Showing Books By Genre : Kids

The Adventures of Baddu and Chhotu

Baddu and Chhotu were friends but they did not trust each other. So when they set off to seek their fortune together each one was bent upon outsmarting the other, be it in trying to get the more easy-going job or acquiring a pot of gold. A popular folktale from Bengal, this story is part of our oral tradition of story-telling.

The Jackal and the Wardrum

A hungry jackal finds food when he overcomes fear. A curious monkey meddles with something that does not concern him and comes to a sticky end. Philosophy, psychology, politics and human relations become simple enough to be understood by a child in Pandit Vishnu Sharma's brilliant work, the Panchatantra. Written and compiled in around 200 BC, every story is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.

Stories of Courage

There is strength in numbers, says a wise pig. Being honest and selfless can change your destiny, says a young fawn. A friend is your most precious possession, advises a gentle crab, while loyalty is a noble swan's prized virtue. But it is courage that really helps these exceptional creatures gain freedom and respect.

The Inimitable Birbal

Only Birbal could outwit Akbar and get away with it. A witty and wise diplomat, he ensured that both the emperor and the empire retained their greatness. This collection of tales highlighting Birbal's presence of mind, his kindness and his shrewdness guarantees a good laugh. At the same time, it divulges some useful tricks for overcoming sticky situations.

Two Oxen-Stories By Munshi Premchand

Munshi Premchand was an iconic writer, best known for his short stories. Through his tales, he managed to depict social conditions in a manner so emotional and direct, that they are relevant even today. 'Budhi Kaki' talks of the necessity for caring for the elderly, while 'Two Oxen' shows us why we need to be compassionate towards all creatures. In 'Stories by Premchand', we retell these two stories in a graphic form, while retaining the language and flavor of his writing.

Birbal The Genius

It takes a wise man to recognize another's wisdom. While Akbar's courtiers were jealous of Birbal, the emperor was quick to notice his agile mind. The two men loathed hypocrisy and deceit and they also shared the complete delight in a good joke.

Jamsetji Tata

They said Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata turned mud into gold or was it skilful management, clear thinking and honesty that did the trick? He had an uncanny knack for recognizing a good business opportunity and a selfless will to improve the lot of his countrymen. Thus a little known Zoroastrian family became the foremost business house in India's industrial history.

Babasaheb Ambedkar

Jagadis Chandra Bose

Jagdis Chandra Bose was the first Indian scientist in modern times to have won international recognition. Gifted with a mind that was at once inquisitive and discerning, Bose wondered about the how and why of things from a very young age. His contribution to the world of science was invaluable. As the 1945 edition of 'Encyclopedia Britannica' wrote: "His work was so much in advance of his time that its precise evaluation was not possible."

Jawaharlal Nehru

From his father he learned social etiquette from his mother, India's age-old philosophy and culture. From his Muslim mentor he learned to respect different faiths and from his English tutor the best of Western and Indian thought. But none of them could have molded the young Jawaharlal Nehru into the fiercely idealistic Indian so famous throughout the world today, that distinction he achieved by his own intelligence, keen observation and hard work.

Ekanath

He rejected formal education and yet began a world-famous university. His poems were mocked for their colloquial language but they were adopted as anthems by two countries. Bengali society despaired of him until he was awarded the coveted Nobel Prize for Literature and a knighthood! Rabindranath Tagore, whose multi-faceted life was as fascinating as it is inspiring, lives on in his books, his music and his thought-provoking, unconventional ideals.

Ghanshamdas Birla

Ghanshyamdas Birla was a great son of India. There is hardly an aspect of national life which he did not enrich by his business acumen, patriotic fervor and philanthropy born of his deep personal attachment to Mahatma Gandhi. He gave substantial financial aid to the Mahatma's constructive programmes. Ghanshyamdas Birla was also closely associated with other important leaders of his time, such as Lokamanya Tilak, Motilal Nehru, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Rabindranath Tagore

He rejected formal education and yet began a world-famous university. His poems were mocked for their colloquial language but they were adopted as anthems by two countries. Bengali society despaired of him until he was awarded the coveted Nobel Prize for Literature and a knighthood! Rabindranath Tagore, whose multi-faceted life was as fascinating as it is inspiring, lives on in his books, his music and his thought-provoking, unconventional ideals.

Vivekananda

He revived the Indian spirit that lay shackled by Western domination. He inspired his countrymen to be proud of their heritage. He urged them to be fearless. In his short life and in the face of tremendous odds, he initiated a world-wide movement to uplift the human race and opened the eyes of the West to the wonders of ancient Indian thought.

Hanuman to the Rescue..

Rama was frantic. His beloved brother lay dying and the only cure was tucked away on a forested mountainside far, far to the north. Big-hearted Hanuman could not bear to see their pain. He swelled into a giant, he flew, he battled deadly crocodiles and murderous ogre, he pitted his wits against powerful gods, all to deliver the precious medicinal plant, sanjeevani, before it was too late. He brought the entire mountain to rest at Rama's feet!

Thanjavur.

Legend has it that the ancient town of Thanjavur came up on the spot where Vishnu defeated an evil demon. The mighty Cholas made it their capital in the 9th century CE, following which they increased, through conquests, the size and strength of their empire. Finally, after realizing all his military ambitions, the Chola monarch Raja Raja Chola I decided to build a great temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thanjavur became home to the majestic Brihadeeswara temple and many other shrines. Amar Chitra Katha tells the stories surrounding this ancient town and its monuments.

Karttikeya.

The Puranas describe Karttikeya, a son of Shiva, as the commander-in-chief of the celestial army. He is also known as Subrahmanya, Skanda, Guha and Kumara. To the Tamil-speaking people he is Murugan. The six-headed, twelve-armed Karttikeya seated on a peacock is the symbol of youth, beauty, valour and supreme wisdom. This Amar Chitra Katha is based on the Tamil version of Skanda-Purana-Samhita.

Tales of Arjuna.

Superbly skilled, speedy and strong, Arjuna boasted that he was the world's greatest warrior. But, despite his unquestionable courage, this honorable Pandava prince realized he could not confront Lord Indra's power or even the wiles of a cheeky monkey, without help. He needed divine weapons, such as the Gandiva bow, with its inexhaustible supply of arrows and a special war chariot. Most importantly, he needed the blessings of the gods, especially Lord Vishnu.

The Pandavas in Hiding

King Virat’s honour was at stake and his son, Uttara, was anxious to show off his warrior skills. But faced by the enemy Kaurava hordes, Uttara’s courage vanished. It was up to his hero, the famous Pandava, Arjuna, to ensure that the young prince succeeded in his mission. And yet, Arjuna had to keep his own identity hidden, or the Kauravas would gain the upper hand.

Tales of Vishnu.

Vishnu, they say, is just one of a powerful threesome - the highest lords of the universe. However, though Brahma created the universe and Shiva can destroy it, it is up to the great god Vishnu to keep all creatures within well and happy. Always compassionate, he is also the wisest of the trio. It is he who good-naturedly sorts out the mess the others create and best of all, Vishnu always favors goodness and honesty.

Tales of Balarama

Balarama was not only Krishna's brother, he was his right-hand man. Together they made quite a team. Balarama's amazing strength and courage made dangerous demons like Dhenukasura and Pralamba look like weaklings. He even tamed the Yamuna river which had meandered away from Vrindavan and brought it back to the people who needed it.

Draupadi..

This dark beauty was no ordinary woman. Born from the pure flames of a sacred fire, Draupadi was devoted wife to the five famously talented and virtuous Pandava brothers. The evil Kauravas wanted her for themselves and eyed the Pandava kingdom as well. Raging at their impertinence and ranting at her husbands' helplessness, Draupadi inspired a deadly war which wiped out the Kaurava scourge for ever.

Savitri...

Even the merciless Lord Yama is charmed by Savitri. This gentle, beautiful princess is admired by gods and kings, the rich and the poor, the young and the old. But when the shadow of death hangs over her husband she is filled with courage spurred by her selfless love for him. She strives for a miracle, with amazing success!

Babur

Descended from the house of Timur and Genghis Khan, Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur founded the Mughal dynasty in India. Babur lived for most of his early life as an exile in and around his homeland in Central Asia. Declared ruler of Farghana at the age of 12, the young boy had to contend with treacherous uncles, tyrant neighbors and rebellious generals. But he dealt with all of them even while moving towards his historic tryst with India.