Author Sowmya Rajendran's 5 iconic Indian reads for the family

Sowmya Rajendran is the winner of Sahitya Akademi's Bal Sahitya Puraskar and the author of incredible books such as the Mayil series, The Rulebreakers' Club series, Ashwathy and the Boot of God and the young-reader favourites Suddenly Cow and The Pleasant Rakshasa. Her writing has enthralled readers of all ages with her witty, endearing stories that are poignant, funny, yet very contemporary. 

​As a mum to a curious 7-year-old, we thought we'd ask her for her favourite picks for the summer holidays that capture the essence of India in its myriad forms. (She wouldn't put her own books on the list, but we recommend them whole-heartedly and are bound to feature in most must-read lists you will find featured on this blog). 

So here are five books that Sowmya generously picked for you and your kids. 
All are quintessentially Indian, about India, and truly Iconiq.

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The Why-Why Girl by Mahasweta Devi

There's just one English book that the literary master Mahasweta Devi wrote: this gloriously-illustrated picture book about a girl from the village who tends to goats but doesn't take any answers without asking, "Why?". Deftly the author not only introduces the reader to a trove of thoughtful questions but also gives a peek into the almost unknown tribal life of India and how it functions. A fascinating and eye-opening read.

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Salim Mamoo and Me by Zai Whitaker

Zai Whitaker's uncle is the great ornithologist Salim Ali. In this picture book, she takes us to her childhood of growing up in a bird-mad family. ​From bleary-morning bird-watching adventures around Bombay to other feather-finding pursuits, young Zai will take you on a journey that explores India and its beautiful birds, while giving you a memory of cities that were once filled with chirps and tweets of the natural kinds.

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Timmi In Tangles by Shals Mahajan

Timmi has filled her regular, everyday home with with magical creatures and characters. Or at least she thinks she has. Four short stories that are sure to fire the imagination of 6+ year olds and turn the tables on the conventional notions of reality and what is 'normal'.
Also a great transition to the chapter-book stage.

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The Mahabharatha: A Child's View by Samhita Arni

Samhita Arni wrote and illustrated this refreshing retelling when she was only 12 years old. It strips off the story of its adult tones looking at the central theme from a child's point of view: a royal household torn apart by warring cousins.
​A great book to read together as a family and talk about, for ages 10+.

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A Kite Called Korika by Sarada Kolluru

A heart-warming tale that takes you to the fields of Andhra Pradesh, where life revolves around the monsoon. A boy finds a kite, he believes has the power to make wishes come true. What does one ask for? The asks of his young friends, his younger brother, and those of his own heart will open your eyes to an alternate life, give you plenty to talk about, and making you remember this book long after you are done reading it. 

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Do you like these picks? Have you read any of them? What do you think?
​Leave your comments below!

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