Day: August 17, 2021

Desi Board Books for your infant (0-1 years) and toddler (1-3 years) to introduce concept and the world of stories, books and reading.

In 2014, When I was pregnant, I was introduced to the world of stories and story books. People around me started calling me a crazy mom because I ordered more than 200 books already for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. My father-in-law used to pull my leg saying “You wish to make him a doctor by the time he is 6 years old”. I laughed and laughed.

Of all the books I ordered I loved the board books because of the quality of thick paper, glossy pictures and big texts. The only discontent was that all these board books were from U.S.A or U.K and naturally they were based on their cultures. I being a hardcore desi girl couldn’t connect deeply with them. I searched a lot but couldn’t find desi board books for my 9 months old infant.

Though one year later, I came across many Indian Publishers who were doing commendable work in the field of children literature. These Indian Board Books will make you go awe because of their illustration, short and cute stories.

Here is a list of the 15 board books which I find interesting for any toddler’s library:

1. The Tree illustrated by Kaori Takahashi is a captivating one. This is the first part of a set of 4 interactive books under the broader title of Peek-a-book published by Tara Books. The book opens to reveal a tree, step by step, and as the book unfolds, you see the story of the occupants unfolding as well. Available on: Tarabooks.com.

2. Birthday Surprise illustrated by Kaori Takahashi brings the concept of celebration in early childhood. A girl meets her friends on her birthday and as the book unfolds, so do the surprises her friends have planned for her. Available on: Tarabooks.com.

3. Boo! – Peek a boo illustrated by Kaori Takahashi is a total fun. Each page of the book unfolds to a character doing Peek a Boo! Sure to be a big hit with toddlers. Available on: Tarabooks.com

4. Who’s hungry? illustrated by Kaori Takahashi is apt on animals and lunch time. Chomp, chomp, who’s munching on their lunch? Available on: Tarabooks.com

5. Fruits of India another masterpiece by Jill Hartley shows the realistic photographs of the fruits of India weaved into a board book. India is home to a rich variety of fruits: some are local to the region, while others travelled thousands of miles and have since found a home here. Ideal for both home and classroom, this series takes children on a visual journey that is at once exotic and familiar. Available on: Tarabooks.com

6. Vegetables of India by Jill Hartley shows the realistic photographs of the vegetables of India weaved into a board book. India is home to a rich variety of vegetables: some are local to the region, while others travelled thousands of miles and have since found a home here. Ideal for both home and classroom, this series takes children on a visual journey that is at once exotic and familiar. Available on: Tarabooks.com

7. Akkad Bakkad illustrated by Shreya Sen is perfect for those looking for learning with fun. A wacky lot of numbers have the time of their life in this all-time favourite Punjabi rhyme. Available on: Tulikabooks.com

8. Pooni, Pooni, Where are You? By Manjula Padmanabhan is a story about a young girl as who looks for Pooni, her cat that is playing hide and seek with her. Babies and toddlers will have fun spotting Pooni, hidden among the pages of this board book. Available on: Tulikabooks.com

9. Cheep Cheep, illustrated by Soumya Menon introduces your toddler to Indian Birds which you see daily around you. Cheep-cheep, teep-teep, koo-koo, ghoo-ghoo… a world of sounds in this rhyme adapted from Marathi. Available on: Tulikabooks.com

10. Dosa Amma Dosa, illustrated by Anupama S. Iyer always makes me hungry with the mouth-watering pictures of Dosas. An adaptation with all the fun and flavour of the much-loved Tamil rhyme. Available on: Tulikabooks.com

11. Haathi Bhai, illustrated by Paridhi Didwania is a cute book for Elephant lovers featuring a big, round and colourful Haathi Bhai. Adapted from the lively Gujarati rhyme, this English version doesn’t miss a beat! A must one for toddlers. Available on: Tulikabooks.com

12. One Rainy Day by Shobha Viswanath combines counting skills with the art of storytelling to create a timeless board book for early readers. Illustrators Ashworth P.S. and Anusha Sundar use a combination of collages, photography, and design to stunningly capture a rainy day. Learn numbers along with the rain in this stunning board book from Karadi Tales that artistically captures a rainy day with a melange of collages, photos and design. Available on: Karaditales.com

13. Colors of India collection by Indigrowkids. This is my favourite as the book is completely inspired by each and every part of India from culture to location. It has it all. Join Koko, the little black crow on his delightful journey exploring the vibrant colours of India. He travels all over the country discovering different things about India through the magic of colours. Every page is filled with a vibrant splash of colour and an associated picture in the same colour. Available on: Indigrowkids.com.

14. Cut Out Board Books by Om Books International. Om books has a broad set of cute cut out board books for categories like: Animals, Indian Gods & Goddesses and Transportation to introduce toddlers to Indian Culture. Available on ombooksinternational.com.

15. Board Books by Indian Publishers like Dreamland Publishers, Sawan Books, Majestic Books and Manoj Books are available in Indian Toy Shops and even online, whose focus is completely on introducing concepts like shapes, colors, animals, fruits, vegetables, professions and even good manners. You can check them out as well if only learning is your goal.

Use these Board Books to introduce concepts based in an Indian environment. Your toddler and you will have great fun while flipping, reading, or playing with these books.
Reading Aloud to your toddler daily will infuse the reading habit in them easily when they reach the age of independent reading. Telling stories to your babies and toddlers will give them the mindset to succeed in life. To learn how to tell stories effectively join The Story Bond for Parents (Learn the Art, Science and Craft of Storytelling for raising happy children, preteens, teenagers and eventually into a whole adult). Click here to join: https://notjusttales.com/the-story-bond/

Leave your queries or comments in the Comment Box. Will be happy to empower you.

Disclaimer: The images and the description are sourced from the website of each publisher

Thank You

Storyteller I Trainer I Drama Educator

Khusshbo Chokhaani