Ruskin Bond books for kids, by age
Ruskin Bond's books for children, youngest first: start with Cricket for the Crocodile, The Cherry Tree and The Blue Umbrella. His quiet stories of the hills, forests and small-town India are a gentle way into longer books.
7 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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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