Navratri & Dussehra Gift Guide: Picture Books for the Festive Season

Navratri is nine nights of new beginnings, and for many families, Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja are when books and instruments of learning are set aside to be blessed. It's the one festival that already has children's books built into its traditions - which makes it a lovely time to add a few new ones to the shelf.

Here's what to set aside for puja this year, and what to gift once Dussehra is done:

For the puja tray - board books that survive little hands during the nine days

Mr Peekaboo Rat and Ek Hoshiyaar Chooha are sturdy enough to sit on the puja tray between the pens and the pencil boxes, and simple enough for a toddler to hold through the whole aarti. Ouchie Ouchie and Ooi Ooi Ooi work just as well for the same reason - thick pages, bold pictures, nothing that tears.

For Dussehra gifting - a proper story to mark the new start

Vijayadashami marks good winning out over difficulty, and Chandu Chor Aur Hawaldaar Turram Khan turns that idea into a proper laugh-out-loud chase story kids ask to hear on repeat. Boxy, Buxa, and Buffalo Baby make an easy first gift for a cousin or a friend's child - characters that are instantly likeable, no back-story needed.

For bilingual reading at home - Hindi stories for the festival table

Gaadi Ki Ek Aur Savaari and Khane Mein Kya Hai? are made to be read aloud in Hindi around a house full of visiting family - simple enough for grandparents to read to a grandchild for the first time, funny enough that everyone stays to listen.

Order early to make sure your books arrive before the nine nights begin. Browse the full collection and start the festive season with something worth keeping on the shelf long after Dussehra is over.