Mythology books for children
21 hand-picked books from the Bookbear catalogue tagged “mythology”, with Indian authors first. Each one has an age range, a short description, a heads-up on any sensitive topics and a link to buy in India.
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Ganesha's Sweet Tooth
by Sanjay Patel & Emily Haynes
Ages 4–7Indian author
Ganesha breaks his tusk on a super-jawbreaker laddoo, and the poet Vyasa helps him find a use for it. A funny retelling of how the Mahabharata was written.
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Anya's Quest
by Jasbinder Bilan
Ages 7–9Indian author
In the wintery Himalayas, Anya and Mahi are swept away by goddess Ganga on a journey to reconnect with their spirit animals.
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The Pleasant Rakshasa
by Sowmya Rajendran
Ages 4–7Indian author
Karimuga the friendly rakshasa decides to share his beauty with jealous fellow rakshasas. A conversation about sharing and inner beauty.
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Sita's Ramayana
by Samhita Arni / Moyna Chitrakar
Ages 9–12Indian author
The Ramayana retold entirely from Sita's point of view — a powerful, nuanced graphic novel illustrated in traditional Patua scroll art. A NYT graphic novel bestseller, ALA Notable Children's Book, and South Asia Book Award honor book.
Heads-up: War & battle violence
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Aru Shah and the End of Time
Ages 10–13Indian author
Aru Shah accidentally releases a demon and discovers she is a Pandava hero. A wildly fun, Rick Riordan Presents novel steeped in Hindu mythology — like Percy Jackson set in India.
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The Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond)
by Sayantani DasGupta
Ages 10–12Indian author
On her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala learns she is an Indian princess from another dimension and must battle demons and rakkhosh. Rooted in Bengali folk tales and Hindu mythology.
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Krishna (Amar Chitra Katha)
Ages 6–9Indian author
The iconic retelling of Lord Krishna's life — from his miraculous birth to his role in the Mahabharata — in vivid, memorable Amar Chitra Katha comic panels.
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Amma Tell Me About Diwali!
Ages 4–7Indian author
The story of Diwali — Ram and Sita's return, the triumph of light over darkness — told in joyful rhyme with vibrant illustrations. Part of Bhakti Mathur's beloved 22-book Amma Tell Me series on Indian mythology and festivals.
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Amma Tell Me About Holi!
Ages 4–7Indian author
The legend of Prahlad and Holika and the explosion of colour play that follows — the Holi story retold in lilting rhyme. A joyful introduction to one of India's most exuberant festivals.
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Amma Tell Me About Krishna!
Ages 4–7Indian author
Krishna's birth, his butter-stealing mischief in Vrindavan, and his heroic adventures — retold in warm, accessible rhyme with gorgeous illustrations. A perfect first mythology book for young children.
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Amma Tell Me About Ganesha!
Ages 4–7Indian author
How Ganesha got his elephant head, why he carries a modak, and what makes him the most beloved deity in the Hindu pantheon — told in rhyme for the very young.
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Amma, Tell Me About Ramayana!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Amma tells the epic tale of Rama, Sita and Ravana as a bedtime story — part of the bestselling Amma Tell Me series.
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Amma Tell Me How Krishna Fought The Demons!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Amma tells the story of baby Krishna's mischief and his early battles with the demons sent by his uncle Kansa.
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Amma Tell Me How Krishna Defeated Kansa!
Ages 4–8Indian author
The story continues as young Krishna grows up and finally confronts his tyrant uncle Kansa.
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Amma Tell Me About Hanuman!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Part one of the Hanuman trilogy — the birth and boyhood of the monkey god, and how he came to serve Rama.
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Amma Tell Me How Hanuman Crossed The Ocean!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Part two of the Hanuman trilogy, following his leap across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita.
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Devi: Mythology Made Simple For Kids
by Subhadra Sen Gupta, Tapas Guha
Ages 7–11Indian author
An accessible introduction to Hindu goddesses and their stories, told simply for young readers.
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How Hanu Became Hanuman
by K. G. Subramanyan
Ages 6–10Indian author
A witty, subversive retelling of how the monkey Hanu became the mighty Hanuman, written and illustrated by one of India's foremost modern artists.
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Junior Kumbhakarna
Ages 4–8Indian author
Every night Kukku asks his father for the story of Kumbhakarna, the giant who sleeps for six months at a stretch, and every night he dozes off at the same moment the giant does. In his dream, everyone tries everything to wake the giant up. A wildly funny retelling of an episode from the Ramayana, illustrated by Shreya Sen.
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Guardians of the New Moon
by Eric Huang
Ages 7–9
The ruler of heaven challenges every animal to a great race for the Chinese zodiac. Join Ming the fox and Miaow the cat!
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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Ages 9–13
Twelve-year-old Percy discovers he's the son of a Greek god and sets off on a quest to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt. Funny and fast, with a hero who has ADHD and dyslexia.
