20 Unique Books Released in 2020 by South Asian Authors

2020 was a year going to be remembered fondly for all the time spent indoors. As we all struggled with balancing more work, more time with kids and learning life lessons, these South Asian authors took their efforts from 2019 and more to diversify your library.

The books are a must read for all multicultural families but more so because the books empower the perspective of children from multiple angles. Simple storytelling, introduction to Indian culture, empowering conversations and more bind these books together and make it an honor for us to bring you the words of South Asian authors building awareness.

These books are a MUST read and a great addition to ANY library. Order them NOW or recommend them to your local library.

It’s Not Easy Series

It’s not easy being a Lazy Bug

This is a hilarious and enjoyable tale that inspires kids to do things for themselves and not be lazy. Featuring vivid illustrations and an upbeat theme, Bug’s delightful story is perfect for teaching young children about the downsides of being lazy and the rewarding satisfaction that comes from taking control and being independent.

It’s not easy being Santa

This sweet holiday story has an underlying message of self-love and acceptance, showing children that character and self-confidence matter. It’s perfect for reading aloud, early learners, elementary classrooms, plus anyone who loves holiday cookies! Great for introducing new vocabulary and opening dialogue about tough topics.

Mindful Affirmations

These coloring books are fairly large (8.5”x 11″) and printed on high-quality paper. The gorgeous cover has a beautiful gloss finish and inside pages are best for crayons, and colored pencils. A soothing and inspiring coloring book that reassures girls, they can handle big emotions and empowers them to develop inner strength and self-confidence. For Ages 2-100 and above 🙂

Ellen the Elephant

Ellen is different from other elephants. Many animals do not want to play with her. This makes her feel very sad. But all this will change one day. How? Through compassion and comedy.

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Lilu’s Rakhi

From author/illustrator Devika Joglekar comes a book about an environmentally conscious girl, Lilu, who has decided to make homemade plastic-free Rakhi for Little Kuku. Through wonderful, vibrant illustrations and rhyming text, Lilu’s Rakhi teaches kids how to make a beautiful plastic-free Rakhi.

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Celebrate Onam with Me

It’s time for Onam, a 10-day harvest festival celebrated widely in the Indian state of Kerala with a lot of fun, food and festivities! Travel with Riya to “God’s Own Country” and learn how and why we celebrate Onam.

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Ritu Weds Chandni

Centering Ayesha’s love for her cousin as much as it showcases Ritu and Chandni’s love for each other, this warmhearted debut from Ameya Narvankar (published by Yali Books) celebrates the power of young voices to stand up against prejudice and bigotry.

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Ved and Friends Investigate Your Family

From author Diksha Pal Narayan and illustrator Abira Das, comes a book in which you can become Amateur Genealogists and Discover Your Family.

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Sing Along with Eli Puli

Do you LOVE English nursery rhymes? Well, this illustrated book will show you how to sing 8 of your favorite songs to the same tunes – In Tamil! Free audio included.

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Bhoomi Learns to Draw a Kolam

It’s a book about a little girl Bhoomi who is captivated by her mother’s kolams – an Indian art form – and decides to learn the art from her mother.

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The Adventures of the Pillow Gang

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Little Avery dreams BIG dreams. So big that he needs a little help from his pillow friends to tackle his nighttime adventures. Whimsical and charming, The Pillow Gang is a book that embraces the value of kindness and sharing, regardless of how different others may seem.

Vaaranam’s Children’s Books

Ethirpatham (Opposites) – With over 30 flaps to lift, this delightful book helps children learn about opposites in Tamil in a fun and interactive way.

Paati Veedu (Grandma’s House) – Paati Veedu is a simple story that is a reflection of the author’s own childhood memories and depicts the joy an extended family brings into a child’s life.

Hanuman Chalisa

Chanting the Chalisa creates positive energy and vibrations. Children who recite the Chalisa, will be filled with wisdom and strength. Sometimes children try to do things that can be challenging or tricky, and can cause them to become sad or frustrated. Praying to Hanuman can help children accomplish difficult tasks. He can bring peace and happiness to their minds, and achieve well-being. There are forty verses praising Hanuman, each line has been translated by The Jai Jais for children to easily understand.

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My Rakshabandhan

This colorful story from author Priya Kumari and illustrator Komal Garg explains the meaning of Raksha Bandhan, the legend behind it, and how Taaraa and Chundoo give a bigger meaning to their festive day by visiting a fire station!

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See You Soon

Mama needs to go to work, while the little champ is being taken care of by his teachers at the nursery, his nanny or his grandparents. Mama needs to step away, but the village around her steps up. Read ‘See You Soon’ together with your child to prepare and deal with being apart from each other.

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Sparkling Me Series

The following children’s Books (Growth Mindset stories for Global Citizens) were launched this year to empower children everywhere to build diversity and inclusion for acceptance, for others and self:

How Our Skin Sparkles – Answer this question using this multi-award-winning (voted Teacher’s Pick by Amazon) that uses culture, concept, and science to build confidence within and kindness for all.

Small or Tall, We Sparkle After All – A body-positive children’s book that teaches every child to be kind to others and themselves using science, mythology, and concept.

Sparkles of Joy Celebrate the joy of togetherness this holiday season with a story that spans the festivities from Diwali to Christmas creating conversations around kindness, social skills and cultural uniqueness.

Check out more of our book lists and editorial reviews of books here.

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