22 Children’s Books to Get Your Hands On This Year | 2021 TBR

One can never begin reading too early – although different books appeal to the sensibilities of different age groups, they are perennial companions no matter how old we turn. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most highly anticipated children’s books for the year – what’s more, we’ve categorised them by age so you know exactly what’ll interest whom. From young readers to young adults, this list holds a treasure for all ages!

Young Readers

The Germ Academy by Rea Mukhtyar Malhotra and Shahena Zaveri (Fiction | Picture book)

The Germ Academy, a brilliantly illustrated picture book by Rea Mukhtyar Malhotra and Shahena Zaveri presents the story of the Coronavirus or Covie and stresses on the importance of keeping clean to fight the virus. A timely story that is a little bit creepy, a little bit bubbly, and a whole lot of fun!

Releasing February 2021

Noa and the Elephant by Michael Foreman (Fiction | Picture book)

A heart-warming and achingly relevant story about elephant conservation, from picture book legend, Michael Foreman. Perfect for children of all ages to share with their families and learn about the the environment and the importance of preserving remarkable world we live in.

Buy now!

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris (Fiction)

Meena Harris debuts with an empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of her aunt, US Senator Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer, and policy expert Maya Harris.

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Young to Middle Readers

The Gopi Diaries (Book 2): Finding Love by Sudha Murty (Fiction)

When We Got Lost in Dreamland by Ross Welford (Fiction)

The landmark new novel from Ross Welford, one of the fastest-growing and most critically acclaimed middle grade authors in the UK, this funny, moving and brilliant sixth book cements his position as the most exciting storyteller around for readers of 10+.

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The Last Bear by Hannah Gold (Fiction)

An instant classic with a bear-sized heart, Hannah Gold’s debut novel is a touching story of kindness, adventure, and forging your own path—an excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page black-and-white illustrations throughout, as well as information about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears.

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Talking to Alaska by Anna Woltz, translated by Laura Watkinson (Fiction)

A powerful story of two unlikely friends brought together by the love of a dog. It only takes one day at their new school for Parker and Sven to become mortal enemies. When Parker discovers her beloved dog Alaska – who she had to give away last year – now belongs to Sven, she’s determined to steal Alaska back. Of course, that’s easier said than done…

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The Culture of Clothes by Giovanna Alessio, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (Non-Fiction)

A stunning exhibition of national dress from around the world, curated and beautifully illustrated by Indian illustrator, Chaaya Prabhat. Explore how traditional dress is an important part of a region’s identity and the meaning behind the intricate details and symbols they feature. This book will take readers on a colourful journey around the world, visiting 30 different countries!

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A To Z of Indian Cities: Ahmedabad to Zunheboto by Rati Malaiya (Non-Fiction)

Rati Malaiya’s A to Z of Indian Cities lets you travel to 26 remarkable cities, one each for every letter of the alphabet. The beautifully illustrated pictorial maps by Bechain Nagari Studios will help you explore the well-known and the lesser known, from Mumbai, Indore and Varanasi to Quilon, Xeldom and Zunheboto and many other cities. Discover local traditions, festivals, iconic monuments, cuisine and much else that give India its incredible diversity, culture and heritage.

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The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Fiction)

A moving story of family separation and the importance of the connection between animals and humans, this novel has the enormous heart and uplifting humour that readers have come to expect from the beloved author of Counting by 7s.

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The Amar Chitra Katha Folktales Series (Fiction)

Amar Chitra Katha recreates some iconic comics for early readers in narrative form, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. This new series features Funny Folktales from all over India, the Best of Wit and Wisdom from the country’s amazing range of folklore and fables, and Buddhist Stories.

Coming soon!

Middle Readers

The Story Quilt: Regional Children’s Stories from India, compiled by Harshikaa Udasi (Fiction)

The Story Quilt is an eclectic collection of stories that have been carefully cherry-picked by journalist and children’s writer, Harshikaa Udasi from across India to bring to children a flavour of writing in different Indian languages, especially those languages that we read very little about. The book includes original stories written in a variety of languages, translated into English from Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Punjabi and Sindhi.

Coming soon!

The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy (Fiction)

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The Coward and the Sword by Jugal Hansraj (Fiction)

Jugal Hansraj’s delightful new novel for children is about the journey of a timid young Prince as he learns that true bravery lies within one’s own heart and should be used to create peace, not war. 

Coming soon!

Young Adults

Saira Zariwala is Afraid by Shabnam Minwalla (Fiction)

Shabnam Minwalla’s new young adult novel, Saira Zariwala is Afraid is part mystery, part horror. And more than that. It is also about being a teenager in Mumbai, and about friendship and romance and the ease with which people can hide behind their phones. It all starts when Saira gets a phone for her 14^th birthday. The story then spirals along taking the reader on a dark and sinister ride — making for a truly unputdownable book.

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Pumpkin by Julie Murphy (Fiction)

Return to the beloved world of Julie Murphy’s #1 New York Times bestselling Dumplin’—now a popular Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Aniston—in this fabulously joyful, final companion novel about drag, prom, and embracing your inner Queen.

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CATCH GLIMPSES OF THE INSIDE OF INDIA IN SCIENCE

India in Science (Non-Fiction)
A perfect keepsake for young science enthusiasts, the third book in the India series, India in Science, touches upon the milestones in India’s scientific development and gives you a rare peek into some unknown scientific discoveries, all of which took place in this country! Packed with evocative pictures and stunning illustrations, the book is a visual treat for those who want to keep a record of India’s scientific journey. The book comes with a pull-out poster and includes trivia as well as timeline pages.

Coming soon!

Pictured above are Kalpana Swaminathan (t) and Ishrat Syed (b), known by their pseudonym Kalpish Ratna.

Pandemonium in Pakshila by Kalpish Ratna (Fiction)

How do you find an invisible monster? What can you do when the jungle at your doorstep decides it needs a champion – and you’re JustIt? Does anybody even notice you’re only ten years old? Oh no, they just expect you to take on the Pandemonium in Pakshila!

Coming soon!

Spooky Stories by Tanushree Podder (Fiction)

A writer’s journey turns into a nightmare when he disembarks from the train to catch a thief and misses the train. With references to historical incidents and real-life locations, Spooky Stories is an unusual set of spine-tingling stories. 

Coming soon!

Incredible Indians: 75 Indians Who Shaped Modern India by Ashwitha Jayakumar (Non-Fiction)

The first biography title in the India series, 75 People Who Shaped Modern India features the nation builders who played a key role in giving direction to the country. Packed with rare images and beautiful illustrations to bring alive the era that defined India’s destiny as a modern nation, the book includes a range of literary scholars and philosophers who gave India its conscience.

Coming soon!