Gorgeous photographs express the mystery and excitement of India from A to Z –- open air markets, bullocks pulling a wooden cart, hennaed hands, colorful umbrellas, a bride decked out in gold jewelry, traditional dance, families at home.
(Picture book)

In this retelling of the Ramayana, Rama, an incarnation of Visnnu, and his wife Sita are exiled to the forest. When Sita is kidnapped by the demon Ravana, Rama calls upon the monkey king, Hanuman, to rescue Sita. The Festival of Lights, Divaali (Diwali), celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana. (Chapter book, illustrations)

In this fabulous fantasy adventure, the boy Anand is once again keeper of the magic conch, on a journey across contemporary India, and back in time to a nawab's palace, where he finds Nisha, transformed into a high-born young lady. When the conch is lost, will the mirror of fire and dreaming show the way, before an all-powerful jinn destroys the royal family? A five star story, beautifully written. (Chapter book)

In the first dazzling adventure, The Conch Bearer, Anand and Nishi set out from Kolkata (Calcutta) to return the magic conch to its rightful home high in the Himalayas.

Mumbai. Shimmering story of three sisters, and their mother, who wants to find good husbands for them, but the youngest sister, Jeeta, would rather choose her own groom. Bright as marigold blossoms, fresh as sugarcane juice, the story flows through each new season of family life in India today. (Chapter book)

Born during a devastating monsoon that levels her village, Parvati wants nothing more than to dance, like Shiva Nataraja, lord of the dance who destroys and recreates the universe. Parvati trains to be a classical dancer, but falls in love with a Raja's son. (Chapter book)

Fascinating retelling of the mythological origins of the sacred Ganges River –- beautiful Ganga, born of holy water in heaven and daughter of Brahma, comes to earth but is trapped in Shiva's flowing hair. Fabulous hand-painted silk illustrations, inspired by classical Indian art, bring to life the story of the Ganges. (Chapter book, illustrations)

Dawn to dusk on the Ganges River in Benares –- the sun rises on the ghats, stone steps leading down to the river, pilgrims in colorful clothes make flower offerings and wade into the water, ashes from funeral pyres are sprinkled on the river, flowing to the sea. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations! (Picture book)

Set in India, these timeless stories are perfect to read aloud – how Mowgli comes to live with the wolf pack and the animals teach him about the jungle, Mowgli is kidnapped by the monkeys, and Mowgli's clever trick to hunt down Shere Khan, the fierce tiger. Exquisite illustrations render the stories in a magical realm. (Chapter book)

Feel the rhythms of life in a Indian village, centered on the spreading banyan tree –- birds and animals play in the tree branches, people put offerings at the shrine, rest in the shade in the heat of the day, and sit under the tree for a dance performance. (Picture book)

"Old and young, poor and rich, all across India, we wait for rain." Hot winds blow before the monsoon arrives, and everyone wonders if the rains will ever come, but then, "rivers gush along yesterday's roads, and I dance with the joy of earth's sudden sweet scent." (Picture book)

Excellent introduction to India – ancient Mauryan, Gupta, Pallava, Mughal empires, the British Raj, village life, exquisite jewelry and textiles, music, dance and theater, food, wildlife, religion and festivals Rich, detailed illustrations (Picture book)

Pictorial biography of Mahatma Gandhi, the great Indian nationalist and spiritual leader, who preached nonviolence and defied British rule and sparked incredible change in India. Captivating illustrations, like miniaturist paintings.
(Picture book)

For older kids, in Gandhi: Young Nation Builder, find out what he was doing at thirteen.

Dazzling photo collages and kids' real-life experiences about going to school in India – on a mountaintop, under a mango tree, in a tent in the desert, plus different ways to get to school (besides rickshaw or bullock cart) and what kids eat for lunch. An extraordinary glimpse of kids in all parts of India today. (Picture book)

Irresistible rhyming tiger story by Indian author Anushka Ravishankar. "Tiger? On a tree? Rubbish! Cannot be!" Whimsical, bold illustrations and for little kids. (Picture book)

Charming adventures of Shoba and her pet monkey Fuzzy Patel on their way to Mumbai for a wedding, as they are joined by a camel, snake charmer, elephants, a group of monks, and ladies in shiny saris. Dreamy illustrations will delight little ones. (Picture book)

A grandfather tells his grandchildren stories about India, how the sun uncurls like a fiery tiger, the monsoon rain makes mirrors on the ground, snow atop the Himalayas is a giant ice cream, and the shape of India is an elephant's ear. This is a lovely story to read out loud. (Picture book)