History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Ancient India
Forget dusty dates and yawning over dynasties. This witty guide unpacks Ancient India—from the Stone Age to the Golden Age—through hilarious stories, quirky maps, and baffling connections. History finally makes sense (and stays fun) for curious minds aged ten-plus.
History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Ancient India || Saisudha Acharya
The Padmas
From the football field to the laboratory, these fifty illustrated biographies celebrate seven decades of India’s highest civilian honors. A stirring collection of grit and greatness, it proves that perseverance turns ordinary dreams into extraordinary legacies for readers aged eight-plus.
The Padmas | Neha J. Hiranandani
The People of the Indus
Unravel the enigma of the Indus through this meticulously researched graphic narrative. From 3200 BCE to its mysterious decline, experience a visually stunning journey that replaces dull dates with the vibrant, everyday lives of a civilization that reshaped human history.
The People of the Indus | Nikhil Gulati, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer
The Incredible History of India’s Geography
From ostriches roaming the plains to being related to a blond Lithuanian, this trivia-packed journey explores the “unbelievable” in India’s geography. Full of quirky illustrations, it turns complex history into a fantastic, fact-filled adventure for curious minds aged twelve-plus.
The Incredible History of India’s Geography | Sanjeev Sanyal
A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects
From prehistoric hand axes to the iconic HMT watch, discover the vibrant pulse of India through 100 extraordinary objects. This colorfully illustrated journey captures the voices of both rulers and commoners, weaving a rich tapestry of history, identity, and culture for young readers.
A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects | Devika Cariapa
The Constitution of India for Children
From the colorful Republic Day parade to the seventeen-day countdown of its creation, this essential handbook brings India’s foundational document to life. Packed with cheerful illustrations and surprising facts, it transforms legal complexity into an engaging, witty guide for every young citizen.
The Constitution of India for Children | Subhadra Sen Gupta
Whether you’re tracing the Indus or discovering why your ancestors might be Lithuanian, these stories prove that the past is anything but boring. Dive into these essential reads to see India’s legacy in a whole new light—because understanding where we came from is the ultimate adventure.
Read an exclusive excerpt from Why The Constitution Matters.
Feminist Lawyering and Feminist Judging
Q1: What, if anything, does feminism add to the task of judging?
What feminism adds to the task of judging is an acknowledgement of the value of the female experience, which facilitates inquiry and reflection. It is an intervention into the legal space that seeks to challenge the ongoing exclusion of women from legal subjectivity, ‘whether as the authors of legal decisions and doctrine, or as the subjects upon whose knowledge, experience, activities and concerns law is founded’.
It has been argued by feminist scholars that ‘law does not simply operate on pre-existing gendered realities, but contributes to the construction of those realities, often in a constraining or damaging way’. A feminist perspective on the laws essentially aims to disrupt this process of gender construction and to introduce different accounts of gender that might be less limiting for women.
Feminist judgments provide additional ‘social framework’ material that places the particular facts of the case and/or the legal issues involved in a broader context. In The Gender of Judgments, Reg Graycar has questioned the sources of judges’ knowledge of the world and suggested that such knowledge is ‘(masculine) gendered’.
Feminist judgments are an endeavour to correct this imbalance. It represents an attempt to tackle the power and authority of the law and its impact on the lives of women, not from the distance of academic critique but on its own ground through an alternative judgment method.
One of the most important contributions of feminist thought to the process of judging is the form of addition of fresh perspectives. The Importance of Diversity: Erika Rackley, a legal scholar, whose research focuses on judicial diversity, explains that diversity ‘acts as a catalyst for disruption; impacting upon the legal monotony, destabilising its taken-for-granted assumptions and uncovering alternative ways of seeing, understanding, and judging’. In this way, sex is only one point of difference, as women judicial officers often bring a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to the role as compared to their ‘benchmark’ male counterparts. In addition to the laws, judicial decisions are inevitably influenced by the judges’ personal values and perspectives. A rich body of feminist scholarship, including feminist theories and methods, has helped shape the feminist approach to judging.
Feminist literature does not dictate specific results but rather provides valuable procedural suggestions on how feminist judging can take place in practice. Though the substantive decision reached depends largely on the meaning of the term ‘feminism’ to the particular judge, there are various methods adopted by judges to promote the substantive goal of feminism—the achievement of equality in society. These include:
a) Challenging the gender bias in legal doctrine, which includes taking efforts to identify and overcome gender bias in legal principles. It also involves recognizing that the law is an inherently gendered framework. Correcting this imbalance involves questioning the current legal construction of the term ‘woman’, and intervening to challenge and confront sexism, racism and gender bias.
b) Asking the woman question(s), which involves identifying the gender implications of rules which appear to be neutral. Asking this question also leads to discussion about other forms of exclusion (based on religion, race, etc.) that may be operating in a particular case. (Such intersectionality in India, for example, would mean a Dalit woman or a Muslim woman.)
c) Contextualization, which involves an exercise in feminist practical reasoning, which entails a reasoning from context that focuses on a woman’s lived experience. This aids a judge in making an individualized rather than an abstract decision.
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Get your copy of Why The Constitution Matters on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
We’ve curated a collection of high-potential titles that already possess what matters most: strong content and deeply relevant themes. These aren’t just books—they’re blueprints for navigating modern life’s most pressing challenges. From cultivating self-love to mastering the art of rest, from finding courage to rewriting your reality through manifestation, each title offers readers a genuine pathway to transformation.
Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to position these books as modern essentials—the kind of reads people press into friends’ hands, quote on social media, and return to again and again.
In a world saturated with content, certain books stand apart—not because they shout the loudest, but because they speak directly to what we need most.
Why Richard Osman Is Everyone’s Favourite Detective Writer (Who’s Not Actually a Detective)
What do you get when you mix laugh-out-loud humour, deeply human characters, and fiendishly clever mysteries? You get Richard Osman—bestselling author, TV presenter, and the man who turned cozy crime into a global phenomenon.
He first captured the world with The Thursday Murder Club—a retirement village crime-solving squad so lovable they’ve sold millions of copies and landed their own Netflix movie. Now, Osman’s back with a brand-new series, We Solve Murders—a globe-trotting adventure with a sharp new detective team and plenty of danger.
Whether you’re new to Osman or looking to dive deeper into his worlds, here’s your essential reading guide.
The Thursday Murder Club Series
It all began in Cooper’s Chase, a quiet English retirement village with four very un-quiet residents. Every Thursday, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron meet to pore over cold cases—until a real murder lands on their doorstep.
Over four books, the Thursday Murder Club take on spies, stolen diamonds, TV scandals, and some of the most emotional cases of their lives. Osman balances humor, warmth, and sharp detective work in a way that makes the series utterly addictive.
The books in order:
The Thursday Murder Club
The Man Who Died Twice
The Bullet That Missed
The Last Devil to Die
We Solve Murders
After conquering retirement villages, Osman turns up the dial with a brand-new detective duo.
Meet Steve Wheeler: a retired investigator who would rather stick to pub quizzes and his cat, Trouble.
Meet Amy Wheeler: his daughter-in-law, whose day job protecting billionaires comes with a serious adrenaline rush.
When Amy’s latest assignment—guarding a world-famous author—spirals into a murder, a bag of money, and a deadly chase, Steve is reluctantly pulled back into the game. What follows is a race around the world, where family ties prove just as important as detective skills.
Osman calls it crime fiction with a wink: thrilling, funny, and heartfelt.
Upcoming Events
Big things are on the horizon! We have tied up with book clubs to bring to you a 7-city events tour.
Collaborations & Goodies
We have teamed up with Frankly Wearing, a brand that blends fashion with literary wit. At our upcoming sessions, readers can take part in fun games and activities—winners will walk away with exclusive Osman-themed merchandise. Explore the collection here.
So, Where Will You Begin?
Will it be the cozy charm and razor-sharp wit of The Thursday Murder Club, where retirees solve crimes between cups of tea? Or the adrenaline-fueled, globe-trotting adventure of We Solve Murders, where family ties are tested against ruthless killers?
Whichever series you choose, Richard Osman promises clever mysteries, unforgettable characters, and plenty of laughter along the way.
A new month brings new adventures, and this September, young readers have a treasure trove of stories waiting for them. From fierce queens and powerful empresses to tales of technology and the fight for our planet, these August releases are brimming with inspiration, courage, and curiosity. Here are four books that promise to brighten your child’s reading list this month:
Queen of Water by Devika Rangachari
Step into the grandeur of the Chola dynasty with the story of Kundavai Pirattiyar, a princess who refused to be confined by tradition. In Queen of Water, acclaimed historian Devika Rangachari brings to life the little-known tale of a remarkable woman who became advisor to two mighty monarchs. Perfect for young history buffs, this novel explores power, loyalty, and the strength it takes to stand up for one’s legacy.
Queen of Water || Devika Rangachari
Tiger Slayer: The Extraordinary Story of Nur Jahan, Empress of India by Ruby Lal
Four centuries ago, a Muslim woman ruled one of the greatest empires in the world. Nur Jahan was no ordinary queen—she led armies, hunted tigers, designed buildings, and even issued royal decrees in her own name. Historian Ruby Lal and artist Molly Crabapple capture Nur’s dazzling story with rich narrative and stunning illustrations. A must-read for teens, Tiger Slayer brings Mughal India alive while celebrating one of history’s most daring women.
Tiger Slayer: The Extraordinary Story of Nur Jahan, Empress of India || Ruby Lal
Uncoded: A Technological History of Independent India by Meghaa Gupta
How did a newly independent nation, riddled with challenges, transform into a global technology powerhouse? Uncodedtraces India’s fascinating technological journey—from the early days of nation-building to the rise of space missions and software giants. Packed with illustrations, trivia, memes, and timelines, this isn’t just history—it’s an engaging look at how technology shapes our lives. Perfect for young readers who are curious about science, innovation, and the future.
Uncoded: A Technological History of Independent India || Meghaa Gupta
The Sunshine Project by Uma Krishnaswami
Climate change meets courage in this thoughtful tale for younger readers. When Anil discovers that a new solar factory threatens his city’s mangrove forests and the fisherfolk who depend on them, he must learn to speak up—even when it feels hard. With warmth, friendship, and environmental awareness at its heart, The Sunshine Project empowers children to think critically about the world around them and the role they can play in protecting it.
The Sunshine Project || Uma Krishnaswami
Why These Reads?
Together, these four books spark imagination and inquiry—whether it’s through history, science, or the pressing issues of our time. They invite children to question, to dream, and to believe that their voices matter. This September, let young readers step into stories that expand their minds and strengthen their hearts.
The Battle for Baramulla by Mallika Ravikumar
In 1947 Kashmir, young Zooni and Maqbool Sherwani stand their ground as invaders approach. A gripping tale of courage, friendship, and resistance in the face of war.
The Battle for Baramulla || Mallika Ravikumar
The Great Indian Safari by Arefa Tehsin
A wild ride through India’s forests with tigers, whales, and strange creatures galore. Tehsin’s safari teaches kids to love and protect the wild.
The Great Indian Safari || Arefa Tehsin
A Girl, A Tiger and a Very Strange Story by Paro Anand
Junglee finds a tiger cub in a storm-struck forest and chooses empathy over fear. A magical tale of survival, courage, and unlikely friendships.
A Girl, A Tiger and a Very Strange Story || Paro Anand
What Could It Be? by Bharti Singh
A playful guessing game wrapped in rhymes and surprises. This interactive book sparks imagination with every turn of the page.
Travel back in time with this thrilling mystery set amidst the stunning Hoysala temples of Karnataka. When a young duo stumbles upon an ancient secret, history and adventure collide in a fast-paced tale rooted in India’s rich architectural past.
A Hoysala Adventure by Nitin Kushalappa
India in Triangles: The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India – Shruthi Rao & Meera Iyer
How was India mapped centuries ago—without satellites? Join the team of explorers who used triangles to chart the country in this fun, accessible introduction to one of the biggest land surveys in history. A perfect blend of math, science, and history for curious minds.
India in Triangles: The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India by Shruthi Rao & Meera Iyer
The World of Butterfingers: The Halloween Adventure and Other Stories – Khyrunnisa A.
Get ready for a hilarious ride with Amar, aka Butterfingers, and his gang as they take on Halloween mayhem and unexpected twists. Packed with wit, pranks, and comic chaos, these stories are sure to leave young readers in splits!
The World of Butterfingers: The Halloween Adventure and Other Stories by Khyrunnisa A.
Left-out Paru – Bijal Vachharajani
Paru always feels like she doesn’t quite belong. But when her classmates start noticing her unique talents, everything begins to change. A heartwarming story about self-worth, difference, and the quiet power of being yourself.
Left-out Paru by Bijal Vachharajani
The Freezies – Farrukh Dhondy
Meet the Freezies—cool, quirky characters from the freezer with big personalities and bigger imaginations! A delightful story bursting with humour, this book turns an everyday appliance into a world of chilly adventures and fun.
The Freezies by Farrukh Dhondy
My First Animal Stories with Ruskin Bond – Ruskin Bond
Step into the enchanting forests and valleys of India with Ruskin Bond’s gentle animal tales. Perfect for young readers, this collection brings together warmth, wonder, and a deep love for nature in every page.
My First Family Stories with Ruskin Bond by Ruskin Bond
My First Family Stories with Ruskin Bond – Ruskin Bond
From mischievous cousins to wise old grandfathers, Ruskin Bond’s stories celebrate the little joys of family life. With charm and simplicity, these timeless tales open a window into childhood full of love, laughter, and learning.
My First Family Stories with Ruskin Bond by Ruskin Bond
Dealing with Feelings: My Storybook Collection Boxset 3 – Sonia Mehta
Help your child navigate big emotions with this thoughtful collection of stories on anger, courage, kindness, and more. Each book gently guides young readers through everyday feelings, encouraging empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness.
Dealing with Feelings: My Storybook Collection Boxset 3 by Sonia Mehta
Summer is here, and with it comes a wave of exciting new children’s books that promise thrill, magic, mystery—and maybe even a squirrel or two. Whether your young reader loves spine-chilling adventures, heartfelt stories, or whimsical quests, this month’s releases have something for every curious mind. Here are four delightful picks to spark imaginations and fill bookshelves this May.
Joyrides: Carnival of Creeps (A Fearless Four Paranormal Thriller) by Neil D’Silva
The fearless four—Riz, Anvita, Tiana, and Palash—are back, and just when they think they’ve earned a relaxing break after their last terrifying mission, trouble finds them again. This time, their adventure takes them to Funmania, an amusement park unlike any other. Between the screams of a mysterious witch and a disappearing rollercoaster rider, the island of Bongo hides spine-tingling secrets that threaten to trap them forever. Fast-paced, spooky, and packed with twists, this paranormal thriller will keep readers hooked till the final loop of the Big Loopy.
Joyrides || Neil D’Silva
Life’s Magic Moments by Ruskin Bond
As he steps into his 91st year, beloved author Ruskin Bond shares a treasury of reflections, memories, and wisdom drawn from his remarkable life. With his signature warmth and wit, Bond invites readers to pause and appreciate the little joys of nature, childhood, friendship, and dreams. Perfect for quiet evenings or reflective mornings, Life’s Magic Moments is a gentle reminder of what truly matters—and how the magic of life is often found in the simplest things.
Life’s Magic Moments || Ruskin Bond
Vincent Can’t Go (hOle Book) by Mariyam Fatima
Vincent is used to hearing one thing from his mum: Vincent can’t go. Can’t go where? Anywhere fun, that’s for sure. But when his best friend’s birthday bash is on the line, Vincent hatches a clever plan. This quirky, heartwarming story about determination, friendship, and growing up will strike a chord with every child who’s ever been told “no”—and still dared to dream of a “yes.”
Vincent Can’t Go || Mariyam Fatima
An Absence of Squirrels
Katli lives on the quiet island of Thutta, where life is slow and imagination is faster. To escape the monotony, she creates seven versions of herself—each more daring than the last. But when a mysterious cat leads her down an unexpected path, Katli stumbles into a web of secrets, strange sightings, and a mystery involving missing animals (yes, including squirrels). Enchanting, imaginative, and layered with meaning, this fantasy adventure is perfect for readers who love unexpected journeys and unlikely heroes.
An Absence of Squirrels || Aparna Kapur
Ready, Set, Read!
From haunted islands to heartfelt life lessons, these books are packed with everything we love about children’s stories—imagination, wonder, and a little bit of magic. Whether you’re looking for a spooky sleepover read or a thoughtful gift, these May releases deserve a spot on your shelf.
Whether it’s a haunted house that won’t stay quiet, a girl discovering strength in unexpected places, or a talking animal who’s a little too cranky—children’s books have the magic to make the ordinary feel extraordinary. This season, let your young readers dive into tales that make them laugh, think, and dream big.
Here’s our pick of the most exciting new children’s titles—each one offering a different doorway into adventure, emotion, and imagination.
Ghost, Supernatural and Tales of the Uncanny
Step into a world where shadows whisper secrets and old houses hold grudges. This collection brings together the finest supernatural stories by the legendary Satyajit Ray, now presented for a new generation of readers. Featuring eerie illustrations by Ray himself, it’s the perfect read for young thrill-seekers ready to be (gently) spooked!
Ghosts, Supernatural and Tales of the Uncanny
Agalya in the Spotlight
Nine-year-old Agalya just got her dream role in the school play—but when her best friend turns against her and a surprise medical condition threatens her confidence, she must dig deep to find her voice. This heartwarming story from Sudha Murty is a gentle lesson in resilience, self-love, and the true meaning of friendship.
Ahalya in the Spotlight || Divya Anand
White Lotus
Set in early 1900s Tamil Nadu, this powerful coming-of-age story follows young Aru, a child widow who dares to dream beyond society’s limits. When she takes up work in a landlord’s household, she stumbles into a gripping murder mystery—and a fight for her own future. A moving tale of courage, education, and empowerment.
The White Lotus || Aditi Krishnakumar
Manvinder’s Medhu Vada (Hook Book series)
What happens when one little boy really wants a medhu vada that’s just right? A charming story about food, family, and finding joy in the little things. Part of the much-loved Hook Book series, it’s a perfect pick for early readers who love stories that are silly, sweet, and sneakily smart.
Books have an incredible way of opening doors to exciting experiences—whether it’s uncovering lost histories, exploring diverse cultures, or finding comfort in relatable stories. Whether you are a young reader eager for adventure, a history buff, or someone seeking heartwarming tales about self-acceptance, these six books are a must-read. From exploring hidden underwater realms to discovering the lives of India’s royal rulers, from learning about the richness of folk music to embracing personal growth, each book on this list offers something special. Let’s dive into why these stories deserve a place on your shelf!
Submerged Worlds and Other Amazing Stories by Vaishali Shroff
The job of any river is to flow and as it flows, it nurtures everything around it, everything within it. But when human interference affects this natural flow, it brings floods and droughts, displacement and suffering in its wake. From melting glaciers to urban flooding, sand mining to dammed rivers, river rights to river interlinking projects, dead rivers to river revival, this book is an attempt to understand India’s rivers through their stories and the narratives of those whose lives are interlaced with the life of rivers. Deeply steeped in the historical, spiritual, cultural, political, ecological, and economic fabric of our society, these stories are highly relevant in today’s world where the climate crisis is a water crisis. Compelling readers to listen to the river’s gentle yet urgent voice, it’s a must read for all non-fiction lovers and students keen on understanding life in the subcontinent we call home.
Submerged Worlds || Vaishali Shroff
Fascinating Maharajas of India by Sreelata Menon
Long, long ago, the vast Indian subcontinent was alive with powerful kingdoms and adventurous maharajas. They expanded with fervour and ruled with aplomb. They lived extravagant lives yet protected their turfs. They introduced reforms and uplifted their people. And despite their many quirks, they laid the foundation for the progress and development of modern India.
How did the Travancore maharajas promote education?
When did the Mysore maharajas begin celebrating Dasara with such pomp?
How unique was the Junagadh nawab’s love for his dogs?
Discover the answers to these questions and more in this gorgeously illustrated book that chronicles twenty-five such exciting Indian kingdoms—from their origin to when they became princely states under the British to finally merging with the Indian Union at the time of Independence and becoming the backbone of a brand-new nation.
Fascinating Maharajas of India || Sreelata Menon
The Demon of Dandi by Lavanya Karthik
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
A Demon in Dandi || Lavanya Karthik
10 Indian Traditions of Folk Music by Mamta Nainy
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.
10 Indian Traditions of Folk Music || Mamta Nainy
Everything Changes and That’s Okay by Carol Dodd
Change is all around, but it can be overwhelming! Explore how changeexists everywhere in a way that is natural, and even beautiful, in this vibrantly illustrated book with fun rhyming couplets, for children ages 3 to 7.
The moon is full, but then it’s gone, chased away by the dawn. Stars that shine all through the night disappear in morning’s light.
Everything changes, night to day. Everything changes, and that’s OK.
From an apple seed growing into a brilliant tree to a child watching a family member grow old, this book offers a thoughtful look at why change doesn’t always have to be negative and can instead be observed with appreciation. It poetically presents a story that prompts kids to recognize and adapt to the change they see in their daily lives.
This beautiful exploration of impermanence is accompanied by vibrant illustrations that explore every corner of the world, from rolling fields in Tibet to the cozy, fireplace-lit living room of a family member’s home. The illustrations remind children that everything changes no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and that’s all right.
Everything Changes || Carol Dodd
I Am Quiet by Andie Powers
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
