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Meet HARI KUMAR, superstar-in-the-making, in this laugh-out-loud doodle-packed diary series for 8+ readers.

‘Hari is my favourite type of character. A warm, witty and cleverly observed story’ Louie Stowell, author ofLoki
‘Funny, fresh and relatable – Hari Kumar reallyisa superstar’ A. F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series

Hari Kumar: 10 years old, 75% Indian, 25% French, and 100% going to be a superstar. All Hari needs to make it big is a lucky break – a chance to get his name out there. And when that arrives in the form of a film festival competition at school, it’s Hari’s chance to shine.

But life isn’t always like the movies. The new kid Hari thought would be his sidekick turns out to have the makings of a true villain, the crack team he’s assembled have minds of their own, and censorship (in the form of the Deputy Head Teacher) is looming. Can Hari keep things together and pull off an epic comeback, or will his film-making debut be cancelled before it’s even released…?

Packed full of friendship, doodles and draaaaama, this series is perfect for fans of TOM GATES and LOKI!

“Beautiful . . . Reflects the reality of many young people who may feel unsure of traditional clothing and how it might be perceived by others.” Inclusive Books for Children

“An affirming story about accepting and loving ourselves and our cultural traditions.” Kirkus Reviews

“A sincere ending. . . shows the rich and intricate layers of their diverse cultures that make them beautiful and empowers viewers to embrace their identity with confidence.” The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Celebrate each other’s unique identity and build tolerance, empathy and understanding of everybody’s background in this authentic and sensitively told story from Sophia Payne and the 2023 Diverse Book Award-winning illustrator Ruchi Mhasane.

Ameena can’t wait for her aunty’s wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez – the layers of floaty fabric filled with pretty patterns make her feel like a princess. But when someone comments on her “pyjamas”, she loses all confidence, fearing that her friends might not accept her traditional clothing. Through courage, family love and self-belief, Ameena discovers what it means to take pride in the beautiful layers of her heritage, especially in the face of difficult comments.

Little Miss Muffet eats dahi (yogurt) until a makadee (spider) scares her away. Little Jack Horner eats Diwali sweets. Rhymes and characters that are familiar to young readers bring to life the beauty, wonder, and diversity of a vast and vibrant country in a way that is accessible and fun.

Back at the palace, they are faced with more challenges. Raja Apoorva enjoys puzzles and presents several to the boys: who was the intruder who dared to pull the Raja’s beard? How can the journey to the seaside be shortened? And at court it’s Prince Veera and Suku who will decide which neighbour owns the tree that produces the wonderful figs for the palace, as well as solve the mysteries of the holy man and the astronomer. Four stories packed with clever and amusing tricks and puzzles which will delight children from 6 to 8 – and well beyond.

Each has left its mark, adding to India’s extraordinary diversity. In 2022, it is 75 years since India gained independence from its latest conquerors – the British. Today, India is the world’s largest democracy with, until Covid 19, a burgeoning economy, and active technology, space and nuclear programmes.

Tradition still co-exists alongside modernisation, giving a tantalising mix of old and new. This book charts the history of India, from the extraordinary Indus Civilisation of 2500 BCE to the present day, interspersed with glimpses of Indian life and culture in its people, places, food, clothing, religions, festivals, languages and stories. Includes some activities such as how to wear a sari, make a cauliflower curry and build your own puppet theatre.

Illustrated with a mix of photos and artwork, this book will be a beautiful celebration of Indian landscapes, people and history.

From some of the best-known icons of the nationalist movement to political leaders, scientists, and public servants who laid the foundations of the new nation; from artists and writers who epitomized India’s diversity and cultural variety to activists who fought for the rights of the most vulnerable, this book is an excellent introduction to the history of the modern Indian nation through the lives of some of the fascinating individuals who helped build it.

This book includes:

• Concise biographies of political figures, activists, environmentalists, artists, writers and industrialists
• Detailed historical and social background to the making of modern India
• Trivia and facts about the lives and achievements of eminent Indians

The stories of the Panchatantra have been read aloud and shared for thousands of years, kept alive by generation after generation of storytellers. In this captivating collection of ten animal tales, reimagined with warmth and wit by Nikita Gill, you’ll meet mighty elephants and courageous mice, cunning crocodiles and clever monkeys, talkative tortoises and little lapwing birds.

With vibrant, irresistible colour artwork by Chaaya Prabhat on every page, and sumptuous high-end finishes, including a jacket, foiled cloth binding and a ribbon marker, this is a timeless gift book for every child to enjoy and treasure. Discover a world of wonder, wisdom and friendship, of helping others, speaking out and finding courage in this divine book that will enchant generations to come.

The book includes endnotes with a glossary, additional information as well as ideas for activities that children can do to explore the stories further.

Uncover India’s fascinating history and culture, and explore the unique mix of the traditional and modern that makes India the incredible country it is today.

Winner of the Books for Topics Book of the Year!
Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2023!

“A truly stunning book to pour over for hours.” WRD magazine

“This colourful, evocative journey through India […] does a superb job of conveying the vast scale, variety and richness of the subcontinent, touching intriguingly on its wealth of wildlife, food, festivals, dance, scientific innovation and history.” Guardian