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.
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. Realizing everyone has their hands full, he finds a cozy spot on his own bed and discovers the simple joy of reading independently.
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. But when she slips into her brand-new shoes, she finally finds the perfect fit. A relatable and humorous beginner reader exploring sizes, opposites, and everyday school routines.
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. A simple, relatable look at sibling dynamics and daily work.
Ages 3–7
Hindi
एक बहुत लंबा आदमी
by Cornelius Gulere
Living in a world made for ordinary sizes is not easy when you are remarkably tall! His doorway is too low, his bed is too short, and his bicycle cramps his long legs. Instead of giving up, this cheerful man gets creative—crafting longer handles, taller doorframes, and an extra-large bicycle to fit his towering frame.
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. Surrounded by new green shoots and lively garden creatures, the growing sprout discovers it was never truly alone.
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. She guides her little brother on the walk to school and gives her best effort in the classroom, but best of all is playing with her friends at the end of the day. A joyful celebration of daily routines, family warmth, and childhood independence.
Ages 3–6
Hindi
बीच में
by Mukesh Malviya
Where is the best spot to be? Right in the middle! A cheerful young girl notices that throughout her busy day—whether riding between her parents on a scooter, sitting between friends at school, swinging at the playground, or snuggling up in bed at night—she is always right in the middle of all the warmth and fun. With bright artwork and repetitive, beginner-friendly Hindi text, this sweet picture book celebrates family, school life, and childhood joy.
Ages 3–7
Hindi
भावनाएँ
by Clare Verbeek, Thembani Dladla, Zanele Buthelezi
A young girl reflects on the wide range of emotions her heart experiences every day. From the happiness of hearing her grandmother tell evening stories and the silly joy of playing with a friend, to the sadness when money is tight at home and the warm comfort of a hug from her mother, this gentle story introduces emotional awareness in everyday family life.
Ages 4–7
Hindi
आग
by Deborah Namugosa, Beatrice Nabune, Alison Tukei, Rose Sabano
What can fire do? In this brief introduction for new readers, fire shows its many sides. It cooks our meals, lights up the dark, and brings warmth to gathering families. But fire is also strong and can burn, showing both its helpful wonders and dangerous power.
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. Most of all, she eagerly checks on her home orange tree, hoping each morning and afternoon will bring sweet, ripe fruit.
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. Instead of giving up, Tom stays determined and continues calling out to passersby to try his sweet fruit. A gentle story about perseverance, challenging community expectations, and honest work.
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. While his siblings and mother are furious, no scolding is quite as effective as the natural consequence that soon catches up with Rahim: a terrible tummy ache.
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. When both girls step outside feeling glum about their meals, they quickly realize they can trade foods so both are happy.
Ages 4–8
Hindi
बकरी, कुत्ता और गाय
by Fabian Wakholi
Goat, Dog, and Cow take a trip together in a taxi. When they reach their stop, each animal handles paying the driver quite differently. Cow pays the exact fare, but Dog hands over too much cash and waits for change—right as Goat bolts without paying a single coin! An annoyed driver speeds off, sparking a playful explanation for why dogs chase passing vehicles, goats flee from engines, and cows cross the street without a care in the world.
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. Boiling with anger, Chicken opens wide and swallows Millipede whole! But when Millipede's worried mother comes looking for her child, Millipede unleashes a secret defense that Chicken never saw coming.
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. But after a chain of comical mishaps leaves him arriving late and empty-handed, Vusi discovers what truly matters on a day of celebration.
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. Young readers will enjoy the playful situations and vibrant illustrations that make these timeless traditional stories easy and fun to follow.
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. Children enjoy the engaging animal characters and clever tricks, while parents appreciate the clear everyday wisdom and moral lessons woven naturally into each short tale.
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. Trying to hide the pot high atop a tree, Anansi struggles to climb until his young son offers an obvious piece of advice. Furious that a child could outsmart him, Anansi makes a reckless mistake that changes humanity forever in this lively Ghanaian folktale.
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. With warmth and reassurance from her mother, Vinnie faces her fears of the hospital and gets the medical treatment she needs to feel playful and free once again.
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. When she returns, she finds her beloved homeland stripped of trees, leaving families struggling. Wangari begins teaching local women to plant seedlings, sparking an environmental movement that revives the land and spreads hope across the continent.
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. After secretly snacking on the delicious fruit meant for market day, she faces a serious family conversation and learns an enduring lesson about honesty.
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. During their stay, the siblings splash in the lake, climb trees, help tend chickens, learn traditional recipes like soft ugali and coconut rice, and assist grandmother at her lively market stall. A warm, episodic glimpse into rural life, intergenerational bonding, and childhood vacation adventures.
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. When the dog steps out, clever Nozibele leaves three magical hairs behind to answer his calls, buying herself time to make a daring escape.
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.
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. When his longing pulls him outside into the blazing sun, disaster strikes—prompting his loving brothers to craft an imaginative, transformative solution. A poignant traditional Southern African tale exploring desire, loss, and familial love.
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. Following an explosive conflict, Donkey runs away into the wilderness, where an encounter with an enigmatic mentor offers wisdom, self-discovery, and the possibility of reconciliation.
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. From farming crops to digging a well and cleaning up rubbish, each person offers their skills to transform their community through cooperation.
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. With engaging storytelling and relatable young protagonists, it gives young readers and bilingual families an accessible, entertaining way to explore different perspectives and enjoy reading in Hindi.
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. Eagle shares her precious needle with the other birds, but when it is carelessly lost in the sand, a bitter debt transforms two close friends into lifelong rivals. A striking traditional pourquois tale explaining why chickens scratch the ground and flee the shadow of an eagle.
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. Over the nine-hour journey through heat and fatigue, he worries about his mother, his rabbits, and his seedlings back home, while quietly rehearsing the address of the uncle he must find once he arrives.
Ages 6–10
Hindi
शहदखोज चिड़िया का बदला
by Zulu folktale
When a hunter named Gingile hears the call of Ngede the honeyguide, he eagerly follows the bird to a wild fig tree brimming with honey. Gingile smokes out the bees and harvests the rich comb, but his greed gets the better of him: refusing to share even a scrap with the helpful bird, he heads home. Insulted and determined to teach him a lesson, Ngede waits for the perfect moment to lure the greedy hunter into an unforgettable surprise. This traditional Zulu folktale explores themes of reciprocity, wildlife respect, and the natural consequences of selfishness.
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. When the wealthy landowner's son goes missing, the entire estate is filled with gloom. Even though others doubt that a young boy could make any difference to a grieving man, Sakima believes his music has the power to console. Guided by his sister, he sets out to offer hope through his heartfelt melody.
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. 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.
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. Children are drawn to the playful antics of the little animal and the gentle, caring friendship between human and wild creature, offering a warm and compassionate reading experience.
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. Together, the two animals stage daring escapes and face numerous hardships as they try to find their way home. Children will appreciate the strong bond of friendship between the bullocks, their clever teamwork, and the story's heartwarming focus on loyalty and freedom.
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. Forced to choose between lifelong friendship and moral duty, the pair face tests of trust and community ethics. Young readers enjoy the thoughtful village setting and the powerful message about fairness and integrity transcending personal loyalties.
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