I was listening to The Ezra Klein Show the other day, on which the New York Times journalist was in conversation with writer Jia Tolentino, and they were talking, among other things, about parenting. They spoke about the choices they make when it comes to pleasure or, as Klein puts it, “meaning making”, as compared to the pursuit of achievement. Given that I’ve been working with children’s literature—as a journalist, editor, and author—for more than 15 years, it’s a question I ask often. Children’s books are constantly evolving, tackling difficult topics such as climate change, identity, casteism, historical events, and celebrating those precious moments of childhood: friendship, family, school, and all the in-between spaces, both real and fantastical.
As an author, I write a lot about the climate crisis for young people, but for me, the mainstay there is often humour. As a picture-book editor, I am always looking for books that offer that elixir-like mix of pleasure and meaning without being didactic or tokenistic. And as a reader, here are some of my favourite books from this year that make me smile, wonder about this world.
Ilham’s Birthday (Tulika Books)
Ilham’s on a mission—to get a pocket sewn on her birthday dress to safely keep her birthday money. The little girl dashes through Hyderabad’s market, her new dress a splash of sunshine in the busy streets. Originally written in Hindi by Aftab Yusuf Shaikh and illustrated by Tishya Mallya, Ilham’s Birthday (Tulika Books) is all sorts of aww-inducing. Joy, sadness, and generosity are woven into this picture book that is a tribute to Hyderabad. (Ages 3+). Buy here
When the Sun Sets (Pratham Books)
I love working with Ogin Nayam on picture books—his world building is compelling and meditative, conjuring a rare sense of wonder. When the Sun Sets (Pratham Books) casts the sun in a new light and is sure to brighten up your day. First, Ogin’s sun is a woman, redefining the gender roles allocated by folklore. Second, this is the most quietly enchanting wordless book that celebrates solitude. At the same time, the sun warmly welcomes denizens like clouds and rainbows in her life. Keep this one for those gloomy days when the sun goes missing and you’re craving some warmth and sunlight. (Ages 3+) Buy here
Jungle Mein Ek Raat (Eklavya)
After the sun has gone to bed, under the moonlit sky sparkles Jungle Mein Ek Raat (Eklavya). Sushil Shukla has a way with words and his poem about a night in the jungle is brimming with the many shades of darkness and multitudes of nocturnal creatures that inhabit it. Prashant Soni’s black-and-white illustrations add a mesmerising dimension to the forest in the night, with breathtakingly intricate details. (Ages 5+) Buy here
I Won’t Wash My Hair (Duckbill)
Part of the Hook Book early chapter-book series, I Won’t Wash My Hair (Duckbill), written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Ogin, is a story that reluctant hair washers will find themselves nodding at. When Divya refuses to wash her hair, it becomes home to worms, peanuts, pencils, and more. As a child, my hair was dutifully oiled and plaited, even on school picture day (I am the one with the permanent frown for a reason). No wonder that reading this book had me nodding vigorously. The writing will make you smile and giggle, and you will love Ogin’s playful illustrations. Fluffy alpacas, wriggly hair worms, and chubby ants—how to resist? (Ages 5+) Buy here
Birds on the Brain (Duckbill)
US-based author Uma Krishnaswami effortlessly slips into her childhood sneakers whenever she writes. Her Book Uncle and Me was a triumph, and Birds on the Brain (Duckbill) brings back beloved characters from that universe to tell a new, insightful story. This time, Reeni’s in the driving seat as she unleashes her wild side along with her love for birds for a school project. And Chetan Sharma’s illustrations only add to the whimsy. (Ages 7+) Buy here
The Body in the Swimming Pool (Talking Cub)
If there’s a new book by Shabnam Minwalla, I have to have it. Her books are packed with sassy characters, twisted plot lines, and loads of fun. A Sunday afternoon is enough to devour The Body in the Swimming Pool (Talking Cub), the first in the Chicken Pox Club Investigates series. There’s a body, there’s a pool, there’s chicken pox, and there’s a thrilling whodunnit. Mystery books are back in trend for tweenagers, and this book fits right in. (Ages 12+) Buy here
How to Win An Election: A Most Unreliable Guide (Duckbill)
The year 2024 is truly the year of elections, which makes Menaka Raman’s How to Win An Election: A Most Unreliable Guide, with illustrations by Pia Alize Hazarika, very timely. But if you’re looking for political gyaan, then, given the disclaimer in the title, this isn’t the book for you. Or maybe it sneakily is! This irreverent book will make you laugh with its crackling dialogue, runaway lizards, loveable protagonist, and dangerous baked goods. (Ages 10+) Buy here
