Reading good books can transform and build the minds of children. The right books can empower them and build their mental skills. Here are 7 books to make kids smarter.

Whoever said books hold a whole new world in themselves and can change the course of one’s life was, well bang on!

I have never seen anything as mesmerizing, informative and yet crazy and magical as books.

I am a book-vampire (if that category exists) and I kick-started 2020 with a long to-be-read list. While the world was locked down, I was travelling through these very books. Honestly, with schools and colleges being shut, the social space went for a complete toss for the youngsters. And quite expectedly, it was quickly replaced by the need for an escape world, more than ever before. For me, that has always been books. My list of personal favourites is endless. From classics to comics, from mysteries to mythology, from thrillers to encyclopaedias I have devoured them all. But I have an assorted collection of go-to books when it comes to children and young adults that I’d love to share with you.

1. Panchatantra

Ancient stories written in Sanskrit, these are tales from the animal and human world with lessons and morals woven in them. It might sound strange at first, but these age-old stories are rich in wisdom and offer a unique window into understanding people.

2. The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

Once a Potterhead, always a Petrificus Totalus! Oh I am sorry, got carried away. This series will make you a part of a secret society of sorts that everyone can see, but not many will understand. With a strong undercurrent of friendship, love and camaraderie, this series is as entertaining as it is Expecto Patronum. (Shrugs!)

3. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

This one is best for those who find books ‘beyond their league’. It’s the perfect place to start. These comic strips are sheer fun, and the cartoonist behind their creation, definitely a genius. Really!

4. Magical Mythology by Stuti Gupta

Initiating young minds into the complicated narratives of our scriptures and twin epics Ramayana and Mahabharata can be rather tricky. This book is a collection of short, lesser-known, endearing stories that give us a glimpse into the very heart of Indian storytelling fun.

5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

Let’s face it, each one of us has been through that wimpy phase of our lives where nothing seems to be going right and we feel clueless. This series in a diary format appeals to teens as a page out of their life. Since they can relate to it, they can take back solution-oriented experiences too.

6. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

The book is a remarkable collection of a hundred real-life stories of girls who beat stereotypes, kissed success and continue to inspire many. If you want a more gender-balanced counterpart, you can grab Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different by Ben Brooks.

7. Wings of Fire by APJ Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari

The autobiography of the former Indian President is sure to add fuel to your inner fire, help you channelize your energy and also teach you how to take failures in your stride. Apart from these, Malgudi Days, Geronimo Stilton, and books by Ruskin Bond make up for some great inspirational and enjoyable reads. I feel there’s no greater journey than the one to your own heart, and books make that possible. So, what are you waiting for! Here, grab your tickets to the land of stories and let the adventure begin! By: Arup Bose