Children's Books

Abhimanyu, like a shooting star, illuminates the horizon of the Mahabharata epic for a few moments and vanishes in trails of glory.

Abhimanyu's father was the great Arjuna. His mother, Subhadra, was the sister of Lord Krishna. In spite of being overshadowed by such powerful personalities, Abhimanyu had no difficulty in finding his rightful place among the greatest of his time.

We know little of Abhimanyu's childhood except his lineage. His marriage to Uttara remained in the shadow of Arjuna's overbearing presence. But in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he came into his own and proved his mettle. His humility as seen in his obedience to Yudhishthira, his idealism in taking up the fatal assignment and his courage in confronting the enemy -all these proclaim a hero greater: than any of the Pandavas.

It took seven of the greatest on the Kaurava side to vanquish the young lion that was Abhimanyu. Youth has seldom scaled such heights in any epic known to mankind.

After their father is mysteriously abducted by strangers, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis move with their mother from their comfortable city home to ‘Three Chimney’s, a tiny cottage in the countryside, next to a railway station. Soon the children find enough to amuse themselves with at the station, befriending everybody from the porter and the stationmaster to an old gentleman who waves at them from the 9.15 each day. But the mystery of their father’s disappearance looms large over them. Where is Father? And how does the old gentleman hold the key to the mystery?

Told in simple, lucid prose, Nesbit’s classic is one of the most endearing coming-of-age stories ever written.

And the roar came back to him, calling him, calling him forward: a roar that meant there would be more tigers in the land!’
For decades now Ruskin Bond has been charming us with his simple and captivating tales of Himalayan fauna; the zany and temperamental animals that were part of his grandfather’s delightful menagerie of unusual pets in Dehra; the peaceful creatures that live in and around his house in Mussoorie; and the mythical and fanciful beings of his fertile imagination.
The Big Book of Animal Stories is a compilation of the best of Ruskin Bond animal stories and poems. Its pages are inhabited by the doughty tiger who survives against all odds, spelling hope for India’s fast-vanishing wildlife; the beautiful, sinewy leopard whose trust costs him dear; the good-natured hornbill who loves the rain; the mischievous monkey who insists on shaking hands with all who visit the house; the cross-grained cassowary bird who rudely rebuffs all attempts to befriend it; the python who keeps turning up in unexpected places; the squirrel who picks crumbs off the table; the beetle who keeps falling into the goldfish bowl; the whistling thrush; the leopard girl; and the tiger king. Bringing together the finest writing by a master storyteller on the creatures, humble and mighty, that inhabit this earth along with us, this collection will enchant the Bond aficionado and initiate alike.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Ruskin Bond has been writing for well over six decades now and has over 120 titles in print—novels, short-story collections, poetry, essays and books for children. His first novel, The Room on the Roof, received the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys award in 1957. He has also received two awards from the Sahitya Akademi—one for his short stories and another for his writings for children. Ruskin Bond was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.
Born in 1943, Ruskin Bond grew up in Jamnagar, Shimla, New Delhi and Dehradun. He now lives in Mussoorie with his adopted family.

Ruskin Bond not only brings to life a town in northern India capturing the scenery, the people, the atmosphere – but also shows that children are the same the world over.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Ruskin Bond, resident of Mussoorie, is a well-known writer of fiction and a raconteur par excellence. His Tales and Legends from India, Angry River, Strange Men, Strange Places, The Blue Umbrella, A Long Walk for Bina and Hanuman to the Rescue are also available in Rupa paperback. The Ruskin Bond's Children's Omnibus has been a firm favourite with young readers for several years. Ghost Stories from the Raj, The Rupa Book of Great Animal Stories, The Rupa Book of True Tales of Mystery and Adventure, The Rupa Book of Himalayan Tales and The Rupa Book of Great Suspense Stories are some of his recent books for Rupa

This is a collection of fascinating and real life stories of journeys into the unknown, filled with travails often resulting in a struggle for survival. The narratives of the survivors recount about a plane crash in a desert, a cannibal conclave, a revolution in South America, encounters with pirates and other adventures.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Ruskin Bond, resident of Mussoorie, is a well-known writer of fiction and a raconteur par excellence. His Tales and Legends from India, Angry River, Strange Men, Strange Places, The Blue Umbrella, A Long Walk for Bina and Hanuman to the Rescue are also available in Rupa paperback. The Ruskin Bond’s Children’s Omnibus has been a firm favourite with young readers for several years. Ghost Stories from the Raj, The Rupa Book of Great Animal Stories, The Rupa Book of True Tales of Mystery and Adventure, The Rupa Book of Himalayan Tales and The Rupa Book of Great Suspense Stories are some of his recent books for Rupa

Which were the first cities of India, and how were they discovered? What was it like living in Mughal times? How did the British, who had come to trade in India, end up ruling the country? How has India changed after Independence?

Delve into India’s past to discover the answers to these questions and many more in this comprehensive history of our nation. Journey through time to visit the baths and palaces of the first cities of Harappa, the stupas of Ashoka and the flamboyant courts of the great Mughals, rich in art, culture and architecture. Learn how the revolution of 1857 really started, and march alongside Gandhi on his quest for an India free from British rule. Plus, discover more about each period through fun and easy ‘To do’ activities.

Told in simple, lucid prose, and interspersed with beautiful illustrations, A Children’s History of India makes learning history a fun and engaging experience for readers of all ages.

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK

Subhadra Sen Gupta has written over twenty-five books for children including mysteries, historical adventures, ghost stories and comic books. Right now she is waiting for someone to build a time machine so that she can travel to the past and join Emperor Akbar for lunch.

She loves to travel, flirt with cats, chat with auto-rickshaw drivers and sit and watch people.