WILD ABOUT INDIA – INDIAN PITTA KIDS SERIES for 7 years+
Wild About India is the first dedicated Indian wildlife series for children. With stunning real photography, expert-vetted facts and kid-friendly language, each one of the books in the series takes young readers across India’s diverse animal kingdom.
What makes this series stand out from others in the market is that every single fact, photo and claim has been checked and approved by India’s top wildlife experts. It is a trustworthy, deeply researched, brilliantly presented resource that works equally well as a gift or a school project companion.
Let’s see what our kbcians have to say about the books they have read!
BUGS BUGS EVERYWHERE!
Title: The Book of Indian Bugs
Author: Abhishek Gulshan
Type: Paperback with glossy pages
Length: 100 pages
Age group: 7 years+
Hemalatha’s detailed review along with inside pages was shared in the kbc fb group here. In her words:
This is an utterly mesmerizing bug book which brings out the miniature world of insects and their identity to us. The author shows the big picture of these creepy crawlies into captivating characters, which instills a Scientific curiosity among young readers. This book excels at breaking down complex entomological facts into easy-to-read and engaging narrative for children.
This bug book starts with highlighting on how insects rule the world from the Himalayan slopes to the sands of Thar desert, they can survive anywhere. It was interesting to know that over 60,000 known species are recorded in India.
LIFE CYCLE OF BUGS:
The stages of Bug’s life and their mighty roles in nature especially how they help in Pollinating, Recycling, planting seeds and balancing nature are nicely explained.
SIX – LEGGED FAVOURITES:
The list of Indian Bugs covered in this book includes a variety of
1. Bees ( Leafcutter bee, Blue-banded bee)
2. Wasp (Paper wasp, Potter wasp)
3. Fly ( Robber fly, Hoverfly, Fruitfly, Cranefly, Firefly)
4. Beetles ( Dung Beetle, Blister beetle)
5. Hoppers ( Leaf hopper, Plant hopper, Treehopper, Painted grasshopper)
6. Mantis ( Stick Mantis, Bark Mantis, Indian Flower Mantis)
7. Sticks ( Indian walking Stick)
8. Bugs ( Stink Bug, Jewel Bug, Assassin Bug, Mealy Bug, Spittle Bug, Lady Bug, Lace Wing, Cicada, House cricket, Weevil, Indian Black Ant)
Each of the above is presented with beautiful narration and eye-catching pictures, clicked by the author himself showcasing his amazing photographic skills.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS:
● Bugs breathe through Spiracles – through their side body parts and antennae.
● They can hear through legs, abdomen, thorax or even wings.
● They do get thirsty and sip water.
● They talk and communicate in their own way with scents, colours and signals.
● They can camouflage to appear like sticks, leaves, even bird droppings.
● They come colour coded.
● They imitate scary moves/sounds
● They can spray/release stinky chemicals.
● They can even run upside down.
● They can walk on water (water Strider)
WHAT MY 8 YEAR OLD LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
My kid was greatly attracted towards the CRITTER CARDS, a unique presentation of tiny details about each insect, showcasing their personality, favourite snack, location, size. He likes comparing each one of them and imagines which one is stronger, which one could possibly win if they both fought with each other. He also stated that he likes the cute icons presented under every insect picture, such an interesting and enjoyable activity to decode them as well!
READERS – SUPERHEROES FOR BUGS
The author educates the readers and inspires us to step outside and protect these tiny heroes. We need to understand that Insects and Bugs are not supposed to be squished, but to be respected and protected. This book proves that our world would collapse without these smallest rulers.
To order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
A fun, beautifully made guide that has already answered so many questions and, I’m sure, will encourage kids to ask many more!!!
Book: The Book of Indian Snakes by Zai Whitaker and Rom Whitaker
Maithili shared her review + inside pages in the kbc fb group here. Exceprts:
We have quite a few field guides at home, but somehow, one important guide was always missing, a snake guide! And I’m so glad we now have The Book of Indian Snakes by Zai Whittaker and Rom Whitaker, from Juggernaut’s Ultimate Indian Animal Series.
It’s such a beautiful, glossy book, filled with gorgeous illustrations and real photographs of snakes commonly found across India. But what makes it even more special for us is how simply it answers the questions that curious little minds ask.
Do snakes have enemies?
Who are herpetologists?
Why do snakes enter homes?
It covers almost everything my kids have been curious about, in language that is easy to read, understand and enjoy. And having the book written by our favourite herpetologist, Rom Whitaker, makes it even more exciting.
I’m really glad Juggenaut came up with this series. It’s not just a book to read at home, but this one is coming along with us on our field trips from now on!
To order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
An accessible, beautifully crafted read for nature lovers of all ages, and a brilliant introduction to India’s lesser-known wildlife.
Book: India’s Most Endangered Animals
Bhavneet shared her review and some inside pages here in the kbc fb group. Quoting her:
This eye-opening volume was a genuine discovery, introducing some of the most peculiar and overlooked endangered species hiding in plain sight within our own country—creatures many readers won’t have encountered anywhere else.
Far from being a dense academic text, it strikes the ideal balance: concise, engaging profiles covering each animal’s appearance, habitat, and diet without ever feeling preachy. The selection highlights 10 fascinating animals, including:
1. Great Indian Bustard
2. Gharial
3. White-Bellied Heron
4. Indian Skimmer
5. Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat (a personal favorite!)
(Plus five more waiting to be discovered inside.)
The production quality matches the content. Printed on thick, glossy pages, the book features stunning photography and illustration work that makes even the most unexpected subjects (yes, even a lizard!) look striking. A helpful distribution map at the end charts where each animal can be found, making it tempting to pack the book for your next travel adventure and try spotting them in the wild.
Asreet is a big animal enthusiast. The whole book was savoured within minutes of arriving and continuous to be on the every day list. Some days, only browsing through the pictures. She loved loved the hawksbill turtle and said wow!
To order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
Warning: You’ll wanna pack your bags immediately to see these beautiful animals!
Book – India’s Most Beautiful Animals
Mahima has shared 10 year old Aarav’s review here in the kbc fb group. Excerpts:
When the book arrived, the cover itself was so attractive I couldn’t stop myself from reading it immediately.
The book covers some really fantastic creatures in India. I have seen a few I was all the more thrilled to spot them in this book. But I also found some animals that I haven’t seen and have now become curious to see them especially one in particular – the Galaxy Frog. It actually looks like a patch of the galaxy on the ground, but it’s also an endangered animal with very rare spotting. It’s so rare that scientists have very little information about this beautiful creature.
The golden langur is one that I want to see too, it looks enchanting to me. Imagine a Flying Snake, now imagine its body is covered with decorations like intricate designs on jewellery – Ornate Flying Snake that’s what it’s actually called. Ohh!! And the Orange Oak Leaf Butterfly – that’s part of the list too. Its beautiful wing shape gives it the name and looks almost like a dried leaf when closed.
In my last visit to Darjeeling though I had the chance to witness the beauty of the Red Panda (believe me all the 3 at the zoo were being absolutely lazy) and the Himalayan Monal – its vibrant colours are eye-catching.
Actually there’s more in this book about the Jewel Beetles, Gliding Frog, Glass Lizards …. No!! I’m not giving out everything. I want you to grab a copy of the book and read it yourself.
To order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
[Note from Team Kids Book Café: For your convenience, affiliate links (MARKED IN PINK) to some of the book titles & images have been added to enable you to buy the books from AMAZON, should you wish to! A very small amount of money comes to kidsbookcafe.com when you purchase a book via the amazon affiliate link provided (at absolutely no extra cost to you!). Do let us know if you need information about other children’s books by writing to asha@kidsbookcafe.com.]
