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. Filled with warm humor and gentle life lessons, it introduces young readers to classic folklore through accessible storytelling and vibrant illustrations.
- 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. The collection includes lively fables about clever animals, wise kings, mischievous tricksters, and timeless moral lessons. Filled with gentle warmth, humor, and the comforting atmosphere of family life, this book introduces young readers to classic Indian storytelling traditions that are easy to follow and thoroughly engaging.
- 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. Between stories, the children help with chores and enjoy homemade treats. It is a gentle, comforting read that celebrates family bonds and the joy of oral storytelling.
- 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. Filled with warmth and gentle humor, the book offers young readers a delightful glimpse into the world through a puppy's eyes, making it an engaging and comforting choice for animal lovers.
- 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. Sudha Murty captures a pet's simple, honest logic with gentle humour. Young readers will enjoy seeing domestic life through a dog's eyes and sharing in the everyday adventures of a loving household.
- 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. Written in straightforward, warm language, the stories carry timeless moral lessons without feeling heavy-handed, making them delightful for independent reading or sharing together before bed.
- 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. With simple language, warm illustrations, and genuine affection throughout, it gives children a lighthearted look at family life through the eyes of an energetic pet.
- 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. With gentle humor, simple prose, and charming illustrations, it offers an affectionate look at the special bond between pets and humans that early and independent readers will find delightful.
- 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. Written in simple, conversational prose, the stories are accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking, making them great for independent reading or family sharing.
- 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. Her curiosity leads her to an ancient, overgrown structure buried in the woods—a hidden stepwell tied to local legends. With the support of her friends and village elders, she sets out to uncover its history. Readers will enjoy the warm family relationships, engaging folklore, and gentle sense of mystery.
- 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. The writing is simple, warm, and humorous, celebrating wit, honesty, and common sense. Children enjoy the quick, satisfying chapters and memorable characters, making it ideal for independent reading or sharing aloud at bedtime.
- 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. Young readers will enjoy the simple, engaging storytelling that offers an inspiring look at family bonds, humility, and the quiet power of everyday courage.
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