Multicultural children’s literature from across the world – stories, poems, folktales and books in English for kids, and stories in Hindi and poems in Hindi too. Original literature in English for kids from around the globe and book reviews and recommended reading lists for children.
432 items in this section. Displaying page 22 of 44
The Frog King
In a large marshy swamp in South Africa lived a colony of frogs – happy frogs. The marsh was surrounded by tall weeds, dirt and muck, which attracted lots of flies. Every moment was mealtime for the frogs. It was a happy life, all fun and play. Leapfrog was their favourite game. The younger frogs were dared to jump over a line of frogs from one end to the other end. Each time a young one managed to clear the jump, she or he would be added to the line — until the jumper fell on the last one, when the game ended....
The Fairy Doll
Not that!” screamed Sheila. “Yes not her!” repeated Anna. “She will stay with us.” Sheila snatched Matilda from her maid and they ran to their room. In case you are wondering what I am talking about or who is Matilda? Well, Matilda is Sheila and Anna’s favorite doll and the children, along with the maid, were sorting out their old toys to be given to poor children on Christmas. The Fairy Doll [Illustrations by Kusum Chamoli] Matilda was a funny little doll, stuffed with bits of old clothes....
When Humans had Tails
A Saora folk tale from Orissa retold from ‘When the World was Young’, by Verrier Elwin. The book is a fascinating collection of folktales from the tribal peoples of India. Elwin was a pioneering anthropologist; he spent his entire life getting to know the ways of life of the tribal peoples. The Saora tribals of Orissa, in eastern India, believe that there was a time when humans had tails. Wherever they went, their tails swished along, sweeping the ground....
Where’s the Catch?
Imagine this scene: In a village hut, dimly lit by a diya, members of the household sit in a frightened circle, watching a tantrik muttering mantras and performing strange rituals with a skull perhaps, the thighbone of a sheep, and other items. Sitting among the women is one who has wild staring eyes, untidy hair and a strange expression. She speaks in a voice that doesn’t seem to be her own. Everyone present is convinced she has been possessed by an evil spirit which the tantrik must now get out of her....
The Naughty Baby Monkey
A mama and a baby monkey Lived high up on a mango tree The mama was kind But the baby’s mind.. Dear! Oh Dear! Oh! Dear, Dear Me. One bright sunny day The baby monkey ran away. The mama despaired Scratched all her hair Dear! Oh Dear! Oh! Dear, Dear Me The Naughty Baby Monkey [Illustration by Anup Singh] The mama searched the forest through Everywhere for baby Babloo. Near the forest edge,...
The Flies and the Honey Pot
A jar of honey chanced to spill Its contents on the windowsill In many a viscous pool and rill The flies, attracted by the sweet, Began so greedily to eat, They smeared their fragile wings and feet. With many a twitch and pull in vain They gasped to get away again, And died in aromatic pain. The Flies and the Honey Pot [Illustration by Sudheer Nath]
How to Bell a Thief
Sonapur was a small village. It was famous for its little temple. The temple had no deity. All it had was the imprint of a pair of feet. According to folklore, these were of a pious sage. A diya burned brightly, night and day. Seven beautiful bells hung in the little temple, gleaming brightly in the light cast by the diya. The villagers of Sonapur were content and happy. Their fields yielded abundant crops. Earnings were enough to meet the needs of each family....
Mama Moo on a Swing
It was a summer’s day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the flies were buzzing. All the cows were grazing in the pasture — all except Mama Moo. Mama Moo had sneaked away from the others and jumped over the fence. She had taken her bicycle and rode off toward Crow Forest. She was carrying something in the package holder on her bicycle. KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK! Mama Moo knocked on Crow’s branch. “Hi, Crow!", she whispered....
Dog Dream
The dog was spread out like a mat on the floor His tongue hanging out for water chilled and cool Dreaming of icy lands Made his mouth water The fly swooped down and made away with the drop! The dog’s learnt his lesson He’s become a smart guy He dreams lovely dreams With his mouth closed! Dog Dream [Illustration by Shinod AP]
A Surprise On Christmas
Jimmy and Jenny were very excited. It was Christmas Eve and they were busy hanging their stockings at the end of their beds. “You must go to sleep quickly,” said mother, “because Santa Claus won’t come until you are fast asleep.” So Jenny and Jimmy jumped into bed and shut their eyes. It wasn’t before long that they were both fast asleep and dreaming. Then even the grown-ups went to sleep. The lights were turned out and the house was dark....