Tag: books

Eight English Fiction Books for Children (Beginners)

Post author By Earthadmin
Post date April 7, 2025

Books have a magical way of shaping young minds, sparking curiosity, and opening doors to extraordinary adventures. For little ones just beginning their reading journey, EarthLab brings you a charming selection of English fiction books crafted especially for early readers. These stories are simple yet engaging, filled with warmth, imagination, and playful adventures that make reading fun. With lovable characters, gentle lessons, and relatable moments, these books are perfect for building confidence and nurturing a lifelong love for stories.

CACTUS WANTS A HUG

Written by- Neil Flory

Published by-Hachette India

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

Who doesn’t want a hug? Even a cactus needs a hug sometimes! Welcome to the sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated journey of a prickly-pokey cactus, who, like the rest of us, longs for a hug. But who would hug a cactus? Our sad and hug-seeking cactus leaves the desert and begins looking for a hug everywhere, but given his not-so-hug-friendly nature, his quest is challenging. Just as he is about to lose all hope, he finds someone who surprises him.

This heart-warming story is about self-acceptance, and the joy of friendship. After all, friends always give the warmest hugs, making life more bearable. If you’re looking for a cozy and charming picture book for your child, this one is a perfect choice. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

LAKSHMI’S LITTLE BIRD

Written by- Sharanya Kunnath

Published by- Hachette India

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

A delightful tale about friendships, and how the most authentic and extraordinary bonds can blossom in the most unexpected places.

This picture book follows the story of little Lakshmi, who has heard her Amma say, “Every cow has a bird.” Inspired by this, Lakshmi wants her own bird, a friend who will stay with her forever, many birds come and go, but none stay, though Lakshmi never loses hope. Will Lakshmi ever find her forever friend? This engaging tale, filled with vibrant illustrations, simple storytelling, and a unique point of view, is a perfect read for early readers. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

MARVELLOUSLY MIXED-UP

Written by- Neil Flory

Published by-Hachette India

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

This book feels like entering a multiverse of madness, with eye-popping and futuristic creatures, Neil Flory takes us on a hilarious and adventurous journey into a world of mixed-up animals.

What happens when you mix a snail and a moth? Or a kangaroo and a grasshopper? Come along as we delve and encounter imaginative hybrids like the Donpidrill, Snoth, Hedgekunk, Hipsquirrot, Kangahopper, and so many more unique creations. With stunning illustrations and hilarious descriptions, this book is a delightful read for young animal lovers and fans of the whimsical. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

THE ELVES AND THE SHOE SHOP

Written by- Katie Woolley

Published by- Hachette India

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

This enchanting tale takes readers to a magical world through a sweet and thoughtful story.

The plot follows a poor shoemaker and his wife, who work hard and pray every night to survive tough times. One day, the shoemaker finds a finished pair of shoes waiting in his shop instead of the cutouts he left behind. Who is working in the shop at night?

The story introduces the elves, who secretly assist the couple, transforming their lives. In return, the shoemaker and his wife make clothes, shoes, and food for the elves as a gesture of gratitude. With its timeless themes of kindness, hard work, and community, paired with charming illustrations, this story is perfect for children aged 5–9. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO EAT SOFT, FLUFFY IDLIS?

Written by- Radhika Suri

Published by- IndiePress

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

Join Radhika on a delicious journey to explore the art of making idlis; a soft, tangy South Indian treat.

The story revolves around Ajji, her grandchildren Kai and Pai, and their grand-dog Gobi Manchurian who brainstorm creative ways to make the perfect idlis. But what happens when the batter doesn’t rise as expected? Filled with clever tricks, fun learning moments, and delightful illustrations, this book offers a delightful mix of culinary adventure and family bonding. It’s a must-read for little foodies. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

ILHAM’S BIRTHDAY

Written by- Aftab Yusuf Shaikh

Published by- Tulika Books

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

It’s Ilham’s birthday, and she’s received a crisp fifty-rupee note by her father. But where can she safely keep the note?

This picture book is a charming little nugget that brims with the flavors of old Hyderabad. With its engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations, the story follows Ilham as she decides to have a pocket stitched onto her frock to keep her note safe. The story takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a whole new problem with the tailor Chachi. This book is a perfect choice for early readers, offering an entertaining and relatable tale with a cultural touch. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

PARO OF THE SUNDARBANS

Written by- Vaishnavi Giri

Published by- Karadi Tales Company Pvt. Ltd

Buy this fiction book for beginners here!

Let Vaishnavi Giri take you on an exciting adventure through the magical mangroves of the Sundarbans.

The story follows Paro, a little mudskipper (an amphibious fish), who has lost her way in the dense forests. Will she find her way back to the marshlands? Who will help her get back to her home safely; will it be the silver rhesus macaques, the chequered keel back snake, or the majestic tiger?

The book is an excellent way to introduce children to wildlife and have discussions about understanding, appreciating and protecting wildlife. This book beautifully depicts the diverse flora and fauna of the Sundarbans, with its stunning illustrations and a compelling story it makes up for a perfect read for early readers. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

BASKETFUL OF ANIMAL TALES (PANCHATANTRA)

Written by-Sreelata Menon

Published by- Harper Children’s

Buy this fiction book for early readers here!

Sreelata Menon brings life to India’s rich historical and literary legacy with retellings of a cluster of fascinating tales straight from Panchtantra. The book is filled with tales of cunning jackals, clever crows, quick-witted monkeys, foolish fish, and dim-witted lions. These timeless stories, told and retold over the centuries, are packed with wisdom and life lessons that remain relevant even in contemporary times. Accompanied by vibrant illustrations, this book is a delightful way to engage early readers with animal tales that are not only entertaining but also enlightening. To buy this fiction book click on the link.

Want more book recommendations?

Visit our Earthlab Club Library and Reading Room in Jakhan, Dehradun, and discover your next great read!

Tags book recommendations, books, children's books, Fiction, library, reading list

Reading Room

Ten Indian English Fiction Books for Children (Middle Grade)

Post author By
Post date March 22, 2025

Books have a magical way of shaping young minds, sparking curiosity, and opening doors to extraordinary adventures. For middle-grade readers, the right book can be a gateway to imagination, laughter, and learning. At Earthlab Club, we’ve put together a list of 10 exceptional English fiction books for children that blend fantasy, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether it’s quirky characters navigating everyday challenges or thrilling tales filled with mystery and wonder, these books will captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression.

Dive into these must-read recommendations and rediscover the joy of a great story!

GOBI GOES VIRAL

Written by- Vibha Batra

Published by- Scholastic India Private Limited

Buy this here

What would you do when you realize your days are limited at your beloved school? Make a friend? Win a competition? Well, that’s what Gopi did.

This story follows a guy who studies at Primrose Academy and is usually the subject of laughter and bullying at school for his unusual accent. Gopi still loves his school and is keen on ignoring the bullying, but as he realizes his days are limited, he conjures up the plan of proving his talent and embarks on the quest of winning a talent show in order to pay his fees for school. Would Gopi be able to muster enough courage to go up on the stage? Or would he leave Primrose Academy behind?

The author has built the narrative of the story in such a simple manner that it can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and the illustrations tie the story together. This fiction book also addresses the issue of bullying in school in a very apt manner. The characters are humorous, harmoniously blending with the themes in the plot. A fun read for anyone who enjoys books with a little sprinkle of Bollywood. To buy this book click on the link.

THE ALLIGATOR AND THE STAPLER AND OTHER MAGICAL TALES

Written by- Shazi Zaman

Published by- Om Books International

Buy this here

Come along as we dive into the fascinating tales following two twin sisters, Tara and Arzoo, who happen to have left their stapler near the riverside during one of their picnics, which becomes a catalyst in them experiencing magic all around them.

This magic enables them with abilities to enter each other’s dreams and also helps them in dreaming together. Now the twins feel like everything around them is expressing their feelings to them. The portrayal of vulnerability from things that cannot speak holds down the reader’s affection, from kitchens and trees to snakes and ladders in games, everything seems to have some thoughts they want to share. Though uncomfortable at first, the girls become more empathetic and compassionate as the plot moves forward towards these things.

The book feels like entering into a world full of magic woven into ordinary parts of our life, teaching children to look for magic in mundane things. This fiction book revolves around the themes of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. The black and white illustrations make the look of the book more thoughtfully done. If you want to explore magical stories that blend together with everyday tasks, then this is the perfect recommendation for your children and you. To buy this book click on the link.

GRANDPA’S BAG OF STORIES

Written by- Sudha Murty

Published by- Penguin Random House

Buy this here

Tag along as we travel through Mayawati, a beautiful hilly region in Uttarakhand with Anoushka, Krishna, Menu, and Raghu along with Ajja and Ajji. Written by India’s favorite storyteller Sudha Murthy, we follow these four kids as they meet their new storyteller, Ajja, who is now weaving the perfect tales that range from mermaids and princesses to Pahadi folklore.

As the children explore mountains, they come across sunsets of several hues, snow-capped mountain peaks, travel to new destinations, and make new friends, we see them falling in love with everything around them. The tales are full of wisdom, moral values, and feel as though we’re listening to them while lying in our grandparents’ laps. These magical stories talk about the most bizarre things you would ever expect in a tale like jalebis and bitter gourd.

The sketches are quite subtle and relevant to the plot, making each of these 18 short stories more engaging and interactive for young readers. This bag full of stories is a must-have collection not only for children but also for adults, as it hits the nostalgic nerve just right. To buy this book click on the link.

THE DAY IT RAINED LETTERS

Written by- Nury Vittachi

Published by- Hachette India

Buy this here

Riddle me this, what do you eat with your eyes?

Imagine living in a world with no stories, no storybooks, no curiosity, no dreams, no imagination, no playtime; sounds appalling, right? Well, the protagonist of this story lives in this very appalling world with her parents.

One day, something falls on her head, and unable to understand what it is, she and her mother seek guidance from the town’s encyclopedia, Mr. Reed, who informs them that it is a letter from the alphabet, most of them are quite rare, and are used to spin stories.

Our ever-so-curious Minky inquires further as to what stories are and thus begins the explanation of stories. Mr. Reed tells Minky that stories are enjoyable and wonderful things that are served on thin plates called pages, are meant to be eaten with eyes and they later fuel our dream machine called the imagination. The way the author has played around with such crucial yet common topics is marvellous, providing explanation of such vast topics in such a brief manner only confirms the skillful mastery over words of the author.

Mr. Reed is also seen describing the concept of imagination as a way to dream with eyes wide open and embarking on several mental journeys rather than physical ones. Amazed after listening to Mr. Reed’s talk, Minky decides to find all the 10,000 letters with her friend Rama and makes an attempt to scour the entire town. And the two friends are now on the journey of searching for letters.

The book’s undercurrent theme addresses the dying culture of reading books in today’s digital media-dominated age. The book is tied together with both the easy-flowing text and the vivid illustrations, which make it more engaging and fun to read. If you’re seeking something imaginative yet instructive at the same time, you should definitely add this book to your english fiction books for children list. To buy this book click on the link.

QUILLS: THE HUNGRY LITTLE PORCUPINE

Written by- Shibani Alter

Published by- Aleph Book Company

Buy this here

How far are you willing to go for your favorite food? Willing enough to go on a trip through the forest with your friends and face a leopard?

The book closely follows the story of a little porcupine, Quill, who wakes up to his grumbling tummy and only has a turnip in his stock, so he and his friends-Pig, Monkey, Mongoose, and Goat set out on a journey in search of tubers, loquats, mushrooms, and wild strawberries.

As they travel through the grassy ridges, forests of rhododendrons, and a field of pink thunder lilies, the eerie presence of a villainous leopard looms in the dark. Would Quill and his friends be able to gather some food, or would they get caught in the clutches of the wicked leopard?

This heart-warming tale of Quill and his friends is equal parts entertaining and suspenseful. The intriguing text of the book is supported by eye-catching illustrations, which make the reading process more enjoyable. If you’re looking for some fiction books that would be enthralling to read for your little explorers, then you should definitely add this to your list of English fiction books for children. To buy this book click on the link.

THE MONKEY’S REVENGE: TWO STORIES FROM THE PANCHATANTRA

Written by- Meena Arora Nayak

Published by- Aleph Book Company

Buy this here

Welcome to the enchanting world of the oldest Indian fables-Panchatantra. This book is a collection of two revenge stories, manages to capture the young audience’s attention and keep them hooked with the vibrant and vivid illustrations. Retold by the author Meena Arora Nayak, this book is a one-way ticket to the magical land where children learn the power of honesty over deceit and lies.

This book is packed with both humor and adventure. The narration is done in such a light-hearted and comedic manner, keeping the reader excited for more. The two unforgettable tales are about clever and cheeky animals that are quick in planning and turning tables in their favor. The first tale is about a cruel king, who plans on using monkey fat to heal the burnt horses, but with a rakshasa on their team, the monkeys get their revenge on the vicious king. The second tale follows a poor businessman, Jirnadhana, whose prized iron scale has been eaten by some mischievous mice, or so his friend says. Shocked by this, he decides to outwit his friend and get his prized iron scale back.

Some stories never seem to lose their charm, and the fables of Panchatantra are part of those. If you’re looking for a light and entertaining read for your child that also teaches and advocates moral values, then you must definitely add this fiction book to your reading list. To buy this book click on the link.

KABULIWALLAH

Written by- Rabindranath Tagore Translated by- Arunava Sinha

Published by- Aleph Book Company

Buy this here

Written by Rabindranath Tagore, this book follows the story of a five-year-old girl, Mini, and an Afghani vendor and hawker, Rahmat, who sells dry fruits door-to-door, who through his generosity befriends Mini over time, and is reminded of his own daughter left back in his home country. This tale is a classic piece of literature that showcases how friendship can blossom even in the most unexpected places.

Young readers are transported into a story full of innocence, empathy, and friendship. The theme of filial love is beautifully woven throughout, reminding us of the special bond that exists between fathers and daughters. Tagore also takes time to explore themes of nostalgia through Rahmat’s character, leaving readers deeply moved when Mini meets Rahmat on her wedding day and fails to recognize him. This moment poignantly traces the intertwined issues of memory, grief, and nostalgia.

The bustling city of Calcutta and Tagore’s story are brought to life with the poignant text and the enticing illustrations, which further engage the audience. Kabuliwallah is one of the most beloved children’s stories as it leaves a lasting impression with all the compassion and kindness felt through Tagore’s words.

If you’re looking for a timeless piece of literature to enjoy and bond over with your child, then this version of Kabuliwallah is your perfect choice. To buy this book click on the link.

MYSTERY OF GRAVEYARD GOLD

Written by- Vidya Varadarajan

Published by- Scholastic India

Buy this here

Taking inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan, who often asks his contestants on Kaun Banega Crorepati what they will do with the ₹7 crores they might win, this book questions, what would you do if you found a treasure full of gold?

This masterfully crafted, descriptive, racy, and suspenseful story is written by Vidya Varadarajan. Set in the area of Bengaluru,the book keeps teen interests and lingo at its heart, making the characters all the more relatable and keeping readers thoroughly engaged. The story follows three daring and fun characters-Aarav, Karthik, and Asha, who are keen on solving the mystery of the treasure they’ve stumbled across. But the question is, whose gold is it? Is it stolen, or have they uncovered some long-lost treasure of a dead king?

The book beautifully explores the playful, hide-and-seek-like relationships we form with our siblings and friends, showcasing the themes of friendship, teamwork, and determination. The setting and character development have been meticulously crafted by the author, enhancing the reading experience and making it more fun and exciting.

If you’re looking for something a little spooky, adventurous, and full of thrills to expand your child’s reading selection, then this is the perfect book for you. This fiction book might just inspire you and your kids to play dress-up detectives! To buy this book click on the link.

AN ADVENTURE FOR PUCHKU

Written by- Deepanjana Pal

Published by- Pratham Books

Buy this here

Let’s go on an adventure with (BPD)² -the Brilliant Plans Department, featuring Boltu, Puchku, and Dodla, in a red car, as they come up with brilliant plans like riding a leopard when the car breaks down in the rain.

Authored by Deepanjana Pal, this tale weaves together the themes of friendship, creativity, and breaking patriarchal norms as the story progresses. The three kids and Boltu’s father are out for an adventure in the red car, which breaks down in the middle of the road. To help, (BPD)² comes up with various creative ways of getting home. Enter Pakoda Didi, the daughter of a tea stall owner and a fire-fighter in the big city, who offers to help repair the car but is met with scepticism from Boltu’s father, addressing how society reinforces gender norms by categorizing occupations and work fields based on gender.

As the story unfolds, we see how the kids think of Pakoda Didi as a “car translator” who can listen to the car talk while she works her magic and fixes it. Written in a very simple yet creative manner, this story is an interesting and fun read. From calling themselves (BPD)² to naming the muddy road “Doofee” (a mix of doodh and coffee), the book never fails to keep readers engaged. The illustrations also add a flavor of comedy to the text, making it a perfect addition to the English fiction books for children list. To buy this book click on the link.

KUSHTI KID: MUDS! MATS! MOVES!

Written by- Vibha Batra

Published by- Scholastic India

Buy this here

Kushti Kid is the story of a girl named Qainaat, who joins a summer program for wrestling, but her family believes her interest in wrestling as mere fleeting infatuation with the sport. Because why would a girl be interested in wrestling? And what big challenges await her inside and outside the mud pit?

Written by Vibha Batra, this is a story of a girl who is willing to overcome every obstacle, master her moves, stand up against institutional bullying, and win the biggest dangal of her life. But everyone around her seems to question her, just because she is a girl, thus starts her journey of finding her courage and showcasing her strength. As the story moves forwards she befriends Tanki, who supports her in overcoming every hurdle with grit and perseverance.

What makes the book all the more engaging are its interesting characters, well-developed plot, and beautiful cover art.

Filled with twists, turns, triumphs, and tender moments, this fiction book is a true adventurous thriller. Hop on as we support Qainaat in her journey of finding her voice and fighting for her rights! To buy this book click on the link.

Want more book recommendations?

Visit our Earthlab Club Library and Reading Room in Jakhan, Dehradun, and discover your next great read!

Tags book recommendations, books, children's books, Fiction, library, reading list

Reading Room

Earthlab’s Fiction Library

The Fiction Library: Where Dreams Take Flight

Step into a realm where dreams take flight and imagination knows no bounds. Our Fiction Library is a haven for adventurers, dreamers, and seekers of magic. From enchanting tales of wizards and witches to epic sagas of courage and heroism, each book has been carefully selected to captivate and inspire readers of all ages.

Our team of dedicated curators scours the literary landscape to bring you the finest works of fiction from around the globe. Every title in our collection is a masterpiece in its own right, offering readers the opportunity to explore new worlds, embark on thrilling adventures, and immerse themselves in the wonders of storytelling.

But our Fiction Library is more than just a repository of books – it’s a gateway to a world of imagination and creativity. Through our curated selection of activities, workshops, and events, members of EarthLab.club can unleash their inner storytellers, hone their writing skills, and connect with fellow lovers of fiction. From author talks to writing contests, there’s always something exciting happening in our Fiction Library.

Browse through our Fiction Collection

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Want more book recommendations?

Visit our Earthlab Club Library and Reading Room in Jakhan, Dehradun, and discover your next great read!

Want more book recommendations?

Visit our Earthlab Club Library and Reading Room in Jakhan, Dehradun, and discover your next great read!

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