Sudha Murty books for kids, by age
Sudha Murty's books for children, youngest first: start with How the Sea Became Salty, Grandma's Bag of Stories and Grandparents' Bag of Stories. Her stories are short, warm and full of grandparents, kings and everyday lessons, which makes them easy to read aloud and easy to love.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 5–9
How the Sea Became Salty
by Sudha Murty
This lively chapter book tells the traditional folktale of a poor, hardworking man who receives a magical hand mill that can grind out whatever he wishes. When an envious relative plots to steal the wonderful object, his greed triggers an unforeseen chain of events on the open sea. Invites readers to look more closely at the natural world.
- 2
Ages 6–10
Grandma's Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty
When seven cousins spend their summer holidays visiting their grandparents in a village in Karnataka, they gather around their grandmother every afternoon to hear tales from her magical bag of stories. A playful spark for creativity and storytelling beyond the page.
- 3
Ages 6–10
Grandparents' Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty; illustrated by Priya Kurian
During an unexpected lockdown, four cousins stay with their grandparents in a village in Karnataka. To keep the children entertained, Ajji and Ajja open their treasure chest of stories, sharing tales of clever kings, talking animals, gods, goddesses, and moral lessons from Indian folklore. Invites children to imagine, create, and share ideas of their own.
- 4
Ages 6–10
The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home
by Sudha Murty
Told from the perspective of an energetic young golden retriever pup named Gopi, this heartwarming story follows his arrival into a bustling Indian household. Gopi shares his thoughts as he discovers new sounds, learns household rules, and bonds with each family member. Invites children to share how they might feel or act in the same situation.
- 5
Ages 6–10
The Gopi Diaries: Finding Love
by Sudha Murty
Gopi the golden retriever is now fully grown and experiencing new milestones in this warm family story. Told from the dog's affectionate point of view, the tale follows Gopi as he meets a companion, takes on fresh responsibilities, and discovers the joys of companionship. Invites children to share how they might feel or act in the same situation.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
Ages 6–11
The Gopi Diaries: Growing Up
by Sudha Murty
Told from the perspective of Gopi, a lively golden retriever pup, this heartwarming story follows his everyday life as he grows bigger and learns new lessons. Now a young adult dog, Gopi explores his neighborhood, meets other dogs, and discovers what it means to be part of a loving family. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.
- 9
Ages 6–13
The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk
by Sudha Murty
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.
- 10
Ages 8–12
The Magic of the Lost Temple
by Sudha Murty
While spending her summer vacation at her grandparents' home in a Karnataka village, city girl Nooni falls in love with rural life. She learns to cycle, helps around the house, and explores the nearby forests.
- 11
Ages 9–12
The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories
by Sudha Murty
This charming collection gathers traditional folk tales and timeless stories remembered by the author from her childhood. Readers meet a lively cast of clever villagers, foolish kings, princesses, and magical creatures, including a drum that produces food and animals outsmarting their foes. Invites readers to discover and appreciate rich storytelling traditions.
- 12
Ages 9–14
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
by Sudha Murty
In this warm collection of autobiographical stories, Sudha Murty shares real-life memories from her childhood and travels across India. From patiently helping her illiterate grandmother learn to read to encounters with unusual characters who teach valuable life lessons, each tale is gentle, wise, and grounded in kindness. Invites heartwarming conversations about family, care, and understanding.
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.