
Age rating and parents' guide:The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk
by Sudha Murty
Ages 6–13
The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk by Sudha Murty is best for children aged 6–13. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
In this warm collection of real-life stories, Sudha Murty shares memorable encounters and life lessons gathered from her travels across India. From meeting extraordinary people in small villages to unexpected moments of generosity and wisdom, each short tale offers a gentle look at human nature and everyday kindness. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
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
- Action & Adventure
- Animals
- Indian stories
Reading mood
- Adventurous
Good to talk about
- Friendship
- Family
Books like The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 6–11
The Bird with Golden Wings
by Sudha Murty
This charming collection of traditional Indian folktales features stories about kindness, cleverness, and the consequences of greed. Readers meet magical creatures, humble villagers, and wise rulers, including a poor woman rewarded by a miraculous golden-winged bird. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.

Ages 6–11
The Gopi Diaries
by Sudha Murty
Told entirely from the innocent, curious perspective of a Golden Retriever pup named Gopi, this heartwarming story follows his arrival into a loving Indian household. As Gopi explores his new surroundings, he learns about human habits, bonds with family members, and gets into gentle mischief. A relatable way to explore family bonds and everyday experiences.

Ages 9–13
Malgudi Adventures: Classic Tales for Children
by R. K. Narayan
Set in the bustling, fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, this collection brings together charming tales of everyday childhood, curious animals, and gentle misadventures. Young readers meet unforgettable characters like Swami and his mischievous school friends as they navigate classroom troubles, family dynamics, and unexpected encounters, including a memorable tiger on the loose. Keeps curiosity alive and invites readers to imagine what comes next.

Ages 6–8
My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett
When Elmer Elevator hears about a baby dragon being held captive on dangerous Wild Island, he sets off on a rescue mission. Armed only with everyday items like chewing gum, lollipops, and rubber bands, Elmer uses quick thinking to outsmart fierce animals like tigers, lions, and crocodiles along the way. A charming way to spark conversations about animals and empathy.

Ages 6–12
Devas: Stories of Vedic Deities
by Amar Chitra Katha
This graphic novel introduces young readers to the major Vedic deities of Hindu tradition, including Indra, Agni, Surya, and Vayu. Through vibrant comic panels and straightforward storytelling, it explains the roles these cosmic forces play in ancient mythology and everyday life. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.

Ages 3–7
Tiger on a Tree
by Anushka Ravishankar
When a wild tiger wanders out of the jungle, it accidentally ends up stranded in a tree, much to its own surprise. A group of curious villagers discovers the big cat and captures it, but they quickly face an unexpected dilemma: what should they actually do with it now? A welcoming introduction to traditions, culture, and shared stories.
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.