10+ Best Indian Story Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime read or a captivating tale to engage your little one? Look no further than our roundup of Indian story books for 8-year-olds, packed with enchanting stories that celebrate rich traditions and vibrant storytelling. Whether you're looking to introduce your child to new cultures or simply find a delightful new book to share, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Indian story books that are sure to spark the imagination of every young reader!

Fun Indian Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Binya, a young girl in a small village in India, who comes into possession of a beautiful blue umbrella. The umbrella soon becomes the envy of the village, leading to a series of charming and touching events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple yet profound tale that teaches important lessons about kindness and the joy of sharing. The narrative is engaging and easy to follow, making it a great choice for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories and learning about different cultures.

• Grandma's Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty, illustrated by Priya Kurian
  • Genre(s): Folktales, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: A collection of stories told by a grandmother to her grandchildren during their summer vacation. These tales are filled with wisdom, magic, and adventures that captivate the imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story comes with a moral, making it not only entertaining but also educational. The illustrations add a delightful touch that enhances the reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories filled with magic and morals, and anyone who enjoys illustrated books.

• The Adventures of Toto the Auto by Ruta Vyas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Toto, an adorable and clever little auto-rickshaw. Along with his driver, Pattu, he goes on various fun-filled escapades around the city.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted series that promotes values like friendship, kindness, and curiosity through its engaging tales. The stories are also great for early readers with their simple language and captivating plots.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about vehicles and adventures, and young readers just starting to read independently.

• Pashu: Animal Tales from Hindu Mythology by Devdutt Pattanaik
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book brings together various stories of animals from Hindu mythology, each with its own lesson and moral. It introduces young readers to mythical creatures and legendary heroes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating glimpse into Hindu mythology through the lens of animal stories, which are both educational and highly engaging.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters interested in mythology or animal tales, and those who enjoy stories that blend fantasy with life lessons.

• Amma, Tell Me About Diwali! by Bhakti Mathur
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Part of a series where a mother tells her children stories about Indian festivals, this book explains the story behind Diwali, the festival of lights, including the return of Rama to Ayodhya and the defeat of the demon king Ravana.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a colorful and engaging way to learn about one of India's most important festivals. The illustrations are vibrant and help bring the story to life.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about Indian culture and festivals, and those who enjoy visually rich picture books.

Educational Indian Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Royal Adventures of Princess Halima by Jainaba Fye, YaAdam Fye, and Lucy Fye
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Children’s Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow Princess Halima as she explores ancient lands and learns about African history and culture through her magical adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, history, geography
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to African culture and history in a fun and engaging way through the eyes of a young princess.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and readers interested in learning about different cultures and histories.

• Younguncle Comes to Town by Vandana Singh
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Younguncle, a quirky and lovable character, arrives in a small town in India and brings joy, adventure, and a touch of whimsy to the lives of the three children he befriends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, problem-solving, cultural understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of humor and imagination, offering a fresh perspective on everyday life and the importance of kindness and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy whimsical stories and quirky characters.

• Tales of Historic Delhi by Premola Ghose
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the stories of Delhi’s rich history through the eyes of a young boy named Roshan who discovers the city’s past with his grandfather.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural appreciation, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating introduction to the historical landmarks and events of Delhi, making history accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and young explorers interested in India’s capital and its storied past.

• The Mystery of the Secret Hair Oil Formula by Asha Nehemiah
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Veena, a smart and resourceful girl, sets out to solve the mystery of her grandmother's secret hair oil formula which is coveted by a sneaky competitor.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, mystery, and a bit of science, making it an exciting read that also stimulates the mind.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and readers who love a good mystery with a dash of humor.

• The Seed of Truth by Pratham Books
  • Genre(s): Folktales, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book features a collection of folktales from India that teach important values and morals through simple and engaging stories.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, ethical values, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses traditional storytelling to impart important life lessons in a manner that is both enjoyable and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy folktales and learning about moral values.

Challenging Indian Story Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Haroun Khalifa embarks on an extraordinary journey to restore his father's gift of storytelling by venturing into a magical world that fuels all stories.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is rich in puns, wordplay, and complex narrative structures that challenge young readers to think creatively and analytically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination with its vivid storytelling and introduces children to the power of language and narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and those looking to expand their vocabulary and literary comprehension.

• The Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: An Indian boy, Anand, is entrusted with a magical conch and must journey to the Himalayas to return it to its rightful place, facing numerous challenges along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates elements of Indian mythology and culture through complex characters and a layered plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling adventure combined with a deep moral inquiry into good versus evil, duty, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in mythology, fantasy adventures, and stories that explore deep ethical questions.

• Wise and Otherwise: A Salute to Life by Sudha Murty
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: A collection of poignant, real-life incidents from Sudha Murty’s experiences, offering valuable life lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes are diverse and thought-provoking, dealing with human values, social issues, and personal reflections which require a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages empathy and a broader understanding of various social contexts, fostering a sense of gratitude and awareness.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in real-life stories that teach important life lessons and values.

• The Gita for Children by Roopa Pai
  • Genre(s): Religion, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: A simplified and engaging version of the Bhagavad Gita, tailored specifically for children to understand its profound messages.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex philosophical concepts and ethical dilemmas presented in the ancient text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes philosophical ideas accessible and relevant, helping young minds to cultivate a sense of morality and self-awareness.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and anyone interested in exploring philosophical and spiritual concepts from an early age.

• A Children's History of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta
  • Genre(s): History, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a comprehensive overview of India's history from ancient times to the present day, written in an accessible and engaging style for children.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of historical events and figures, requiring readers to connect with complex historical narratives and concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thorough understanding of India's rich history, enhancing young readers' knowledge and appreciation of their heritage.
  • Perfect for: History enthusiasts and young scholars eager to learn about India’s past and its impact on the present.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while they explore the vibrant world of Indian storybooks, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also enhance comprehension and retention.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy spot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, posters, or even a small bookshelf.

• Story Map Drawing
  • What it is: Draw a map or a sequence of pictures that outlines the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the plot and remembering the sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to make the activity more engaging and fun.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of their favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances deep understanding of characters and improves empathy.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-playing more realistic and enjoyable.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a small book club where your child and their friends can discuss the book they are reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and verbal expression of thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Host the book club meetings once a book is finished and include fun activities like quizzes or related crafts.

• Reading Challenge Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books read over a period.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and instills a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for every milestone reached, such as a new book or extra playtime.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Keep a jar of questions that your child can answer after finishing a book or a chapter.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Write questions that are open-ended to encourage more thoughtful responses.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you'll help your child develop a lifelong love for reading, along with an appreciation for the rich tapestry of Indian culture and storytelling. So, grab some books and let's get started!