Age rating and parents' guide:Moin and the Monster
by Anushka Ravishankar
Ages 6–11
Moin and the Monster by Anushka Ravishankar is best for children aged 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
When young Moin hears strange noises coming from under his bed, he discovers a peculiar monster that demands to be drawn. The monster insists on being sketched just right, but soon moves in, developing a huge appetite for bananas and an unruly habit of singing. A lighthearted choice for sparking laughter and lively conversation.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Early chapter book
- 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
- Art & drawing
- Indian stories
Reading mood
- Playful
Books like Moin and the Monster
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
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. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
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. Invites children to imagine, create, and share ideas of their own.
Ages 8–12
Kings and Queens
by Subhadra Sen Gupta
This engaging non-fiction book introduces young readers to some of the most notable rulers in Indian history. From powerful emperors to inspiring queens, Subhadra Sen Gupta brings court life, political rivalries, and royal daily routines alive with a warm, conversational tone. Invites thoughtful questions about the past and the world today.
Ages 6–10
Grandma's Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty
When seven cousins spend their summer holidays visiting their grandparents in a village in Karnataka, they gather around their grandmother every afternoon to hear tales from her magical bag of stories. A playful spark for creativity and storytelling beyond the page.
Ages 9–14
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
by Sudha Murty
In this warm collection of autobiographical stories, Sudha Murty shares real-life memories from her childhood and travels across India. From patiently helping her illiterate grandmother learn to read to encounters with unusual characters who teach valuable life lessons, each tale is gentle, wise, and grounded in kindness. Invites heartwarming conversations about family, care, and understanding.
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. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
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.