KATHA BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Katha booKs for children 

spring catalogue 2011

CREATING INDIA’S 

READER- LEADERS! 

Presenting a sack full of stories, just perfect for the young readers. Also available with this, are a million 

ideas on classroom resources and aids. Find here Picture Books, My First Novels, The KathaIndica Non- 

Fiction Titles, the unique I Love Earth Colouring Encyclopaedia (to hit the stores by May 2011) and 

expect the child to be transported not just to a world of make believe but to one that is infinitely more 

beautiful, and yet within reach. 

Here are stories chosen with immense care and explored in-depth for their effect on impressionable 

hearts much before they take on the fine print of an adult world. Something that will remain and colour 

their years to come. 

Come; experience the magic of story, the magic of Katha … 

KATHAKAAR, Katha’s Centre for Children’s Literature, was set up 

in 1992 as part of Katha Vilasam, the Story Research and Resource 

Centre. It endeavours to initiate children into the colourful world 

of literature by publishing splendidly illustrated storybooks. 

Drawing inspiration from Katha’s various activities with children, 

Kathakaar works with a pool of writers and illustrators, to 

nurture reading habits in children, and paves the way for their 

all round development. We showcase the many traditions of 

Indian storytelling in beautifully written, illustrated, edited and 

produced books that have gone on to win international awards. 

BE A KATHA STORY AMBASSADOR! Love books? Convinced 

that children should grow up reading? Welcome to the Katha Story 

Ambassador Programme! We offer you an excellent opportunity 

to share your passion with assistance of our beautiful books 

with friends, acquaintances and relatives at a place and time 

that suits you best! Or help us market our books through the 

internet. Start your own home-based business in books. Sign up 

now! And earn a commission plus loyalty points in the bargain! 

Write to us at networking@katha.org to know more. 

teacher training: Since 1990, Katha has been training 

teachers. A research based story approach flanked by great 

books inspires the child-centric training that builds in teachers 

the ability to teach a curriculum for life or the KREAD WAY, the 

Katha Relevant Education for All-round Development. Designed 

and in use since 1992, the training includes STORY PEDAGOGY 

and Katha’s reading matrix, RUCHI, to help your children to Read, 

Use, Comprehend Holistically and Intuitively. 

THE I LOVE READING CAMPAIGN: Our 22 years experience and 

expertise led to a Delhi Government invitation to take the Katha 

Campaign into 50 MCD Schools. ILR also works in 72 slum, street 

and tribal communities to impact more than 100,000 children. 

Supporters: UNESCO, UNICEF and the Delhi Government. 

Write to ilr@katha.org for more information. 

books are cool!

FRESH ARRIVALS 

Age Suggestion - 8+ Years 

Pub: 2010 | pp. 40 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-47-7 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 250 

ISBN 978-81-87649-86-1 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 195 

World Rights: KATHA 

For the Love of a Cat 

Walk the Grasslands with Takuri 

Nima Manjrekar and Nandita Hazarika 

Art by Maya Ramaswamy 

Join the shy and super adorable Takuri on a tour of his 

undulating grasslands home, where the wind plays Chinese 

whispers and the crumbling leaves tickle your feet. Also 

meet Takuri’s friends - the lumbering rhino, the leaping 

florican, the bear who snacks on termites and many more 

strangely wonderful creatures. This holiday to the lush 

greens, pointing out the sights and sounds along the way, is 

sure to reveal some jaw dropping facts and some that will 

make you CHUCKLE! 

Rosalind Wilson 

Art by Wen Hsu 

A painter loves his cat as much as he loves painting. 

But when the starving artist is commissioned to paint a 

picture of the Buddha, he must choose between his art 

and his pet… 

The story imparts a subtle message of love and caring for all of God’s 

creatures and reinforces the fact that animals have feelings, too. 

Pulsating colours and brilliant execution with paper cuts-outs, against a 

background of soft water colours, the illustrations lend to the vibrancy of 

the story. A truly heart-warming story! 

— Young India Books 

This book was a pleasure to read, a treat for the eyes and mind, a book full 

of information presented in an extremely readable format. 

— Saffron Tree 


Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-50-7 [h b] | Rs 350 

ISBN 978-81-87649-86-1 [p b] | Rs 250 

ISBN 978-81-89934-52-1 [p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 250 


Age Suggestion - 2-5 Years 

Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-48-4 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Moon, Ramu and I 

Geeta Dharmarajan 

Art by Harshvardhan Kadam 

Slip into your invisible space suits for a 

swashbuckling adventure trip to the moon! 

Get set for this spellbinding story packed with 

action and fun. 

Days with Thathu 


Art by Nancy Raj 

A magically beautiful story about Malar and her grandfather. 

A laptime, bedtime, anytime story for you to share. 

Enjoy! 

The attractive pictures in the book support your imagination as you ride 

and play along with Malar and Thathu. 

— Robin Age 


Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 8.5”X11” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-58-3 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 275 

ISBN 978-81-89934-60-6 [h b] [h i n d i] | Rs 275 


FRESH ARRIVALS

chitrakala winners 2009 

Katha recognizes exemplary children’s book illustrations and concepts by 

way of the Katha Chitrakala Award. Illustrators with that magical eye and a 

way with colours are invited to create the most wonderful books for Indian 

children. This is an international search for excellence – the only one of its 

kind in India – open to all illustrators, emerging or established, in India and 

abroad, word and image storytellers who can make a vital and significant 

difference to the world of children’s books. 

Katha 

Chitrakala 

Award 2009 for 

Outstanding 

Creativity 


Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 8.5”X11.75” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-53-8 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 295 

ISBN 978-81-89934-54-5 [h b] [h i n d i] | Rs 295 


Dinosaur-Long-as-127-Kids 


Art by Rajiv Eipe 

A one-of-a-kind Dino loves taking children 

out for a ride … until he bumps into a strange 

problem. What follows next is sure to leave 

you rollicking. With snazzy illustrations folding 

in the fun, this book is a must have for all you 

little dinofreaks. 

Very classy and very stylish. 

— Literary Sojourn 

Runner Up 

Katha Chitrakala 


Outstanding 

Creativity 


Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-55-2 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Ball Heaven 

Diego Castellanos 

Art by Paula Bossio 

Do you know where all the balls being tossed 

from player to player in curves and loops and 

straight lines finally go? Join the journey of one 

such ball to an intriguing new world. 

Mai and her Friends 

Concept and Art by Durga Bai 

One dark stormy night, Konda wanders far away from home 

and is lost. Her family, a young calf and Mai, set out to look 

for her, and thus begins an extraordinary tale of caring and 

companionship. With its unlikely heroes, the story is sure to 

be loved by children and parents alike. 

“An interesting and inspiring tale about love, affection, helping and 

acknowledging.” 



Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 7”X9” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-57-6 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Runner Up 



Outstanding 

Creativity 

chitrakala winners 2009

katha world library 


Pub: 2009 | pp. 32 | 8.5”X11” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-27-9 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 150 



Fledolin Upside Down 

Antje Damm 

All bats hang with their heads down but Fledolin — 

he stands firmly on the ground! Read this upside down 

book and find out how it’s great fun to be topsy-turvy just 

like Fledolin! 

The book speaks of life’s fundamentals and is worth a try, if you’re 

looking to boost your kids’ thinking power and imagination. 

— New Woman 

A Lion in Paris 

Beatrice Alemagna 

Join the adventures of the young, curious and 

lonely lion as he leaves his sunny savannah 

and travels to the beautiful city of Paris in 

search of work, love and a future. 

A great read, especially one you can enjoy with your child 

cuddled up next to you with a cup of cocoa. 

— Parenting 


Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-38-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 150 



Honourable 

Mention 

Biennial of 

Illustrations 

Bratislava 2003 


Pub: 2004 | pp. 32 | 10”X8” 

ISBN 978-81-87649-56-4 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 170 

ISBN 978-81-89020-08-8 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Kaleh and the Sing Song Castle 

By Rizio Yohannan Raj 

Art by Anahita Taymourian 

Do you know of a quirky crow who loves cheese but loves 

singing more? Do you too love to dream like Kaleh? Then 

come along and see how a simple song can take you a 

long way and make your dreams come true! 

A simply delightful story. The narration is supported by colourful and 

vibrant illustrations. 

— Parenting 

The Song of a Scarecrow 

Suddhasattwa Basu 

What happens when the scarecrow decides 

to leave his field one day? This wonderfully 

imaginative book helps the child to see that 

everything in our world has a role to play and we 

are all responsible for one another. 

An imaginative and thought-provoking book with interesting 

illustrations. 

— The New Indian Express 

Runner Up 



Outstanding 

Creativity 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 24 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-01-9 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 120 


katha bestsellers

katha bestsellers 

Katha 

Chitrakala 


Outstanding 

Creativity 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 32 | 8”X10” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-67-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 150 



One Lonely Unicorn 

Meenakshi Bharadwaj 

Art by Sonali Biswas 

An innovative book that introduces the concept of 

numbers through a story. Children will love the unicorn 

and her many animal friends! 

Make children learn counting by counting the animals in the forest. 

The one unicorn, the two birds, the three elephants... 

— The Hindu 

The Famous Smile 


Art by Rashin Kheiriyeh 

After several failed attempts, Agar Magar finally 

makes it big. Come, take a tour of the mighty river, 

the deep forest and the big town, as Agar Magar 

goes places, flaunting his sparkling, shiny teeth and 

his Famous Smile. 

Katha has a real soft corner for kids. Which is why it has created 

such a gorgeous picture book for children. 

— What’s Hot, Times of India 


Runner Up 

Noma Concours 2000 

Honourable Mention 

Biennial of Asian 

Illustrators 

Japan 2002 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 32 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 978-81-87649-96-0 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 120 

ISBN 978-81-89020-05-6 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Runner Up 

10 th Noma 

Concours 


Pub: 2004 | pp. 24 | 8”X10” 

ISBN 978-81-87649-94-6 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



The Princess with the 

Longest Hair 

Komilla Raote 

Art by Vandana Bist 

This is the fascinating story of a princess who has the 

longest and most beautiful hair in the whole kingdom. 

Read on to find out about her journey to the mountains 

and all the people and animals whose lives she touches 

on the way. 

A book that is sure to keep you glued to its pages. 

— The Hindustan Times 

Daddoo’s Day Out 

Prabhjot Kaur 

Daddoo, the little frog, decides to do something 

different on her day out ... 

A lively book that celebrates friendship and 

introduces children to the world of animals, 

colours and sizes. 

The story has illustrations in bright and bold colours that 

merge into each other to give an adventurous feel to the story. 

The language used throughout the story is very lucid and easy 

to understand. A great read-aloud book to share with a young 

child. 



Encouragement 

Prize 

Noma Concours 

1989 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 24 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-06-4 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 120 

ISBN 978-81-89020-03-3 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 

ISBN 978-81-89020-14-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 80 


katha bestsellers

for 2 to 5 year olds 

Pub: 2010 | pp. 32 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-43-9 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 120 



Free Mountain 

Kaveri Chatterji 

Art by Shweta Mohapatra 

Long long ago, all mountains could fly. 

They swam through clouds and skies so high. 

And then came a day when … 

Find out what happens next in this story that comes alive 

with brilliant art. Wonderfully imaginative, ringing with 

music and rhythm, this book is sure to inspire every girl who 

dreams of flying! 

A simple tale rhythmically told in a lucid manner 

Guess Who? 


Art by the children of Katha Lab School 

This is a song that most of us have sung as children. 

Katha brings this old favourite back to life, with words 

that resonate in English. Enjoy! 

The books like ‘Guess Who?’ provide the much needed speed-breakers in 

our lives… 


— Saffron Tree 

Pub: 2010 | pp. 24 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-45-3 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 120 



… mouth-watering books for youngsters … 

— The Hindustan Times


Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 5”X8” 

ISBN 978-81-87649-88-5 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 100 

ISBN 978-81-89020-07-2 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 70 



The Runaway Puppy 

Sarang Dev Murthy 

Art by Bindia Thapar 

Little Puppy loved to jump and wag his tail. And he loved 

to lick. He licked everything he could find. Then one day, 

he peeped out through the open gate of the garden … 

And guess what happens next? A story that helps the child 

discover the joys as well as responsibilities of keeping a pet. 

Leaves 

Enrique Lara Robayo and 

Luis Fernando Garcia Guayara 

“From the window of my room I see amazing 

things ...” A book that can be read and enjoyed by 

everyone from the very young to the old! 

Leaves zooms into the colour and magic of nature 

— The Hindu 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 24 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 978-81-87649-61-8 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 



Pub: 2004 | pp. 32 | 5”X8” 

ISBN 81-87649-93-3 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 65 

ISBN 81-89020-09-9 [p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 45 


The Magic Raindrop 


Art by Bindia Thapar 

Wouldn’t you love to read a story about something 

which is bigger than the Big, Bigger, Biggest that you 

have ever known? 

Come join us ... Step into a wonderland of magical 

raindrops and unbelievable kites, told by Geeta 

Dharmarajan and breathtakingly illustrated by Bindia 

Thapar. 

Breathtaking illustrations by Bindia Thapar are sure to keep the reader 

from putting the book down long after the story is done.The pictures in 

astounding colours bring the characters and the setting alive. 

— The Hindu 

Mo...aning Morris 

Franz Hubner 

Art by Mario Kessler 

A delightful little book that helps us realize that 

adapting to other people is easier than we think. 

And fun too! 

Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 81-89020-28-5 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

ISBN 81-89020-27-7 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 100 



for 2 to 5 year olds


Pub: 2007 | pp. 32 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-84-2 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 65 


The Magical Web Bridge 

Pokiri Parrot & the 

Needle-nosed Ojha 


Art by Stephen Aitken 

A smart white parrot called Pokiri is whisked away by the 

wicked needle-nosed Ojha. Can little Rajkumari save her 

precious parrot? A superb blend of magic and reality ... Join 

Pokiri, Rajkumari and the Ojha on a hair-raising adventure 

across extraordinary India. Real fun! 

Replete with factoids and trivia, this can also serve as a great geography 

primer for kids. 

— Time Out 


Art by Sonali Biswas 

A dreamer and a doer. Creative. Sensitive. Imaginative. 

That’s the baya! Fabulously illustrated by Sonali Biswas, 

this story by an award-winning writer for children vividly 

captures the spirit and joy of friendship and teamwork. 

A must read for bedtime, laptime or ... 

any time! Enjoy! 

A must have, this one. Recommended for non-sleepy times of the day, 

to ensure the proper impact of Sonali’s visual tapestry, the big bonus of 

the book. Also, a definite plus is the well laid-out info at the back. The 

illustrator won the encouragement prize in the XII Noma Concours for 

Picture Book Illustrations. That says it all. 

— Parenting 

Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-18-7 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 120 

ISBN 978-81-89020-19-4 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Kuttan Series 

Serene Kasim | Art by Sonal Panse 

Kuttan Follows a 

Butterfly 

A little kitten that loves to 

play! Meet Kuttan and his 

brother Appu as they go 

hunting for adventure. 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 24 | 7.25” x 4.75” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-10-1 [p b] [e n g]| Rs 55 



Kuttan Finds 

Happiness 

Kuttan thinks he is grown up 

now. Find out if he is able to 

handle his noisy little cousins 

who pester him with questions. 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 24 | 7.25” x 4.75” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-13-2 [p b] [e n g]| Rs 55 



Pub: 2008 | pp. 24 | 7.25” x 4.75” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-09-5 [p b] [e n g]| Rs 55 



Kuttan Meets a 

Furry Friend 

Kuttan the kitten is as playful 

as ever. Come along with him 

and his brother Appu as they 

make a strange new friend. 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 24 | 7.25” x 4.75” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-12-5 [p b] [e n g]| Rs 55 



Kuttan and the 

Shooting Stars 

One clear and dreamy night, Kuttan 

sees a light streak across the sky. 

Aren’t you curious to know what 

it was? Find out in Kuttan’s fourth 

fascinating adventure. 

The books are light and easy, and could well entice many children to the charms of reading. 

— DNA 

for 2 to 5 year olds

for 6 and above 

Pub: 2006 | pp. 32 | 8.25” x 6” 

ISBN 81-89020-39-0 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 60 



Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 81-87649-89-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 



A Jungle Safari 

Geeta Dharmarajan | Art by Sonal Panse 

Are you a lover of the wild and the myriad mysteries of the 

jungle? Do you thrill to its smells and sounds and long to trek 

through the meandering paths and lush greens? 

Come, join us on an elephant safari, and let Bhama take us 

through the deep, silent forests of Mudumalai in the Nilgiris, for 

an unforgettable experience! 

The narrative is snappy sustaining the thrill of all that the jungle has to offer. 

— The Hindu 

Autorickshaw Blues 

and Other Colours 

Sadhana Ramchander | Art by Ragini Siruguri 

With help from Taposhi Ghoshal 

This great book by a mother-daughter team 

is all about you! A refreshing look at the 

parent-child relationship, through poems. 

There’s much fun to be had in the pages of this slim and accessible book. 

— Papertigers 

Pub: 2009 | pp. 36 | 8”X10” 

ISBN 978-81-89934-26-2 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 175 



Ma Ganga and the Razai Box 

Geeta Dharmarajan | Art by Sonali Biswas 

A delightful story that combines mythology and 

contemporary environmental issues. A miffed Ganga, an 

awakened hill people – together they once again spread 

Shiva’s matted locks – the mesh of roots and branches 

holding back the topsoil from being swept away by the 

river. 

Teaching through story telling is often more entertaining and effective 

than laying down a list of dos and don’ts. The two books from Katha 

—Ma Ganga and the Razai Box and Satyadas — employ allegory to 

provide a charming yet instructive account of issues that affect us all. 

— The Hindu 

On The Tip of a Pin was … 


Art by Ludmilla Chakrabarty 

Uncover the mystery of the Amazing Worm, and 

her incredible wormholes! Go zooming with the 

fastest underground dancer in the world. Hop into 

this sci-fi tale for a journey you won’t forget. 

This delectable book, like an Asterix Comic or chocolate icecream 

is for all ages, moods and minds. And as for the price – 

well, it’s Priceless! 

— Bolo Kids 

Pub: 2006 | pp. 32 | 8.25” x6” 

ISBN 81-89020-74-9 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 80 



for 6 and above

iome series 

Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 8”X10” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-40-8 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

ISBN 978-81-89020-44-7 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 120 



Walk the Rainforest with 

Niwupah 

Aparajita Datta and Nima Manjrekar 


Join Niwupah the Hornbill on a tour of his rainforest home, 

where the sights we see and the sounds we hear, the scents 

we smell and the creatures we meet, are like nothing 

we’ve ever imagined! Find out more about this strange and 

wonderful 

bird, too! 

Authors Aparajita Datta and Nima Manjrekar, both wildlife specialists, 

have simplified the complex ecosystem of the rainforest, making it easy to 

understand and fun to read. Walk the Rainforest With Niwupah is a good 

introduction to the world of wildlife. 

— The Hindu 

Earthsong 


Art by Enrique Lara and Luis Garcia 

A lyrical tribute to the earth and its amazing 

diversity, by Geeta Dharmarajan. With fun 

facts, information and superb, out-of-this-world 

artwork by Enrique Lara and Luis Garcia. 

Geeta Dharmarajan has a unique way of adding life even to 

the most boring subjects. If you read Earthsong, you’ll realize 

it’s not the environmental studies book you must have read in 

school. Or maybe it is, just a better one, a much better one. 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 36 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 81-89020-15-3 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

ISBN 81-89020-16-1 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 


North East is one of the most culturally diverse regions in India. 

Each of the eight states has its own distinct range of cultures and 

traditions. A place renowned for its magical beauty and amazing 

diversity, the Northeast is home to more than 300 separate tribal 

groups, speaking a wide range of languages. These stories reiterate 

and celebrate the exuberance of North East. 

Pub: 2005 | pp. 88 | 11”X8.5” 

ISBN 81-89020-33-1 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 295 


First Sun Stories 

Various Contributors 

Sunrise stories ... Here is Katha’s first collection 

of folk tales from North East India, lovingly retold 

and illustrated for children. 

The story of creation from the Ao people, a Khasi 

tale of how the peacock’s tail got its golden spots, 

the story of the hornbill girl from the Meitis, the 

Tejimola legend of Assam ... and many more. 

Fourteen folktales from the Northeast. And each one of them 

so different yet so interesting. Some funny, some sad, but all 

sure to keep the reader engaged to the very end. 

— The Hindu 

katha north east library

katha north east library 

Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 8.25”X6” 

ISBN 81-89020-37-8 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 80 



Once Upon a Moontime 

The Story of Shangmiyang 

Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya 

Art by Suddhasattwa Basu 

A little book about the gentle, BIG giant who sneezed up a 

storm ... A visual delight for children, superbly illustrated by 

Suddhasattwa Basu. 

This story is excerpted and retold from Yaruingam, a novel 

by Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya, eminent Asomiya writer 

and winner of several prestigious national awards like the 

Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 and the Jnanpith Award in 

1979. 

Presented by Mamang Dai 

Art by Nimret Handa 

Two brothers create the world; a river wanders over the 

mountain; the dove sings a lullaby; a wayward sun tries 

to scorch the earth. Four delightful tales from Arunachal 

Pradesh on how the world came to be. 

Each page of the story has delightful and beautiful life-like illustrations 

which grab your attention and transport you to an era gone by. A magical 

world about which we had only imagined unfolds in front of our eyes as we 

read each story ... 

— The Pioneer 

The colours add to the mood and highlight the magic of the drawings. 

— Young World 

Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 8.25” x 6” 

ISBN 81-89020-34-X [p b] [e n g] | Rs 80 



Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 8.25”X6” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-32-3 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 80 

ISBN 81-89020-82-X [p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 80 


The Sky Queen 

Mamang Dai 

Art by Srivi 

The clouds form her silken white robes. Her sweat and 

tears are the running water and rain. Her voice rings out 

in the sweet songs of the birds and humming insects. She 

is Nyanyi Myete of the lovely, ever-changing natural world, 

the glorious celestial aunt of the Kojum-Koja. 

A superb retelling of an age-old classic folk tale from 

Arunachal Pradesh. 

U Sier Lapalang 

A Khasi tale 

retold by Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih 


Lapalang is a young deer in love with adventure. One day 

he sets off in search of something different. Not heeding 

his mother’s words, not listening to the voice inside him. 

Beware! Beware of the land of the humans ... 

The tragic and unforgettable story of U Sier Lapalang is told 

and retold in the cloud land of Meghalaya. Katha is proud 

to bring this classic to you and your family in a beautifullyworded 

translation. 

The sad and unforgettable story of U Sier Lapalang is told in the cloud 

land of Meghalaya. It is the story of Lapalang, a young deer in love with 

adventure ... 

— The Hindu 

What strikes us most about Mamang Dai’s The Sky Queen is its bright 

colourful illustrations that are sprawled across the 30 odd pages of the book. 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 32 | 8.25” x 6” 

ISBN 81-89020-31-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 



katha north east library


Pub: 2005 | pp. 40 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 81-89020-30-7 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 200 

ISBN 81-89020-29-3 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 175 



Ka: The Story of Garuda 

Roberto Calasso 


Retold by Geeta Dharmarajan 

The skies shook, then came rains of fire. Yet Garuda, the 

big, black eagle, pierced through the walls of heaven 

to snatch away the soma. He had to. That was the only 

way he could free his mother. With superb artwork by 

award-winning illustrator, Suddhasattwa Basu, 

this is a fascinating version by Geeta Dharmarajan, 

adapted from the original international bestseller. 

Spread out your wings to read the fascinating tale of Garuda, the big 

black eagle who won the soma from heaven to free his mother. Based on 

Roberto Calasso’s bestselling novel. 

— Educational Initiatives 

Hanuman’s Adventures in 

the Nether World 

Madhavi S Mahadevan | Art by Srivi 

The master magician, Mayil Ravana, has cast 

a stupendous spell! He’s kidnapped Rama and 

Lakshmana. Now, no one can ever find their way 

to the Lotus Kingdom to rescue the princess. But, 

wait! There goes Hanuman, the son of the swishing 

wind and a trusted friend of the princes, gliding 

across the bluest sky in search of the nether world. 

He dares through crashing waves, fire-sparks and 

mirror-demons to blow out the slithering flames 

under the sea. Slip into your invisible diving suits for 

a splashing, big adventure! 

A great read for young children, this creative and highly visual text 

can and should also be read aloud, by both children and adults, or 

even dramatized, to bring history and mythology alive. 

— Parenting 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 32 | 10” x 8” 

ISBN 81-87649-60-7 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

ISBN 81-89020-04-8 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 

ISBN 81-89020-10-2 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 80 


What Shape is an Elephant? 

Rumi | Art by Feeroozeh Golmohammadi 

What shape is an elephant? Is it round or crooked; is it 

straight or is it curved? These are questions that go much 

deeper than they appear. 

The story is a translation in prose of the original verse by 

Rumi, the great spiritual leader of Iran. With this picture 

book, Katha introduces Rumi to children for the first time 

in India. 

The book introduces Rumi to the readers and is simple and interesting 

in style. The paintings convey a poetic rhythm, with the illustrations 

speaking as much as the words. 

— The Indian Express 

Surangini 

Partap Sharma | Art by Vandana Bist 

Kalu, the poor weaver, loves the beautiful Surangini, but 

only the wealthiest of eligible young men can ask for her 

hand in marriage. Unless Kalu with his deft hands, quick 

wit and unselfish love can 

produce something like a miracle … 

An enchanting story about what we all value and seek in 

life – love, trust, friendship and peace. This is an abridged 

version of the original book, The Surangini Tales by Partap 

Sharma. 

A magic carpet, a story within a story, an enigmatic puzzle takes place 

before the story ends happily ever after, but with a strange twist. The beauty 

of the story is further enhanced by the illustrations by Vandana Bist. 

— The Hindu 

Pub: 2006 | pp. 32 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-48-4 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 150 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 40 | 11” x 8.5” 

ISBN 81-89020-41-2 [h b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

ISBN 81-89020-43-9 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 120 

ISBN 81-89020-65-X [p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 95 World 

Rights: KATHA 

for 8 and above


SELECTED SHORT STORIES Raj Kahini 

Pub: 2006 | pp. 40 | 9”X6” 

ISBN 978-81-89020-68-4 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 



Satyadas 

Bimal Kar 

Art by Neeta Gangopadhya 

The Mountain of the Moon 

Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay 


The lurking danger, the mystery that shrouds it, the places 

you cannot run away from or hide in. Discover the magic and 

mystery of Africa created by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. A 

must read for all those who dare to dare, dare to dream. 

A story about truth and honesty compromised when 

material well-being arrives. The story showcases with 

sensitivity the exit of humane values with the advent of 

material wealth and prosperity. 

While the charcoal sketches bring to life the humble life and household of 

Raghunath, the story, originally written in Bengali, is about the decline 

in human values as one falls a prey to greed. As the prologue to the 

book describes, it is a story “exploring truth, falsehood and everything in 

between.” 

— The Hindu 

Pub: 2003 | pp. 152 | 8”X5.5” 

ISBN 81-87649-30-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

Abanindranath Tagore | Art by Vikram Nayak 

Do you hear the swish of dry desert winds, the clash of swords ...? 

Come, enter the world of high intrigue, valour and courage in these 

timeless tales of Rajasthan’s queens and kings. 

Pub 2004 | pp. 200 | 6.75”x4.5” | ISBN 81-89020-52-8 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 120 

Nine picturesque tales that you’ll never forget from the master storyteller. Though 

a painter, Abanindranath Tagore loved writing for children. Perhaps that is why 

his uncle Rabindranath Tagore had urged him to write. When Abanindranath 

finally did, these unforgettable stories were born. Now, for the first time in English 

from Katha. — School Planet 

The Myna from the Peacock Garden 

Naiyer Masud 

Falak Ara … a little girl wanted this precious ornament of the sky to adorn 

her lonely world. 

Does Kale Khan receive the royal pardon for his unusual ‘crime’? Set in the 

times of Sultan Wajid Ali Shah in the historic and beautiful city of Lucknow, 

this is a poignant and unforgettable story of a father’s love for his daughter, 

delightfully illustrated. From the pen of one of the finest storytellers writing 

in Urdu today. 

Pub 2005 | pp. 88 | 6.75”x4.5” ISBN 81-89020-45-5 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 95 

Parthiban’s Dream 

Kalki | Translated by Gita Rajan | Art by Srivi 

A classic by Kalki, the book traces the fall and the final realization of 

the illustrious King Parthiban Chola’s dream of an all-powerful Chola 

empire and the exploits of the even more illustrious Pallava king, 

Narsimhan Varman. 

Pub: 2006 | pp. 240 | 6.75” x 4.5” | ISBN 81-89020-64-1 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 150 

my first novels

my first novels 

Battling Boats 

Various Authors | Cover illustration: Tapas Guha 

Share the spine-tingling adventures of the brave, young heroes of this book. 

Rediscover excitement, mystery and thrill in this wonderful collection of 

stories by master storytellers from the much-loved children’s magazine 

Target, edited by Rosalind Wilson. 

Pub: 2000 | pp. 112 | 8”x5.5” | ISBN: 81-87649-03-8 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 

The Nose Doctor 

Various Authors | Cover illustration: Suddhasattwa Basu 

Do spaceships and genies stir your imagination? Why not solve a mystery 

with detective Dee Kay? Come! Get set for these spellbinding stories packed 

with action, fun, adventure. From the marvellous children’s monthly, Target, 

edited by Rosalind Wilson. And plunge into worlds you have visited only in 

your dreams! 

Pub: 2000 | pp: 144 | 8”x5.5 | ISBN: 81-85586-93-4 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 

Grinny, the Green Dinosaur 

Various Authors 

A collection of delightful stories from the popular children’s magazine Target, 

edited by Rosalind Wilson. 

Pub: 2000 | pp: 144 | 8”x5.5 ISBN: 81-87649-02-X [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 

The Carpenter’s Apprentice 

Various Authors | Cover illustration: Jagdish Aich Roy 

Rediscover an extraordinary world of words with stories from Target – the 

much-loved children’s magazine, edited by Rosalind Wilson. An enthralling 

collection put together in a new volume by Katha, with delightful, vintage 

illustrations. Ideal for curling up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon. 

Pub: 1999 | pp. 136 | 8”x5.5” | ISBN: 81-85586-94-2 [p b] [e n g] | Rs 75 

Teen Readings 

Dip into a mix of unforgettable short fiction that is sure to enchant, amuse 

and provoke. These books from the Pocket Plus series present an eclectic 

collection of stories in reader friendly translations. Fine short fiction from 

across India, this collection is a sure way of knowing India through her stories. 

The Verdict 

Various authors 

Pub: 2006 | pp. 136 | 6.75”x4. 5” 

ISBN 81-89020-60-9 | Rs 95 

The Bell 


Pub: 2006 | pp. 144 | 6.75”x4. 5” 

ISBN 81-89020-63-3 | Rs 95 

Lucose’s Church 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 120 | 6.75”x4. 5” 

ISBN 81-89020-50-1 | Rs 95 

Ghost Stories 


Pub 2006 | pp. 64 | 6.75”x4.5” 

ISBN 81-89020-53-6 | Rs 75 

Night of the 

Third Crescent 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 144 | 6.75”x4. 5” 

ISBN 81-89020-51-X | Rs 95 

Bhiku’s Diary 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 136 | 6.75”x4. 5” 

ISBN 81-89020-59-5 | Rs 95 

The Dragonfly 


Pub: 2005 | pp. 176 | 6.75”x4. 5” 

ISBN 81-89020-62-5 | Rs 95 

Katha pocket plus

ooks for neo-literates 

Arjun 

Mahasweta Devi | Art by D Sharma 

Ketu is worried. He has been ordered by the 

village chief to cut down the tree of Arjun. This 

ancient tree is the last existing symbol of the old 

jungles. Will Ketu be able to save the tree? 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-02-1 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-55-7 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-17-5 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Sparsh 

Jaywant Dalvi | Art by Sujata Singh 

A sensitive portrait of a grandmother’s emotions, 

and the tough decisions she takes in her twilight 

years. 

Puraskar 

Jaishankar Prasad | Art by Tapas Guha 

History has many examples of brave women who 

loved their country and fought for it. One such 

selfless woman illustrates the extent of this love. 

Stri Ka Patr 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-63-2 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Rabindranath Tagore | Art by Atanu 

Roy 

A woman’s brave struggle to break free from the 

restrictive demands of customs and traditions. 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-56-4 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Samudra Tat Par 

O V Vijayan | Art by Swapan Sarkar 

Steeped in emotions, touching the very depths of 

human relationships, this is the story of a father’s 

selfless love. 

Paro Ki Kahani 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-16-8 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Sugra Mehdi | Art by Subba Ghosh 

Paro loved being outdoors, going into the fields 

and cycling fast! Here’s the story of a young girl 

who wanted to live life on her own terms. 

Panch Parmeshwar 

Premchand | Art by Atanu Roy 

Based on the ideas of trust and friendship, and 

the responsibility that comes with social standing, 

this is one of Premchand’s most famous stories. 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-45-8 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-54-0 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-62-5 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Do Haath 

Ismat Chughtai 


The village is anxiously awaiting the army man’s 

return, to watch the fun. With caustic humour, 

this story bares society’s hypocrisy. 

Thakavat 

Gurbachan Singh Bhullar 

Art by Taposhi Ghoshal 

Between taking care of her field and bringing up 

her son, innocent, naïve Aso has a huge burden to 

shoulder. Will she be able to do it alone? 

Faisla 

Abhishaap 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-64-9 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Maitreyi Pushpa 

Art by Moti Karan & Satya 

A powerful portrait of a woman who dared 

against societal odds to be true to herself. 

Bhola 

Rajinder Singh Bedi 

Art by Sujata Khanna 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-65-6 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Adored by all, one day Bhola stuns everyone with 

his innocence and courage. 

Pub: 2004 | pp. 20 | 9” x 7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-18-2 

[p b] [h i n d i] | Rs 50 


Pudhuvai Ra Rajani 

Art by Sarda Natarajan 

Are only human beings entitled to curse? Or are 

gentle creatures like butterflies equally sensitive? 

Read this story and decide for yourself. 

books for neo-literates

Books for young adults 

Yuvakatha Hindi Series 

Eleven gems handpicked from ten languages. Unusual, enchanting, unforgettable short stories from 

master storytellers. Now retold in illustrated, reader-friendly Hindi translations, with interactive 

exercises for classroom teaching. The best way of enticing young readers to the best of Indian fiction in 

translation, of knowing India through her stories. 

Pandrah 

Ambai 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



A wry, hilarious and satirical 

take on the GATT Treaty and its 

implications for India, told from 

the point of view of one farmer 

affected by it. 

Pinti ka Sabun 

Sanjay Khati 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Sometimes, it seemed as if he’d 

just imagined the whole thing ... 

An old forgotten medal from 

another time has a dark 

story to hide – 

dare you read and find out…? 

Lukose ka Girjaghar 

Susan Viswanathan 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Shoonya Sawal 

Bibhas Sen 

Padak 

Adolescence comes tumbling 

with umpteen doubts and 

questions, finding the answers 

to which pose many a profound 

dilemma. A gently funny 

coming-of-age story. 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



The mere arrival of a soap 

turned my whole life upside 

down. But even as the soap cast 

its intoxicating spell over me, 

perfumed my body, my heart 

remained dark as ever. 

Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Devoting a lifetime to love of 

the Lord in the cold isolation 

and silence of a church; or the 

comfort and warmth of his 

mother’s kitchen…? Can a nine 

year old boy resolve such a 

dilemma? 

Jalebiyan 

Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



A thrilling, heart-warming World 

War story of exemplary courage 

on the high seas. Can little 

Ondina and her crew take on the 

might of two Japanese warships 

many times her size and strength, 

and fulfil her dangerous mission? 

Dalal 

Ram Swaroop Kisan 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Mounted on a willful, whimsical 

mare, Dagadu, the unwilling 

bridegroom sets off to marry. 

But little does he know that fate 

will take him on such a merry 

ride. A hilariously ironic, surreal 

suburban tale. 

Curfew 

Manoj 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Come, peek into Bhiku’s diary 

and catch a glimpse of his life. It 

will make you laugh, make you 

cry. A simple tale as lucid as life. 

Fauladi Irade 

Sukani 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Dagadu Parab ka Ashwamedh 

Jayant Kaikini 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Bhiku ki Diary 

Meena Kakodkar 

“As you sow, so shall you reap.” 

“Big mouthfuls often choke.” 

All these were just aphorisms 

for me. But thanks to those 

irresistible, mouthwatering 

jalebis, I learned quite a lot. 

Tansukh was a cattle broker. But 

his trade pricked his conscience. 

And when he got one chance to 

amend his wrongs, , what did 

he do? 

Away from home and family, a 

soldier’s life is full of hardships, 

and a soldier is harsh. But 

somewhere inside him hides a 

child, a father, a human being. A 

simple, poignant story. 

Pub: 2008 | pp. 40 | 8.25” x 6” 



Katha is back with that rare commodity – stories in Hindi that will make kids want to turn the page themselves. — Time Out 

Books for young adults

Hindi easy readers 

Hindi Easy Readers 

Here’s an exciting new way to fun learning. Easy readers are cornucopia of fun with an amusing dose on 

the language, acquainting young learners to new words and nuances of Hindi. 

The series comes with teaching resources and lucidly communicate new ideas and tested methods, 

invaluable to educators. 

Recommended 

by NCERT 

Reading Cell for 

all schools 

Hulgul ka Pitara 

With its subtle sense of humour and word play, the ‘I will read myself – Hulgul 

Stories’ are a series of wonderful fun-filled books. Also available with these 

books, is a set of flash cards to add that magical spin while reading. All in all, 

an enchanting fun-learning galore! 

Gilli Gilli Gola 

Charu Anand | Art by Suddhasattwa Basu 

Pub: 1992 | pp. 16 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-06-3 | Rs 50 

Adha Raja Adha Ojha 

Charu Anand | Art by Suddhasattwa Basu 

Pub: 1992 | pp. 16 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-05-5 | Rs 50 

Ek Tha Mota Raja 


Art by Sujata Singh 

Pub: 1992 | pp. 16 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-08-3 | Rs 50 

Thahro 

Art by Damyanti 

Pub: 1992 | pp. 16 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-07-6 | Rs 50 

Udan Chhoo.... 


Art by Taposhi Ghoshal 

Pub: 1992 | pp. 16 | 9”X7” 

ISBN 978-81-85586-07-6 | Rs 50 

Hindi easy readers

Hindi easy readers 

The Katha Tamasha! Easy Readers 

Easy readers takes children from 60 to 600 words of reading fluency in Hindi. The 600 words Katha has 

chosen are story-based and a combination of easy and “difficult” words for which a child will have to 

use her intuition, adding to the creativity of children and fuelling their interest in reading. Teachers 

who have been working with stories in Katha Schools over the last 10-15 years, chose the stories which 

enhanced reading in their children, took these stories to children and these 11 stories were chosen. 

Shanno aur Uske Sau Haathi 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Mitzi 

Kaveri D 

Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Kokila ka Mast Matka 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Baagh ka Panja 

Shanti Krishnaswamy 

Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Abu aur Badi Hawa 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Jadui Martbaan 

Mala Marwah 

Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Kaash Ek Beta Mera Bhi Hota 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Gupgupangdas 

Charu Anand 

Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Kamal se Bhara Aakash 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Jishnu ki Chaturai 


Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Aisa Bhi Hota Hain 

Vibha Kaul 

Pub: 2007 | pp. 28 | 8.25” x 6” 



Hindi easy readers

The book tingles and tickles with its words, captivates and enthralls with its illustrations. 

— On the Tip of a Pin reviewed by bolokids 

The illustrations are lovely, the storytelling flows naturally and the production quality is excellent. 

— A lion in Paris reviewed by Live Mint 

Worthy successor to old Katha favourites. 

— On the Tip of a Pin reviewed by Live Mint 

Through the creation of appealing and approachable reading material such as this book and their other educational endeavors, Katha is 

effecting its mission across India and helping young people find the “wormholes,” or shortcuts, to create lasting change 

for generations to come. 

— On the Tip of a Pin reviewed by Papertigers 

Siruguri’s candid drawings of happy, dark-haired children (including one of her little sister biting the bottom of her ice cream cone), 

and of the crowded autorickshaw on its way to school add much to this fun-filled teamwork. 

Kudos to both mother and daughter for bringing this creative project to life with so much gusto. 

— Autorickshaw Blues and Other Colours reviewed by Papertigers 

A prize book at a super price! 

— Mai and her Friends reviewed by Young India Books 

The simple but quirky drawings let kids discover what it’s like to see the world from a bat’s perspective. 

— Fledolin Upside Down reviewed by Time out Mumbai 

Cleverly designed, the picture book is sure to keep kids entertained for hours. 

— On the Tip of a Pin reviewed by Time out Mumbai 

A certain depth and creativity is what sets these books apart from the rest. 

— World Series reviewed by New Woman 

Kuttan the Cat is much like his young readers — curious, full of life, and ready to step out into the big wide world. 

— Kuttan Series reviewed by DNA 

Katha, one of India’s finest children’s book publishers, has brought out some wonderful gems on environment oriented children’s books. 

— Walk the Grasslands with Takuri reviewed by Literary Sojourn 

The story with its view of life in a small pond and the larger forest can be used as a supplementary reader in the classroom. 

A book that can be read and enjoyed by everyone, from the very young to the very old! 

— Daddoo’s Day Out reviewed by The Hindu 

A wonderful blend of simple text and beautiful pictures, “Ma Ganga and the Razai Box”, brought out by Katha, is author Geeta 

Dharmarajan’s timely gift to the kids. It tells them about mythological and environmental issues concerning the holy river and more 

importantly about something that everyone has apparently overlooked - that Ma Ganga is miffed. 

— Ma Ganga and the Razai Box reviewed by Young World, The Hindu 

A very likeable rendition of the Ganga saga for children ... The tone, the discussion, the notes at the end … 

all function and exercise their weight at just the right pithc. Thoroughtly recommended. 

— Ma Ganga and the Razai Box reviewed by Parenting

forthcoming 

I am aan 

Meenakshi Bharadwaj | Art by Christopher Corr | Translated from the Tamil 

Deep in the jungles of the Western Ghats lives a baby elephant called Aan. His mother and brother and sister all 

dote on him. Growing from a pampered baby of the herd to an adult, Aan learns many invaluable lessons. His 

journey from the magical world of childhood to the tough adult one is an exciting voyage of self-discovery. 

GIjjIGudde and the FIreFlIes 

Gopini Karunakar | Art by Atanu Roy | Translated and Retold from the Telugu 

The golden sparrows complain to the gods that their homes have no light. Men light lamps, owls have eyes that 

shine. But sparrows have no way to get through the night. The gods feel sorry for them and let them collect 

moondust when the moon rubs against the sky. With nests of moondust, the sparrows catch fireflies who happily 

light up their homes. 

unnIkatha 

M Mukundan | Art by Poonam Athalye | Translated and Retold from the Malayalam 

Unni, the narrator, is a talented storyteller. He regales his grandmother with colourful tales, weaving a magical web. 

the shepherd 

Vijaydan Detha | Art by Sanjay Jangid | Translated and Retold from the Rajasthani 

A dash of folk, a drop of history, a dollop of wisdom, an ounce of simplicity and loads of fun. 

A remarkable folk tale elucidating simplicity of the mind and the heart can open up the treasure trove of the entire 

universe – a treasure that grows larger with sharing. 

Oh nO, nOt aGaIn! 

Geeta Dharmarajan | Art by Rajiv Eipe 

What happens when the famous cricketer of Dhamdhoom Nagar, Her Most Royal Highness of Dhamdhoom and 

owner of the Best Cricket Pitch in the World, Banu, loses her temper? Find out for yourself in this mad mad story ... 

Laughs guaranteed! 

haIku! 

Kala Ramesh | Art by Surabhi Singh 

Katha presents a lovely compilation of highly evocative and wildly creative haiku poems that will light up your child’s 

imagination. With fragments of colorful world of nature, animals and livelihood, the book would be a fabulous 

introduction to this form of poetry, and will conjure immersive mindscapes that no reader will soon forget. The 

distinctive 3-dimensional structure of the book is fun to hold and to read. Also comes with this book, an exciting and 

engaging scrap book. 

the Old man WhO WOuldn’t lIsten 

Nonda Chatterjee | Art by Siddharth Tripathi 

He was laughed at, scolded for his obstinacy, called names. But the old man would not change his ways,nor part 

with his companions. With pockets of suspense, this beautiful story - our first graphic novel! - exemplifies that life is 

impossible without a little help from friends. 

hIc!cOpOtamus 

Geeta Dharmarajan | Art by Rajiv Eipe 

A quirky tale of a hiccupping Hippo plopping into a pond because of its unstoppable hiccups. The book comes with 

the perils of being highly entertaining, giving you uncontrollable giggles, and a very rumbling, grumbling tummy! 

razIa and her pInk elephant 

Mukul Dube | Art by Fahad Faisal 

Offering the best of fun fiddled narration, the story of Razia and her elephant Sarasvati and her carrot taster Uncle 

Sher Singh and his best friend Natasha - the world’s fastest courier pigeon. The story, with its subtle sense of humour 

and word play, is sure to send kids into fits of giggles. 

When In delhI 

Jayanto 

A beautifully illustrated book on Delhi the capital city of India, chockful of fun and frolic by one of India’s best 

cartoonists. Places. Monuments. Peoples. The amazing cultural and linguistic diversity Delhi is home to! 

I am Najar-am-radh 

Geeta Dharmarajan | Art by Vandana Singh 

The tamarind tree is the best storyteller in the whole wide world. How did the tree earn this special gift? Therein lies 

an enchanting tale. 

elephant In the tree 

Written and Illustrated by Mallika Nagarajan 

With its quirky characters, unusual use of language and skilful blending of fantasy and reality, comes this remarkable 

story about a little girl who finds an elephant in a tree and journeys with it into a new world that will change her life 

forever. The dream-imagery that permeates the story promise to surprise and delight your child, while the social 

message will educate her about the environment. 

hOW tO WeIGh an elephant? 

Art by Wen Hsu 

Not very long ago, there was a king. The king wanted to find out the weight of his favourite elephant. His ministers 

tried … his pundits tried … the vegetable sellers tried … the jewelers tried … But to no avail. How would the king find 

out the weigh of his elephant? Stress your grey cells till you lay your hands on this one. 

the WOrld arOund us 

This unique series for 6-12 year olds, with imaginative narration and beautiful illustrations, gives young learners 

a dynamic space to grapple with issues of extreme importance like sustainable environment, global warming and 

sustainable consumption. Also available with this series, are a million ideas on classroom projects and discussions. 

I Love earth SerIeS - a coLourINg eNcycLopaedIa of earth for preSchooLerS 

We need Earth-carers! And who better than your son or daughter? Experts say that the sooner a child learns to find 

out more about the world around them, the better it is for everyone. After all, we do want our children to have as 

nice a world as we have had, don’t we? Katha’s new series, the I LOVE EARTH! set is a colouring encyclopaedia that 

gives preschoolers the larger picture in fun ways. 

forthcoming

Illustrators at katha 

They are the ones who can launch colours into a thousand 

myriad forms. They make the stories alive. They make 

you turn pages. They make you gasp in awe at the sheer 

beauty of the images melting through their pens, pencils 

and brushes. They are the illustrators at Katha, the artists of 

many images. 

anahita taymourian - is an Iranian graphic artist, painter and interior designer. Her illustrations 

in the book ‘Kaleh and the Singsong Castle’ published by Katha, won her the Runner Up Prize in 

the Katha Chitrakala Contest 2006 – a search for excellence and innovation in illustrating and writing 

for children. 

Bindia thapar - is a trained architect. She loves to illustrate and has been a designer and illustrator for 

various publishing houses. She is a visiting lecturer at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and 

is deeply committed to peace and environmental issues. She lives in New Delhi with her daughter. 

christopher corr - is an international name in children’s book illustrations. He was born in London and studied at The 

Royal College of Art. He works in a traditional way, paint on paper, usually gouaches on hand-made Italian or Indian 

paper. His round the world travels provide much inspiration for his work and he says that India is where he discovered 

colour. 

harshvardhan kadam - is a versatile young artist who enjoys experimenting in various media. He holds a wanderer’s 

paint brush and has recorded several of his journeys in his unique style. He has also done graphic novels which were 

critically well received. His preference remains working in real media but he enjoys painting digitally too. The traveller 

also has a keen eye for photography and this vibrancy of perspective can be seen in his work. 

ludmilla chakrabarty - was born in Russia. After her marriage, Ludmilla is pursuing a career here in India as an artist 

and a book illustrator, as well as a writer of children’s stories. 

mario kessler - He began to draw and paint while in school. He likes painting animals for children. Mario has illustrated 

“Mo...aning Morris” by Franz Hubner, for Katha. 

maya ramaswamy - has recently brought together her two greatest passions: painting and wildlife. A creative artist 

with a talent for cartooning, she loves watching wildlife and visits the forests whenever she can get away from 

Bangalore. 

nancy raj - is children’s book artist and designer with an M.A in Fine Arts. She enjoys capturing people, their emotions 

and involvement in daily life, through quick sketches. She likes to spread energy and laughter through her pictures - 

which is why she revels in doing comic strips and caricaturing family and friends. She loves spending time with children 

and her pet dog. 

neeta Gangopadhya - A post graduate from the College of Art, New Delhi, Neeta Gangopadhya has illustrated several 

books for children. She has represented India at the Biennial of Illustrations, Bratislava in 1995. Her illustrations are 

included in the book ‘Once Upon a Time in India’, which has been nominated for the IBBY Honours List in 2006. 

nimret handa - She has been writing and illustrating her own nature columns over many years. She also does travel 

writing, features and book reviews. Nimret has illustrated ‘Once Upon a Moontime’ by Mamang Dai, for Katha. 

paula Bossio - studied graphic design at the University of Jorge Tadeo Lozano. She teaches illustrations in a Colombian 

university and loves illustrating books for children. Apart from winning the Runner-up prize for this book in the Katha 

Chitrakala Award 2009, Paula was also the Runner-up in the 13th Noma Concours. 

prabhjot kaur - has written and illustrated ‘Daddoo’s Day out’ for Katha, and it won her the runner-up prize in the 10th 

Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations. She is presently in England working as an illustrator. 

rajiv eipe - studied Fine Arts at Sir J. J. School of Art before he went to study Animation Film Design at the National 

Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Rajiv lives in Mumbai where he mainly does animation and graphics for television, 

and secretly wishes to drive a taxi for a living. 

rashin kheiriyeh - is an Iranian illustrator. Her illustrations for the book ‘The Famous Smile’ published by Katha won 

her the Grand Prize in the Katha Chitrakala Contest 2006 – a search for excellence and innovation in illustrating and 

writing for children. 

shweta mohapatra - is a graduate of National Institute of Design, NID, Ahmedabad, and the Pont Aven School of 

Contemporary Arts, France. Currently visiting faculty at NID, she’s worked for the Children’s Film Society of India and 

Sesame Street India. 

sonal panse - is a freelance artist and writer based in Nashik in Maharashtra. She does realistic, imaginative and 

abstract artwork in a variety of media. Her work has been featured in publications in India, Australia and the United 

States. She has also exhibited her paintings in London and Mumbai, and is currently working on a novel. 

sonali Biswas - is a freelance illustrator based in Delhi. She is the recipient of The Chitra Katha Award 2003 for 

Outstanding Illustrations for The Lonely Unicorn, a story-counting book published by Katha. She has also received the 

runner-up award from Noma Concours for Children’s Book Illustrations in 2000 and an honourable mention at the 

Biennial of Asian Illustrators, Japan in 2002. 

srivi - is a writer, illustrator and visualiser. She did her Bachelors and Masters from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India 

and majored in creative painting, art history and graphic design. A gold medalist with a commitment to the visual arts 

and children’s association with visual art, Srivi has illustrated several fiction and non-fiction books for children. 

stephen aitken - has been writing and illustrating children’s books for over 20 years. He is also a botanical illustrator 

and has served as the Managing Editor of Biodiversity: Journal of Life on Earth. He left his homeland Canada to come 

to India and live in the Himalayas, where he maintains a studio. Aitken is a member of the Picture Book Artists’ 

Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 

suddhasatwa Basu - is a renowned illustrator, painter and maker of animation films for television. For ‘The Song of a 

Scarecrow’, a picture book written and illustrated by him, he won the Katha Chitrakala Award 2002 and received an 

honourable mention at the Bienniel of Illustrations 2003, Bratislava. He has also illustrated Ka: The Story of Garuda 

for Katha. 

Vandana Bist - She has a degree in Fine Arts from the Delhi College of Art and has specialised in illustration. In 

1988, she was awarded the encouragement prize in the Children’s Picture Book Competition organised by the Noma 

Concours Foundation, Japan. Her works have been exhibited in Japan and Bratislava. Since 1986, her writings and 

drawings have been published in various children’s magazines and books. Her first book is A Ticket to Home and Other 

Stories, a collection for children (HarperCollins, 1994). ‘Surangini’ is very popular among children. 

Wen hsu - was born in Taiwan and two years later moved to Costa Rica, where she grew up. She holds a degree in 

Architecture from the University of Costa Rica, as well as a BFA with honors in Illustration from the Rhode Island School 

of Design. Wen has previously illustrated books for children in Costa Rica and Guatemala, as well as other books in the 

USA. She was granted the NOMA Concours Grand Prix in 2008. 

Illustrators at katha

Love picture books? 

Always wanted to illustrate for children? 

Here’s your chance to be published! 

C The Katha 

HITR A 

K AL A 

Award 2010-11 

Paint a story & say it with colours! 

A worldwide search for excellence in children’s book illustrations. 

For ideas that are fresh, irresistible, enduring … 

And can inspire children to be lifelong readers! 

Grand Prize: Rs 100001, a citation and publication by Katha 

Runner-up Prize and lots more… 

The Katha Chitrakala Award recognizes exemplary children’s book illustrations and ideas that are fresh, powerful and 

unique, and have the potential to keep young readers engaged and turn them towards lifelong reading. The contest is 

open to everyone worldwide. 

You can illustrate your own story, team up with a writer, 

or write to chitrakala@katha.org or kathakaar@katha.org for a Katha story to illustrate. 

Last date for submission of entries: 14th January 2011 

Laureates chosen for the final round will be announced in February 2011. Their names will also be posted on www. 

katha.org. 

All laureates will be invited to submit their complete artworks, story and layout to Katha by 30th June 2011. From these 

the teams for award of Grand Prize and Runner-up Prize will be chosen. The awards will be presented to the Grand 

Winner Team and the other laureates at a gala ceremony at Delhi. 

For more details, please write to chitrakala@katha.org or visit our website www.katha.org 

The Chitrakala Collection 

Winning works from among the entries will be released as books. 

COME HOME TO GOOD FICTION, COME HOME TO KATHA 

Katha announces 

BALKATHA 

PRIZE STORIES 

A Search for Excellence in Writing and Translating for Children 

TRANSLATING DIVERSITIES — FORGING IDENTITIES 

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? 

Carrying forward the legacy of Katha Prize Stories, Katha announces the Balkatha Prize Stories and invites all the word 

storytellers to be a part of this search for excellence in writing and translating for children. The idea is to encourage, foster 

and applaud quintessential Indian writings in translation or otherwise, wrapped in a certain magic that communicates 

a culture, a way of speaking that belongs to a special little place. And giving them to the children to grapple with the 

uniqueness of these cultures, to make live these stories. If you’re in love with a language, are moved by the idea of giving 

diverse images and narratives to children and want to tell your story, we welcome you to be a part of this contest. 

EXCITING PRIZES! 

Grand Prize: Rs 15,000 

A citation and publication by Katha 

Runner up Prize: Rs 6,000 and lots more… 

A Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from each category 

and their works will be published as picture books. 

The Runners up in each category will be published in the Balkatha Prize Stories. 

Last date for submission of entries - 30 th March 2011 

Entries can be e-mailed to kathakaar@katha.org or balkatha@katha.org 

Entries as hard copies can be dropped at: 

Katha, A3 Sarvodaya Enclave, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110 017

The Katha bookshop promises to be a magical place for kids to let their imagination run wild. – Time Out 

Be magicked away to a fantasy world of colours and ideas. The Katha’s STORYSHOP is open now! With a mouth-watering 

spread of many-flavoured feast of good reads, the StoryShop is bustling with stories, stories laughing and talking, stories 

stitched and woven into beautiful gifts lovingly crafted by the women from the marginalized sections of the society, 

women with dreams, women who believe they can. Stories painted on walls, stories peeping from doors and windows, 

hanging from the ceiling. Stories encased in books and more books ... Stories for everyone, from the very young to the 

very old. 

Party Time! 

Make your little one’s birthday special at the Katha StoryShop. With a multitude of games and activities and an exhaustive 

range of goodies and return gifts, the StoryShop promises to be a packet full of surprises. To know more, please write 

to us at storyshop@katha.org 

Here’s your chance to write a happy story! 

Our journey began with one volunteer and a magazine for children, Tamasha! In 1990, we started 

the Katha Khazana experiment in one of the largest slum clusters of Delhi: To provide quality 

education to children living there. 

Today, with 108,000 children and work in 75 slum, street and tribal communities, Katha is making 

dreams of children possible. Caring individuals like you have helped us in providing our children 

the best education possible. A small donation of time and resources. Or just Rs. 250/month/child 

in a community school or Rs 450/month/child in our Lab School. Write to: volunteer@katha.org 

Support Services for Teachers and Librarians 

Katha books focus on creativity in classroom and provide loads of ideas 

for individual and group/team exercises. The Katha methodology is backed 

by hands-on research and develops a lifelong ruchi or taste for reading in 

children. Drawing from the vast storehouse of India’s narrative fiction, Katha 

brings translations from 21 Indian languages, creating space for culturally 

distinctive children’s literature and giving young minds diverse images and ideas. 

Catalogues are great, but as a teacher/parent you would want to hold real books 

before you order them. That’s why Katha offers a special School Display Service to 

schools and libraries in Delhi. Talk to us on the topics or themes for the kind of books 

you want and we’ll do a special book display at a time that suits you. 

Katha can also provide the KREAD PITARA, a Curriculum Resource Box, with 

multiple copies of particular books for use in class, or with a range of books specific 

to a grade or topic. Also available are sets for primary school-goers learning Hindi. 

We supply books and specialized teaching/learning modules for environmental science for 

primary schools on invoice. Email your order with your school’s choices. Our terms are POD 

for doorstep delivery. 

Special discounts on multiple copy orders. Information, including prices, is subject to change 

without notice. 

The Book Bands 

CALLING ALL TEACHERS AND PARENTS! 

To celebrate 22 years of publishing for children, Katha launches the BY US FOR 

US SERIES, to showcase the creativity of your talented children! We invite your 

school to create a picture book for 4-8 year olds for the KATHA CHILDREN’S 

BOOK AWARD. Shortlisted schools will be invited to work with our editors and 

designers to make a picture book that will be sold in India and internationally. 

If your school wants to participate, write for guidelines and registration form to 

kathakaar@katha.org 

Katha believes that children read and learn best in a print-rich environment. So we’ve loosely put together 

books that encourage children to push the envelope at each grade level. For more details, write to us at 

kathabooks@katha.org 

For all enquiries: 

Mail us at marketing@katha.org 

Or write to us at A3, Sarvodaya Enclave, Sri Aurobindo Marg 

New Delhi 110 017, India 

Phone: [91 11] 2652 1752, 2652 4350, Extn 24 

For more details, you can visit our website, www.katha.org

Set up in 1988, KATHA is a profit-for-all voluntary organization that works in 

the areas of education, publishing and community development. Our books 

are award-winning favourites with children, parents and teachers. 

“Katha Schools: Where Learning Matters ... In the slums of Delhi, educators help a community rise out of poverty.” 

— Richard Hanzelka in his book, Educational Leadership: Educating the Whole Child 

“An example of how a private school can achieve a transformation in hugely disadvantaged settings is Katha in Delhi.” 

— Brian Caldwell, Jessica Harris, 

in their book What We Have Learnt From Outstanding Schools Around The World 

“Govindpuri’s Katha Public School, set in former block of one-room dwellings, is showing how it can be done ... The 

school is a haven of creativity and child friendly learning.” — Brendan O’Malley, UNESCO 

“The pupils at the main Katha school are given opportunities that many British school children would envy ...” 

— The Independent, UK 

“At Katha School in the slums of New Delhi, 10 year old students can edit a newsletter that will surprise interns at 

established newspapers in terms of coherence, design, aesthetics and general quality.” 

— UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development 

“The Katha School is an example of the kind of learning environment that India’s National Curriculum Framework 

2005 is trying to move toward.” — Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, USA 

Publishing Proposals: Write to kathakaar@katha.org with your manuscripts or your book idea. 

For Review Copies: Please contact our Media Cell at media@katha.org. 

Volunteering Opportunities: Want to be a Friend of Katha and help us find stories/translate/edit/ 

organize workshops, kindly contact us at volunteer@katha.org. 

For Book Melas, Storytelling Sessions, Creative Workshops in your schools, write to us at media@ 

katha.org 

We would love to hear from you! 

a3 . sarvodaya enclave . sri aurobindo marg . new delhi . 110017 

ph . (+91-11) 4182 9998 . 4141 6600 . 2652 1752 . fax: (+91-11) 2651 4373 

write to us at marketing@katha.org . sales@katha.org 

visit us at www.katha.org

KATHA BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

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