Ruskin Bond books for kids, by age
Which Ruskin Bond book should your child start with? These picks run youngest first, starting with Getting Granny's Glasses, Cricket for the Crocodile and The Cherry Tree. Open each age and content guide before choosing. His stories of hills, forests and small-town India offer a place to start exploring longer books.
11 books, checked for age-appropriate content.
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 6–8
Getting Granny's Glasses
by Ruskin Bond
Mani's granny can no longer see well enough to thread a needle, so he takes her down the mountain to buy new glasses. The journey has buses, a landslide and a long walk, but Granny is not giving up. Invites children to talk about grandparents and looking after each other.
- 2
Ages 6–11
Cricket for the Crocodile
by Ruskin Bond
Ranji and his friends love playing cricket on the riverbank, but Nakoo the grumpy crocodile is not pleased when their games disturb his sunbathing. When an errant cricket ball strikes Nakoo, a hilarious chase ensues, causing chaos for players, bank clerks, and spectators alike. A lively choice for readers who enjoy movement, teamwork, and determination.
- 3
Ages 6–11
The Cherry Tree
by Ruskin Bond
Set in the Himalayan foothills, this gentle story follows young Rakesh, who plants a single cherry seed in his grandfather's garden. Over the years, through harsh winters, grazing goats, and careless grass cutters, Rakesh and his grandfather patiently care for the stubborn little sapling. Sparks curiosity about nature and caring for the world around us.
- 4
Ages 8–12
All Time Favourites for Children
by Ruskin Bond
Twenty-five of Ruskin Bond's best-loved stories in one book, set in the hills and small towns of India. There are leopards and ghosts, friendships and journeys, and many children finding their way. Invites children to pick a favourite and say why it stayed with them.
- 5
Ages 8–12
Angry River
by Ruskin Bond
Sita lives on a small island in the middle of a river with her grandparents. When her grandfather takes her grandmother to hospital, the monsoon rains come and the river rises around her. Invites children to talk about courage and what they would do in her place.
- 6
Ages 8–12
The Blue Umbrella
by Ruskin Bond
In a small village nestled in the hills of Garhwal, young Binya trades her leopard-claw necklace for a stunning, bright blue silk umbrella. Her new possession quickly becomes the talk of the town, drawing admiration from her neighbours and intense envy from the local shopkeeper, Ram Bharosa. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 7
Ages 9–14
Rusty the Boy from the Hills
by Ruskin Bond
Rusty is a quiet, imaginative boy growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas, living with his grandparents in Dehra. His days are filled with wandering through overgrown orchards, exploring quiet forest paths, and stumbling into misadventures with eccentric relatives and local friends. Invites readers to look more closely at the natural world.
- 8
Ages 9–16
Looking for the Rainbow
by Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond remembers the two years he lived alone with his father in Delhi during the Second World War. They went to the cinema, collected stamps and talked about everything. Invites children to talk about the people they love and the memories they keep.
- 9
Ages 10–14
Adventures of Rusty
by Ruskin Bond
Rusty is a quiet, imaginative boy growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas. From running away from boarding school and rescuing eccentric pets to making friends in nearby towns, his escapades are full of warmth and curious encounters. A welcoming introduction to traditions, culture, and shared stories.
- 10
Ages 10–14
The Angry River
by Ruskin Bond
Sita lives with her grandparents on a tiny island in the middle of a great river. When her grandmother falls ill and her grandfather takes her to the hospital on the mainland, Sita is left on her own just as monsoon rains cause the river to swell uncontrollably. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
- 11
Ages 12–16
The Room on the Roof
by Ruskin Bond
Rusty, a lonely Anglo-Indian orphan living with a strict and abusive guardian in Dehradun, runs away to embrace the vibrant world of the local bazaars. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
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