Age rating and parents' guide:হযবরল (Hajabarala)
by Sukumar Ray
Ages 8–14
হযবরল (Hajabarala) by Sukumar Ray is best for children aged 8–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Language-driven humor is strongest for Bengali readers.
Written in Bengali, this nonsense classic follows a child who dozes off on a hot afternoon and enters an absurd, dreamlike world. There he encounters eccentric talking animals and peculiar figures like the raven Hijbijbij and the cat who explains how to disappear. Full of witty wordplay, inverted logic, and comical courtroom chaos, it charms young readers through sheer silliness and imaginative fun reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.
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: Language-driven humor is strongest for Bengali readers.
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Early chapter book
- In Bengali
- 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
- Humor & Comedy
- Indian stories
- Puzzles & problem-solving
Reading mood
- Funny
- Inspiring
Good to talk about
- Puzzles & problem-solving
- Language & wordplay
Books like হযবরল (Hajabarala)
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 8–14
পাগলা দাশু (Pagla Dashu)
by Sukumar Ray
Written in Bengali, this classic collection of short stories follows Dashu, an eccentric schoolboy famous for his unpredictable antics and clever mischief. Dashu's unusual logic and bizarre pranks constantly perplex his classmates and teachers, turning normal school days into scenes of comical confusion. Filled with dry wit, sharp satire, and playful dialogue, these tales celebrate individuality and humour, making them deeply loved by young readers and adults alike.
Ages 8–12
బడుగు (Budugu)
by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
Written in Telugu, this classic humorous tale is told entirely from the perspective of Budugu, an endearing and mischievous young boy. Through his unique child's logic and distinct speech, he shares hilarious observations about family life, the quirks of adults around him, and his everyday neighborhood escapades. Young readers enjoy the cheeky narration, charming illustrations by Bapu, and the relatable misunderstandings of the grown-up world.
Ages 7–14
আবোল তাবোল (Abol Tabol): The Nonsense World of Sukumar Ray
by Sukumar Ray
Written in Bengali, this celebrated collection of nonsense rhymes introduces a playful universe filled with hybrid creatures, bizarre rules, and eccentric characters like the Tyandash and Haw-Jaw-Baw-Law. Accompanied by the author's own quirky illustrations, each poem bounces along with infectious rhythm, whimsical puns, and gentle satire. Children love reciting the catchy verses aloud and exploring the absurd, fantastical inventions that spark endless laughs.
Ages 7–14
Bokya Satbande: Part 2
by Dilip Prabhavalkar
Written in Marathi, this second collection of stories follows the cheerful everyday escapades of Bokya Satbande, a clever and mischievous young boy. Bokya approaches ordinary neighbourhood problems, family situations, and school days with boundless curiosity, quick wit, and a big heart. Children enjoy seeing how his unconventional plans unfold, often leading to funny misunderstandings before he sorts things out. The warm, lighthearted tone makes it a favourite for young Marathi readers.
Ages 7–14
Bokya Satbande: Part 1
by Dilip Prabhavalkar
Written in Marathi, this lively collection follows the everyday escapades of Bokya Satbande, an imaginative, quick-witted, and mischievous boy living in Maharashtra. Bokya constantly finds himself tangled up in funny situations with his family, neighbours, and friends, yet his clever ideas and good intentions often help solve neighborhood problems. Children enjoy the energetic humor, lighthearted pranks, and relatable family dynamic that make Bokya such a beloved and memorable character.
Ages 8–13
ईदगाह (Idgah)
by Munshi Premchand
Written in Hindi, this classic story follows Hamid, a poor four-year-old orphan who lives with his grandmother, Amina. On the festive day of Eid, Hamid sets off for the fair with only three paise to spend. While the other village children buy sweets and bright clay toys, Hamid makes a surprising and deeply touching choice about how to use his small savings. It is a warm, gentle tale of empathy, maturity, and love that gives young readers a memorable glimpse into rural Indian life and festival traditions.
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.