5 Books on Traditional South Asian Artforms for Young Readers: Discover Culture, Colour, and Creativity with Perky Parrot
5 Books on Traditional South Asian Artforms for Young Readers: Discover Culture, Colour, and Creativity with Perky Parrot
Art is not just what we see—it’s how we remember. From the rhythmic strokes of Madhubani to the flowing lines of Gond paintings, every traditional South Asian artform tells a story of who we are and where we come from. For children, these art-inspired stories are more than picture books—they are windows into imagination, culture, and creativity. If you’re looking for books that introduce young readers to the magic of Indian art traditions while sparking curiosity and wonder, here are five enchanting titles from Perky Parrot (Niyogi Books) that will make both hearts and bookshelves a little more colourful.
1. Bhajju’s Flock and the Tick-Tock Clock By Jaya Jaitly | Illustrated by Kaushal Prasad Tekam (Gond Art)
A forest boy. A ticking clock. Two worlds apart. Bhajju’s Flock and the Tick-Tock Clock beautifully contrasts the rhythms of nature with the rush of city life. Bhajju, happiest among trees and animals, suddenly finds himself working in a factory in the city—a place ruled by time, machines, and noise. As he and his forest friends adapt to this strange new world, the book invites readers to reflect on balance, adaptation, and the meaning of time itself. Illustrated in the mesmerising Gond style of painting, the story bursts with earthy hues, intricate patterns, and a deep sense of storytelling rooted in tribal art.
2. Hira Paints the Town By Jaya Jaitly | Illustrated by Heera Kant (Madhubani Art)
What happens when colour meets courage? In Hira Paints the Town, a young woman moves from her vibrant village to a dull, grey city. Longing for the colours of her childhood, she turns to her passion—painting. What begins as a small act of joy soon transforms her surroundings into a celebration of life and art. Heera Kant’s dazzling Madhubani illustrations—with their bright tones, geometric symmetry, and storytelling motifs—bring Hira’s journey alive, showing how art can illuminate even the dullest corners. A delightful read about perseverance, creativity, and the power of self-expression.
3. How Ganesha Got His Laddoos By Jaya Jaitly | Illustrated by Apindra Swain (Pattachitra Art)
In this witty and imaginative retelling, Lord Ganesha faces a modern-day problem—nobody seems to have time for him or his favourite sweet, the laddoo! Determined to get it himself, he embarks on a hilarious journey through technology, research, and self-learning. With his clever little mouse by his side, Ganesha proves that even gods can keep up with changing times. Adorned with Pattachitra-inspired illustrations, this book blends mythology with modernity, offering a humorous take on tradition, devotion, and adaptation.
4. Karma and the Snow Lion By Jordan Quill | Illustrated by Mitthu & Sonam Lama Tamang (Thangka Art)
In the icy foothills of the Himalayas, young Karma—a curious pashmina goat—sets off on a dreamlike adventure. One magical night, he meets a mysterious Snow Lion who takes him gliding through the legends of his ancestors, the Changpa, and the origins of the pashmina shawl. Karma and the Snow Lion is a lyrical fable about nature, heritage, and courage. The stunning Thangka-style illustrations, with their fine detailing and spiritual symbolism, transport readers to the serene mountains and mystical skies of Tibet and Ladakh. A tale that gently teaches children to trace their roots while dreaming beyond them.
5. Ranga Roopa: Gods . Words . Images By B.N. Goswamy
From the brushstrokes of devotion to the rhythm of verse, Ranga Roopa introduces young readers to the beauty of Indian art and poetry. Legendary art historian B.N. Goswamy brings together evocative images of gods and goddesses, pairing them with specially written poems that open doors to imagination and reverence. The book encourages children to see beyond the visual—to feel art, question it, and make it their own. Perfect for sparking early appreciation of visual culture, Ranga Roopa is both a gentle art primer and a poetic journey into India’s aesthetic heritage.
Through these five books on traditional South Asian artforms, young readers embark on journeys that are as educational as they are enchanting. Whether it’s Bhajju’s forest dreams, Hira’s colourful rebellion, or Ganesha’s modern mischief, each story is steeped in India’s artistic heritage and cultural imagination. Perfect for ages 6 to 12, these Perky Parrot titles nurture creativity, empathy, and curiosity—one brushstroke at a time.
So this season, let your child explore stories painted in tradition, coloured with culture, and alive with imagination. Because when art meets storytelling, magic happens!
