Age rating and parents' guide:Amma, Tell Me About Holi!
by Bhakti Mathur; illustrated by Maulshree Somani
Ages 4–8
Amma, Tell Me About Holi! by Bhakti Mathur; illustrated by Maulshree Somani is best for children aged 4–8. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Festival context and mythology are simplified for young children.
Join Klaka and his mother as they celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi. Through rhythmic verse and colourful illustrations, Amma shares the legendary story of young Prahlad and the demon king Hiranyakashipu, showing how devotion triumphs over evil. She also explains how people celebrate today with bright powders, music, and sweet treats. Children enjoy the energetic, vivid artwork and the festive excitement, making it an engaging and accessible introduction to Hindu mythology and traditions.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Festival context and mythology are simplified for young children.
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Early chapter book
- Part of the Amma, Tell Me series
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Plenty of illustrations
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
- Indian author, setting or story
Great for kids who like
- Indian stories
Reading mood
- Warm & heartfelt
- Lyrical
Good to talk about
- Family
- Festivals & culture
Books like Amma, Tell Me About Holi!
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 6–10
Grandparents' Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty; illustrated by Priya Kurian
During an unexpected lockdown, four cousins stay with their grandparents in a village in Karnataka. To keep the children entertained, Ajji and Ajja open their treasure chest of stories, sharing tales of clever kings, talking animals, gods, goddesses, and moral lessons from Indian folklore. Between stories, the children help with chores and enjoy homemade treats. It is a gentle, comforting read that celebrates family bonds and the joy of oral storytelling.
Ages 6–11
Amma Take Me to the Golden Temple
by Bhakti Mathur
Join Amma and her two curious boys, Shiv and Veer, on an engaging trip to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Through their journey, young readers discover the history of the Sikh Gurus, the significance of the sacred pool, and the unique architecture of the shrine. They also learn about the tradition of the langar, where thousands share free meals side by side. Filled with warm illustrations and clear explanations, it offers an inviting introduction to Sikh culture and heritage.
Ages 6–10
The Gopi Diaries: Finding Love
by Sudha Murty
Gopi the golden retriever is now fully grown and experiencing new milestones in this warm family story. Told from the dog's affectionate point of view, the tale follows Gopi as he meets a companion, takes on fresh responsibilities, and discovers the joys of companionship. Sudha Murty captures a pet's simple, honest logic with gentle humour. Young readers will enjoy seeing domestic life through a dog's eyes and sharing in the everyday adventures of a loving household.
Ages 6–10
The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home
by Sudha Murty
Told from the perspective of an energetic young golden retriever pup named Gopi, this heartwarming story follows his arrival into a bustling Indian household. Gopi shares his thoughts as he discovers new sounds, learns household rules, and bonds with each family member. Filled with warmth and gentle humor, the book offers young readers a delightful glimpse into the world through a puppy's eyes, making it an engaging and comforting choice for animal lovers.
Ages 4–9
The Why-Why Girl
by Mahasweta Devi; illustrated by Kanyika Kini
Moyna lives in a tribal village and has a question about everything: why do we walk miles for water, why do snakes eat frogs, and why can't she go to school? Though she spends her days grazing goats and fetching firewood, her restless curiosity never stops. When an opportunity to learn opens up, her determination shows everyone how powerful education can be. This heartwarming picture book celebrates the joy of asking questions and gives young readers a tender, eye-opening glimpse into life in rural India.
Ages 6–11
Festival Stories: Through the Year
by Rachna Chhabria
Explore the vibrant calendar of Indian celebrations through engaging tales and cultural lore. This collection takes young readers through major festivals across the seasons, explaining the origins, traditions, special foods, and family rituals behind each special day. Written with warmth and accessibility, it helps children discover why people celebrate and fosters an appreciation for diverse customs, mythology, and heritage.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.