Children's books in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Malayalam and Punjabi
The best children’s books in Indian languages include बाल, भूखा मगरमच्छ and मुझे पढ़ना पसंद है!. Every book here is in the language named on it, with classics like Premchand and Sukumar Ray alongside folk tales and picture books.
40 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
Best Hindi books for kids
40 books in Hindi, youngest first.
Ages 2–6
Hindi
बाल
by Clare Verbeek, Thembani Dladla, Zanele Buthelezi
Short, long, plaited, or shaved—hair comes in all kinds of wonderful styles! Through simple, repetitive sentences and vibrant portrait illustrations, this early reader introduces young children to the many ways people style and care for their hair. Opens meaningful conversations about belonging, identity, and understanding differences.
Ages 2–6
Hindi
भूखा मगरमच्छ
by Christian G.
A very hungry crocodile sneaks slowly and quietly through the water in search of something to eat. When the perfect moment arrives, he leaps into action with a giant strike, ending up completely satisfied—at least until his appetite returns! Invites curiosity about animals and the lives they lead.
Ages 2–6
Hindi
मुझे पढ़ना पसंद है!
by Letta Machoga
A young boy loves books and searches his house looking for someone to read to. His baby sister is fast asleep in her crib, his mother and grandmother are occupied in the kitchen, and his father and grandfather are hard at work fixing the car. A relatable way to explore family bonds and everyday experiences.
Ages 2–6
Hindi
स्कूल के कपड़े
by Clare Verbeek, Thembani Dladla, Zanele Buthelezi
Getting ready for school isn't simple when nothing seems to fit quite right! A young girl tries on her school uniform pieces one by one, discovering that her dress is too long, her sweater is huge, and her hat is comically tiny. Invites readers to reflect on classmates, choices, and belonging.
Ages 3–7
Hindi
आलसी छोटा भाई
by Clare Verbeek, Thembani Dladla, Zanele Buthelezi
An older brother spends his day tackling household chores—starting the fire, boiling water, chopping wood, cooking, sweeping, and washing dishes. Meanwhile, his younger brother spends every moment running, chasing chickens, and playing with toys. Encourages children to share their own family stories and feelings.
Ages 3–6
Hindi
क्या अकेला हूँ?
by Mukesh Malviya
A lonely little sprout feels sad observing how ants, birds, children, and fireflies all have companions while it stands by itself. But after nourishing rain and warm sunshine fall upon the soil, new seeds sprout all around. A reassuring choice for talking about emotions and growing confidence.
Ages 3–7
Hindi
ज़ामा बहुत अच्छी है
by Michael Oguttu
Zama loves waking up early and taking care of herself. From washing with cold water and soap to brushing her teeth, buttoning her dress, and greeting her family, she is proud to be growing up. Encourages children to share their own family stories and feelings.
Ages 4–7
Hindi
खलाई पौधों से बात करती है।
by Ursula Nafula
Seven-year-old Khalai loves the natural world around her. Every day on her way to and from school, she speaks encouraging words to the plants she meets—asking the grass to stay green, the wild flowers to keep blooming, the school tree to offer shade, and the garden hedge to keep everyone safe. Invites readers to look more closely at the natural world.
Ages 4–8
Hindi
टॉम केलेवाला
by Humphreys Odunga
Tom heads to the market carrying a full tray of ripe bananas on his head, eager to sell his harvest. However, the market shoppers are hesitant—in their community, fruit sellers are typically women, and people question what kind of man sells fruit. Helps readers explore feelings and approach everyday challenges with empathy.
Ages 4–8
Hindi
दंड
by Adelheid Marie Bwire
When Mama brings home a delicious basket of fruit, she asks the children to wait until evening to eat it. But greedy Rahim cannot wait and devours piece after piece, leaving barely anything behind. Invites children to share how they might feel or act in the same situation.
Ages 4–7
Hindi
पसंद की अदला बदली
by Sudhir Singh
Rani is hungry and asks her mother for food, but she is unhappy to receive a bowl of khichdi. Next door, Bala asks her aunt for something to eat, but does not want the Maggi noodles she is given. Helps readers explore feelings and approach everyday challenges with empathy.
Ages 4–8
Hindi
मुर्गी और कनखजूरा
by Winny Asara
Chicken and Millipede are good friends who love competing, so they decide to play a soccer match to see who is the better athlete. When Millipede outruns, outkicks, and completely outscores Chicken during penalty shootouts, Chicken proves to be a terrible loser. Its playful humor makes reading aloud and sharing a laugh enjoyable.
Ages 4–8
Hindi
वुसी की बहन ने क्या कहा
by Nina Orange
When Vusi's grandmother asks him to carry an egg to his parents for his sister's wedding cake, an unfortunate encounter with two boys with a slingshot breaks it. Each time someone accidentally ruins what Vusi is carrying, they give him a replacement—a walking stick, some thatch, and even a cow. A reassuring choice for talking about emotions and growing confidence.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
Akbar and Birbal (Illustrated) (Hindi)
by Maple Press
Written in Hindi, this illustrated collection brings to life the classic folk stories of Emperor Akbar and his clever advisor, Birbal. Each brief tale follows a new challenge, riddle, or dispute presented at the royal Mughal court, solved with Birbal's signature wit, wisdom, and humor. A lighthearted choice for sparking laughter and lively conversation.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
Panchatantra - Wisdom Tales (Illustrated) (Hindi)
by Vishnu Sharma; illustrated retelling
Written in Hindi, this illustrated collection brings ancient Indian animal fables to life for young readers. The traditional stories follow cunning jackals, wise tortoises, brave lions, and quick-thinking birds as they navigate challenges and outwit adversaries. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
अनान्सी और ज्ञान
by Ghanaian folktale
Long ago, the sky god Nyame kept all the wisdom of the world locked safely inside a clay pot. When he entrusts the precious pot to Anansi, the greedy spider decides he wants every bit of knowledge strictly for himself. Invites children to share how they might feel or act in the same situation.
Ages 5–8
Hindi
इस बन्दर को भगाओ
by Pristian Wulanita
Vinnie has a persistent, sharp stomachache that feels just like a pesky monkey clinging to her side wherever she goes. It spoils her fun picking vegetables, catching grasshoppers, and dancing at the art festival. Helps readers explore feelings and approach everyday challenges with empathy.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
एक छोटा बीज: वंगारी मथाई की कहानी
by Nicola Rijsdijk
Growing up on the slopes of Mount Kenya, young Wangari loves the outdoors, working in the soil and learning all she can. Her passion for knowledge carries her from her home village across the ocean to university in the United States. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
दादी माँ के केले
by Ursula Nafula
A young girl loves visiting her grandmother's garden, but there is one secret Grandma will not share: where she keeps her ripening bananas. When the girl finally discovers the magic basket hidden under a blanket in Grandma's room, the sweet temptation proves impossible to resist. Helps readers explore feelings and approach everyday challenges with empathy.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
दादी माँ के साथ छुट्टियाँ
by Violet Otieno
Odongo and Apiyo live in the city with their father, but their favorite time of year is traveling to a lakeside fishing village to visit their grandmother, Nyar-Kanyada. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
नोज़िबेले और उसके तीन बाल
by Tessa Welch
After losing her necklace by the river at dusk, Nozibele finds herself stranded and seeks shelter in an isolated hut. Inside lives a demanding talking dog who forces her to cook and clean under threat of being bitten. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
फुटबॉल सितारा अंदिस्वा
by Eden Daniels
Andiswa loves soccer and dreams of playing with the school team, but the coach and boys tell her the sport is only for boys. When the star player falls ill right before a crucial match, Andiswa gets an unexpected chance to step onto the field and show everyone what she can do. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
Ages 5–9
Hindi
मोम के बच्चे
by Southern African Folktale
In a peaceful family, the children live by a strict rule: because they are made of wax, they can only work by night and must never go near fire or hot sunshine. Yet one curious boy yearns to see daylight. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
Ages 6–10
Hindi
गधा बच्चा
by Lindiwe Matshikiza
When a traveling mother gives birth to a donkey, the surrounding community turns away in fear of bad luck. Devoted to her unusual son, she raises him on her own, but growing up torn between animal instincts and human expectations proves agonizing. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
Ages 6–10
Hindi
निर्णय
by Ursula Nafula
In a village facing severe hardships—from food shortages and litter to water taps that have completely run dry—the community struggles to get by. But when a father gathers everyone under a large tree for a town meeting, neighbors young and old decide to take matters into their own hands. A warm way to explore friendship, kindness, and seeing other perspectives.
Ages 6–13
Hindi
भारतीय बाल कहानियाँ भाग-4 (Bharatiya Bal Kahaniyan Bhag-4)
by Sahitya Akademi
Written in Hindi, this fourth volume in the Sahitya Akademi anthology brings together carefully curated children's stories from across India. The collection features rich tales highlighting regional folklore, moral values, everyday childhood adventures, and diverse cultural traditions. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
Ages 6–10
Hindi
मुर्गी और चील
by Ann Nduku
Long ago, none of the birds could fly. When a harsh famine forces Eagle to walk exhaustingly far for food, Hen suggests sewing fallen feathers together to make wings. Helps readers explore feelings and approach everyday challenges with empathy.
Ages 6–10
Hindi
वह दिन जब मैंने शहर के लिए घर छोड़ा
by Lesley Koyi, Ursula Nafula
Leaving his rural village behind, a young boy boards a bustling long-distance bus headed for the big city. Surrounded by shouting touts, hustling hawkers, and weary travelers, he squeezes into a window seat with only a small bag and no pocket money. Encourages children to share their own family stories and feelings.
Ages 6–10
Hindi
साकीमा का गाना
by Ursula Nafula
Six-year-old Sakima lost his sight when he was young, but he possesses a wonderful gift for music. Whenever his little sister is hungry or restless, his soothing songs bring her peace and comfort. Helps readers explore feelings and approach everyday challenges with empathy.
Ages 8–13
Hindi
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. A welcoming introduction to traditions, culture, and shared stories.
Ages 8–13
Hindi
गिल्लू (Gillu)
by Mahadevi Verma
Written in Hindi, this touching classic story recounts the author's real-life bond with a tiny wounded squirrel she rescues, nurses back to health, and names Gillu. As Gillu grows, he becomes a lively, affectionate companion who perches on her shoulder and plays around her writing desk. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
Ages 8–13
Hindi
दो बैलों की कथा (Do Bailon Ki Katha)
by Munshi Premchand
Written in Hindi, this classic story by Munshi Premchand follows two loyal bullocks, Heera and Moti. Deeply attached to their caring master, the pair are lent to an unkind relative who mistreats them. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
Ages 9–14
Hindi
मगोज़वे
by Lesley Koyi
After fleeing an abusive uncle, young Magozwe lives on the streets of Nairobi with other homeless boys, finding solace only in a battered picture book about a pilot. When a patient outreach worker named Thomas offers warm meals and a listening ear, Magozwe gradually dares to imagine a life beyond survival—one with shelter, schooling, and a chance to read words of his own.
Ages 10–14
Hindi
पंच परमेश्वर (Panch Parmeshwar)
by Munshi Premchand
Written in Hindi by Munshi Premchand, this classic story revolves around two close village friends, Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chowdhary. When an elderly aunt takes a grievance against Jumman to the local village council, Algu is chosen to lead the panel. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.
More book lists for kids
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.