Zoos have long been places of wonder for children, where the wild seems just within reach. Varsha Varghese explores how they are portrayed in Indian children’s literature.

On the International Day of Forests, children’s librarians Radhika Sathe Mantri and Sudeshna Shome Ghosh show us how books can perhaps be the best guardians of our shrinking forested landscapes.

Journalist and award-winning author Kavitha Iyer recommends a book that reminds us to stand still long enough for the landscape to speak.

On World Bonobo Day, journalist and author Harshikaa Udasi curates a swinging collection of Indian children’s literature on monkeys.

Writer, critic and reporter Somak Ghoshal recommends a book that gave him his first taste of life in the wild. 

Newsletter editors Meghaa Gupta and Vidya Mani highlight some standout trends in eco-kidlit published in the year gone by.

On World Soil Day, library educator Sowmya Ravindranath explores how soil provides a fertile ground for ecological, social, ethical and political discourses in Indian children’s books.

Editor of Himal Southasian Roman Gautam writes about a book that makes him wonder what it is like to be an animal

Author and educator Theyiesinuo Keditsu writes about her favourite book, a deep and lyrical meditation on nature and childhood. 

Widely acclaimed Indian-American novelist, essayist and critic Karan Mahajan writes about his favourite book that lavishes enormous attention on small, living things. 

On World Sustainable Transport Day, educator Simrita Kaur takes a trip through Indian children’s literature to uncover the many ways in which it spotlights eco-friendly travel.

A long-time producer at the BBC’s Natural History Unit, Rupert Barrington writes about his favourite book that sums up the essence of the best nature writing. 

Bibliophile and bookstore assistant Medha Rao writes about why a harvest of children’s books on food security is perhaps the best thing to sow this World Food Day.

On World Rivers Day, editor-curator-independent bookseller Vidya Mani picks a selection of children’s books that capture the ebb and flow of our rivers.

Children’s author Nandini Nayar writes about her favourite book which shows how stories on stewardship of the natural world can be exuberantly silly and subtly magical.  

Majestic and fallible, feared and befriended, lions embody various moods and meanings in literature. Storyteller and educator Deeptha Vivekanand explores what lions do in children’s books, and what they let children do.

Writer and Journalist Samanth Subramanian writes about a series of children’s adventure novels set in England’s Lake District that opened his eyes to the wonder and pleasure of the great outdoors.

Bestselling children’s author Roopa Pai talks about her favourite nature book and why it’s a bushel of learning – and laughs!

Harini Nagendra, Director of the School of Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University, kicks off a new column about favourite books that celebrate the natural world. 

The fear of snakes, or Ophidiophobia, is one of the most commonly reported phobias in the world. Varsha Verghese explores a collection of children’s literature that attempts to dispel it. 

Once a riot of colours, India’s coral reefs are today fading into oblivion. Richa Chadda dives into their depths to retrieve a collection of children’s literature on this disappearing world.

Turtle conservation in India is witnessing historic progress with efforts to mitigate threats and reintroduce critically endangered species. Archana Natraj does a quick review of existing children’s literature to uncover a small clutch of books on turtles.

Book curator and co-founder of Funky Rainbow Vidya Mani talks about why booksellers should be champions of green literature that the world needs – and should definitely read!

Educator and development professional Lakshmi Karunakaran curates a collection of Indian children’s literature that captures the complexities of climate change. 

On the occasion of Global Recycling Day (March 18), Yashodara Kundaji recommends Indian children’s books that awaken readers to the increasing problem of garbage and the need to address it.

India’s shape-shifting wetlands are spaces of wild and migratory wonder. Library educator Sowmya Ravindranath curates a list of children’s books that spotlight these diverse ecosystems.

Children’s literature increasingly explores environmental themes, with 2024 showcasing diverse works that inspire young readers toward sustainability and action.

Raging, restorative and transformative, floods are a potent metaphor for the power of nature. Richa Chadda wades through a stream of Indian children’s literature exploring this natural disaster.