Diwali Gift Guide: Picture Books Every Child Will Treasure

Diwali is the season of new things, new clothes, new diyas, new sweets on the table. This year, add a new book to that list. A picture book is a gift that gets opened again and again, long after the fairy lights come down.

Here's where to start, by age:

For the little ones (1-3 years) - board books that survive chewing, throwing, and repeat reading

Mr Peekaboo Rat and Ek Hoshiyaar Chooha are chunky, rhyme-driven board books in English and Hindi - perfect for a toddlers first read-it-again favourite.

Ouchie Ouchie and Ooi Ooi Ooi turn everyday bumps and giggles into a game, with bold illustrations babies can actually focus on.

For preschoolers (3-5 years) - stories with a bit more mischief

Boxy, Buxa, and Buffalo Baby follow characters kids fall for instantly - great as a first proper story gift. Gaadi Ki Ek Aur Savaari is a joyful ride through everyday India that Hindi-reading families will love out loud.

For beginning readers (5+ years) - picture books with a real story to sink into

Who's Got the Scarf? and Khane Mein Kya Hai? mix humour with gentle life lessons about sharing and food. What's for Lunch? and A Tree in My Stomach are the kind of quietly funny stories that get requested at bedtime for months. And for a laugh-out-loud read-aloud, Chandu Chor Aur Hawaldaar Turram Khan is a classic cat-and-mouse caper that even grown-ups enjoy narrating.

Order early to make sure your books arrive in time for Diwali - every title is printed to survive the kind of love only a small child can give it. Browse the full collection and pick one (or five) to wrap up this festive season.