Every month we get many many many review copies from our partner publishers. We’re sharing all the latest releases that we have come across in 2024! This curated post gets updated throughout the year so bookmark it for sure!
The Girl Who Lost Her Yes by Aarti Khatwani Bhatia, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan (36 pages)
Sad-Glad | A picture book about embracing changing emotions | good mental health | ages 3 and up (32 pages)
My Grandmother Can’t Cook! by Indu Balachandran for 4-8 years
Paro of the Sundarbans by Vaishnavi Giri for 4-8 years (36 pages)
A Thousand Full Moons by Shobha Vishwanathan
Keshav’s Kolam by Shobha Vishwanathan (20 pages)
Priya, the Jungle Dancer
The Adventures of Ed-a-Mamma: Ed Finds a Home | A picture book on caring for the planet and friendship with pets by Alia Bhatt for 5 years+
Lakshmi’s Little Bird by Sharanya Kunnath for 5 years+ (32 pages)
BOO BOO SERIES by Tanushree Podder for 7-10 years (110 pages) published by OM BOOKS
Boo-Boo’s Adventures
Boo-Boo Investigates
Boo-Boo the Eco-Warrior
Boo-Boo Investigates – Amardeep has this and has shared an inside page in the fb group here.
Quoting her: “This is the story of an adorable ghost turned detective, who along with his friend Tanya, goes on several adventures and solves many mysteries.
The font is not only easy to read but the different sizes used, makes it attractive for kids. Even though the book is low on illustrations, the exciting story is enough to keep the readers glued to the book.”
The Alligator and The Stapler and Other Magical Tales for 6-10 years (136 pages) published by OM BOOKS
TruBuddy Comics for 7-14 years by the makers of MENSTRUPEDIA (24 pages each)
TruBuddy Complete Guide to Mastering Habits (Set of 3 Books)
TruBuddy Complete Guide to Effective Communication (Set of 3 Books)
TruBuddy Comics: Needs vs Wants – Gulu Meets Money
TruBuddy Comics: Believe to Achieve – Developing the Winning Attitude
TruBuddy Comics: Bounce Back from Failure
TruBuddy Comics: How to Talk Confidently
TruBuddy Comics: The Secret to Forming Habits
TruBuddy Comics: How to Break Bad Habits
TruBuddy Comics: How to Stick to Good Habits
TruBuddy Comics: Revision Techniques for Exam Success
TruBuddy Comics: How Friends Shape Us
TruBuddy Comics: How to Read for Better Learning
TruBuddy Comics: Appreciation The Art of Winning Hearts
TruBuddy Comics: Public Speaking Like a Leader
Ostrich Girl | An illustrated chapter book on biodiversity and conservation (hOle Book) by Lesley Biswas for 6-9 years. Amardeep has reviewed this book in the kbc fb group here and has shared an inside page as well. Excerpts:
“Ostrich Girl” is a story about a girl named Ritu, her secret life as a bird-call mimicker, and her quest to help conserve the bird population in her island.
The story is set in a small village in West Bengal, where the main income for everyone is derived from tourism. However, with a thriving demand for pet birds in the cities, the birds from the villages are slowly disappearing and small children are being recruited and trained to imitate bird calls, to fool the tourists. On one such day, Ritu’s call is mistaken by a small boy to be that of an ostrich, and he insists on seeing one! Where will they find an ostrich in India?
Like all hOle books, this one too has a large font, and lovely black and white illustrations (of birds). The author has done an amazing job of discussing important and critical issues of animal conservation, extinction and pet trade through a brilliantly crafted adventure that is humorous and insightful, and an absolute joy for bird lovers with tonnes of names of birds and their bird calls! It’s not all fun and games though, it encourages the reader to think about the reasons for the pet trade and why the villagers are often pushed into it due to monetary reasons, and offers solutions too!
Feathers, Fools and Farts: Manipuri Folktales Retold for 8 years+
How and Why Tales by Geeta Ramanujam | A collection of illustrated, imaginative folktales, perfect for bed-time reading | 8 years+
. Seetha Lakshmi has shared Mahathi’s review here in the fb group with some inside pages. Excerpts:
“This book lets you dive into the amazing world of the Padma Awards, one of India’s top honours! It introduces you to fifty fantastic individuals—like artists, scientists, freedom fighters, social workers, sports stars, and more. It provides a vivid look at how these individuals succeeded and became famous. They’ve shown that with grit, persistence, and bravery, anything is possible.
Some of my favourites were: Mihir Sen, the first man to swim the oceans of five continents in one year inspired me to set my goals high in my swimming journey.
Aruna Asaf Ali, who hoisted the forbidden Indian Flag at Gowalia Tank in Mumbai marking the start of the Quit India Movement, inspired me with her courage.
Keshava Shankar Pillai, master cartoonist, who drew humorous and satirical cartoons is an inspiration to be boldly creative.
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who defied segregation by entering a “Whites Only” train compartment and refusing to move is yet another inspiration to be brave and stand your ground for the right thing.
Ismat Chughtai, a free-spirited writer who defied societal norms by befriending a Hindu girl despite religious differences amused me more when I got to know she became a celebrated writer even though she was awful at spellings!The book also highlights the Civilian Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri) these individuals have received.
One story that particularly surprised me was that of Narthaki Natraj, a transgender Indian dancer who overcame numerous struggles and was awarded the Padma Shri. Another inspiring story was that of Melville De Mellow, a radio broadcaster, who received a Padma Shri for his warm and sweet voice. These stories were truly mind-blowing and inspires me to strive for more in my own life.
The illustrations in the book are colourful, evocative and fascinating. I loved the colour pallete for each of the pages. They are all so different and unique.
Marking seventy years of the Padma Awards, this beautifully illustrated book will inspire young readers to aim high and conquer any obstacle. This book is a must-have!”
Mehar’s World of Colours | A middle-grade story about self-discovery, parental pressures and friendship hurdles by Arti Sonthalia for 8-12 years (160 pages)
Ghoul School by Vibha Batra for 9 years+
How to Win an Election (A Most Unreliable Guide) | A humorous story about two best friends navigating school elections by Menaka Raman for 10 years+ (232 pages)
Muniya’s Quest by Mandira Shah for 10 years+ (224 pages)
Living with Adi: A middle-grade novel about an autistic teenager navigating through life by Zarin Virji for 10-13 years (224 pages)
The Talking Book by Jane De Suza (the author of Flyaway Boy – a must must read recommended by Aarini) for 10-12 years (216 pages)
Tiger Tiger! Stories of the Big Cat (read detailed review here) for 10+
Megha’s Autumn Equation for 10 years+ by Reshmi Sujesh. Lakshana received a review copy from the author and shared a review in the fb group here. To quote her:
“This story is about a teenage girl Megha who hates three things in life – Maths, Pigeons, Bananas. Story plot unveils when Megha’s Autumn vacation is cancelled and she is made to join special maths classes instead. There she meets Damini who teaches Megha how to ace in maths. The story teaches the importance of how anyone can make positive impact on society no matter whether you are adult or child.
Throughout the story, ,I felt this book is about me. I could very well relate to Megha – be it hating maths ( my marks in maths went down since my mom stopped teaching me) / Bananas or getting compared with my maths expert sibling. I found this book very funny at times for instance when Megha kept the name of group of girls as ‘burpees’. Such a simple and fine read all teenagers would love. This book deserves much praise – thanks to the author for such writing such a funny, witty and totally relatable and thoughtful story.”
The Case Files of Anwesha Krishnamurthy: Mystery of the missing friend for 9 years+ by Reshmi Sujesh. Mona got a review copy and shared Spriha’s review in the fb group here. Excerpts:
“Anwesha has a goal of cracking every case she finds and organizes all those in her diary. She likes exchanging facts and learning laws from her uncle who is a policeman. After summer vacation, Anwesha can’t hold her excitement to meet her best friend, Sheetal. But she learns that Sheetal’s transfer certificate was given two days back. Some things don’t add up when Anwesha tries to find ways to contact her closest friend. It gives me goosebumps thinking of the moment Anwesha finally decides to add new case in her diary – The Mystery of The Missing Friend.
Story picks up pace towards the last chapters when this mystery novel eventually transforms into a crime thriller. Whenever Anwesha is stuck, she plans how she can get next piece of information. Then, piece by piece, she fixes it like a jigsaw puzzle. My heart was racing, hands were sweaty, and eyes were glued to know what would happen next. It was much more than disappearance of a friend. At times, I felt Anwesha is too brave and sometimes I just hoped she stayed safe. Anwesha inspires me to have courage, stay alert and act smart.”
The Men Who Dared – 12 Inspiring Life Stories for 9/10-14 years. Medhansh has a review copy and his mom Rakshita has shared an inside page here in the fb group as well as a few lines about it:
“What these are all Indian men…and what a lovely compilation by the author Ridhi Sarda.
Here is what I love as a mother, that how blessed our kid’s generation is to have access to such information from our own country. While you and I know these men, but how much do we know is the question. So why not let our kids learn from their lives a bit or two, because you never know what connects the chord and how that impacts their journey.”
MEDHANSH HAS SHARED A VIDEO REVIEW IN THE KBC FACEBOOK GROUP HERE!
The Book of Emperors: An Illustrated History of the Mughals for 9/11 years+. Medhansh has a review copy and his mom Rakshita has shared a video of the inside pages here in our fb group. Quoting her:
So while Medhansh is busy with exams and his review will take time, I thought to share my input with this video. No I am not judging the book by it’s cover but certainly these illustrations are too appealing for me to not share a video on the look an feel.
Ok…I am a look and feel person when it comes to books. And now I just want to go back in my teens to enjoy reading such fab looking history books. While as a child I had no inclination in history but this book certainly made me sit down and go through the content much before Medhansh came home. Why can’t they introduce such books in schools. Kudos to the authors for making Indian history so much fun and beyond mugging.
If you have an advanced reader then 9+ is a good age, otherwise 11 year olds will definitely enjoy. This book is for keeps…you can read , enjoy, discuss on dining table types. You can gift this to someone who loves reading about Indian history. In my opinion illustrations work very well for kids and this can easily be a starter kind of book if you want to develop interest in Indian history.
The Body in The Swimming Pool : The Chicken Pox Club Investigates by Shabnam Minwalla for 12 years+ (208 pages)
Persian Nights an Indian Child in Iran : A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Alaka Rajan Skinner for 12 years+ (80 pages)
The Later Adventures of Hanuman | 40 fantastical tales of Hanuman’s adventures after the age of Rama | Mythological fiction (YA) by Amit Majmudar for 14 years+
Hold On to Your Dreams : A Letter to Young Friends by Ruskin Bond (YA). Sowmya got a review copy. Excerpts from her review in the kbc fb group: “This is a treasure trove of wisdom and wit. It is a poignant essay in which Bond effortlessly weaves tales of love, kinship and solitude.
We get a rare glimpse into the personal daily life of Ruskin Bond. You will giggle as he swats away his feline friend, Mimi. Or enjoy his favourite strawberry milkshake made by his (adopted) granddaughter, Srishti. He wonders whether he could have been a tap dancer or sold boiled eggs, if not for becoming an author!
Now in the twilight of his life, this book has Bond’s trademark wry humour (‘My eye sight is affected, which means I no longer fall in love at first sight’) intermixed with philosophical musings(‘Old writers never die, they simply go out of print’).
He advises us that being alone is good but not to seek solitude for it may lead to loneliness. All three words more or less mean the same thing conceptually, however have different meanings. The author cautiously advises his young readers on how to navigate life without sounding patronising.
The gist of the essay is to hold onto your dreams- for they will fuel your life. It will help you tide over disappointments and power you through happier times. Bond effortlessly weaves nostalgic stories of the past and reflects on the tumultuous war-torn present day. He wonders whether man is on a mission to destroy fellow humans.
The highlight of the book are the quotes which are pearls of wisdom, which are printed in various fonts and styles. Pearl D’Souza ‘s stark illustrations complement the words. I loved that Mr.Bond’s silhouette peers at us between the pages. An afterword written in Ruskin Bond’s handwriting was a beautiful addition as well!!”
Everything Sucks by Andaleeb Wajid (YA)
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