7 Endearing Children’s Books Celebrating The Power And Joy Of Friendship
Parag Honour List, an annual initiative by the Tata Trusts Children’s books, shares books that celebrate the power and joy of friendship
Maithili and the Minotaur: Forest of Forgotten Fears
Author: C.G. Salamander
Publisher: Puffin Books
After their adventure in the Web of Woe, Maithili and her eclectic crew – a sardonic minotaur, a steadfast wolfhound, a sly snake, and a mysterious three-eyed cat – set out on a new journey in this second installment of Salamander’s comic book series. The stunningly illustrated book promises edge-of your-seat thrill for young readers as the crew traverses through the Forest of Forgotten Fears.
Buffalo Baby
Author: Nandita
Publisher: Big Beetle Books
With no words but a wealth of emotions and playful illustrations, Buffalo Baby follows a little girl named Laali’s quest to befriend a buffalo calf in her grandparents’ village. The calf, initially scared and uninterested, gives Laali quite a challenge. However, her persistence pays off when she discovers their shared experiences. Set against the backdrop of vibrant Indian village life, this humorous tale not only celebrates the joy of making new friends but also how animals, too, can become wonderful companions.
When Adil Speaks, Words Dance
Author: Lavanya Karthik
Publisher: Puffin Books
This book invites young readers to explore the beauty of friendship and inclusion through the eyes of Adil, who communicates using sign language. Though he cannot speak, Adil’s unique way of expressing himself captivates his peers. While understanding his signs may present some challenges, it does not deter them from forming meaningful friendships. This heartfelt story highlights how empathy builds bridges between people and celebrates the diverse ways in which we connect.
Friends Behind Walls
Author: Harshika Udas
Publisher: Puffin Books
With its black-and-white illustrations, the book explores the charm of a small town in Maharashtra, where new friendships bloom and old grudges are healed. The story begins with the arrival of Putti and his parents in Deolali. Despite his parents' feud with the neighbours, Putti befriends their daughter, Inu. Forbidden to play together, they secretly meet in an abandoned house – but they face an obstacle when their friendship is discovered. Determined to ease the animosity between their parents, Putti and Inu get on a mission to mend this rift.
The Theatre of Ghosts
Author: Pankaj Saikia
Publisher: Pratham Books
Brimming with excitement, this book follows the story of five children and their puppy as they embark on a nocturnal adventure to see Bhaona, a traditional Assamese drama, on the river island of Majuli. Armed with torchlights, they face their fears together, discovering the power of friendship along the way. Through mesmerizing visuals, this story celebrates Assam’s folk traditions while showcasing how collective adventures can deepen bonds.
Naram Garam Dosti
Author: Neetu Yadav
Publisher: Muskaan
Amidst the icy cold, goat-grazing, and holey hand-me-down sweaters, two young boys named Kalla and Rajdeep discover the true warmth of friendship in this touching slice-of-life story. (The book is available in Hindi)
The Laddoo Code
Author: Saksham Arora
Publisher: Pratham Books
Rahul and Ritvik are tired of their snacks disappearing, so they hatch a plan to keep their treats to themselves. They devise a secret code for their notes that only they can understand, hiding their snacks from the class. This sweet and sneaky tale about alliances, secret notes, and laddoos, obviously, reveals how creativity, mischief, and friendship can come together to create unforgettable memories.
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