Hi Kid Lit Friends,
Sometimes, I create book lists based on a new book that has come across my desk, and that is the case for this week’s newsletter. A gorgeous book called My Incredible India arrived in my book mail, and I knew I wanted to talk about it and build my book recommendations around it.
But first…autumn is here! The leaves are changing in Central Park, and I am loving my runs these days because I get to look at all the gorgeous trees. The changing weather also makes me want to curl up with a hot drink and a blanket and read. If you want help finding the perfect books for your cool weather reading, Book Riot’s TBR can help you find the perfect books, with options curated to your specific reading tastes. Check it out here!
Bookish Goods
Bookish Temporary Tattoo by LunaAndRoseStudio
Temporary tattoos never go out of style, according to my teenager who always begs me for them. These bookish tattoos are adorable and a great way to show your love for the written word. $5
New Releases
Boyogi: How a Wounded Family Learned to Heal by David Barclay Moore, illustrated by Noa Denmon
I really loved this sensitive, hopeful book about a family welcoming back a father returning from military service. When Butta Bean’s father comes home, he is different — withdrawn and isolated. But through ongoing yoga sessions at the local YMCA, his father finds healing and a path forward with his son at his side.
Full Moon Pups by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Chuck Groenink
This was a beautiful peek into the lives of a litter of pups growing up in the wild. They are born under a full moon, and over the next month, they explore the world around them, waiting for the night when they can yip at the full moon themselves.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
And here we go, some wonderful children’s books about India!
My Incredible India by Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti
In this beautifully illustrated and informative book, readers are treated to a broad view of a vast and diverse country. It highlights certain geographical areas as well as places of interest, like the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Udaipur’s Lake Palace, and the Chandigarh Rock Garden.
Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar
This historical fiction novel follows Anjali and her family in the 1940s after Gandhi asked each family to give one family member to the freedom movement. Her mother joins, and the family all makes sacrifices to stand up to the British government. It is a beautiful and eye-opening book that reveals the cost of colonization and the will of the people to regain control of their land and culture.
Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal, illustrations by Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated book by one of my favorite artists is a celebration of Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Two siblings collect flowers to make into colorful powders as they look to celebrate fresh starts, friendship, and forgiveness.
Namaste is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam, illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat
I love this sweet book that explores the many meanings of the word “namaste.” A young girl finds that the richness of the word extends out into her city, through greetings but also through loving the world and sharing kindnesses.
What are you reading these days?
Let me know! Find me on X at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
Karina