandi for Bapu’s arrival.
When a man is found dead and rumours of an angry demon grip the village, Dinu finds himself drawn into the mystery, even as he grapples with dilemmas of his own. But as Dinu and his friends race against time to find the killer, the demon strikes again . . .
The Songs of Freedom series explores the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence.
“In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. “Elegance has become the Dillons’ hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema’s uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece.” – Booklist, starred review.
Winner of Caldecott Medal in 1976 and the Brooklyn Art Books for Children Award in 1977.
“Mom, where do babies come from?”
Many parents live in fear of the day their child asks that question―which inevitably happens, often as early as the preschool years.
Here is a picture book designed especially for young children who are becoming sexually aware but aren’t ready to learn about sexual intercourse.
Written with warmth and honesty, Amazing You! presents clear and age-appropriate information about reproduction, birth, and the difference between girls’ and boys’ bodies. Lynne Cravath’s whimsical illustrations enliven the text, making this a book that parents will gladly share with their young ones.
This book explores ten traditions of folk music that have long preserved some of the many voices and diverse cultures across India. From the evocative ballads of Kashmir to the soulful rhythms of Bengal, each tradition is shaped by the region where it originated and the challenges and joys of the singers. These traditions are:
The Bidesia of Bihar
The Gathas and Kathas of Rajasthan
The Ladishah Ballads of Kashmir
The Nizami Qawwali of Dilli
The Pandavani of Chhattisgarh
The Kabir Vaani of Kutch
The Janapadas of Karnataka
The Lavani of Maharashtra
The Li of the Chakhesang Nagas
The Bhatiyali of Bengal Mamta Nainy explores the origins of these musical forms, and their evolution in the face of modernity, highlighting their power as a means of collective expression.
