Books That Feel Like Home: Raising an Indian Child Away From India

As an Indian parent raising my son away from home, I think about this often.

How do we pass on culture? Language? Food? Festivals?

For me, books have become one of the most beautiful bridges.

These are a few books — and one magazine — that bring back the India I grew up in: the chaos of our streets, the comfort of grandparents, and the warmth of familiar stories. The same culture I want my son to grow up with too.

Nani’s Walk to the Park

A grandmother and grandson wander through the markets and streets of Mumbai.

This one took me straight back to market walks with my own grandparents — and to sitting in a cycle rickshaw. It captures the ordinary details of Indian streets that can feel deeply familiar when you are raising a child far away from them.

Ammama’s Sari

A torn saree is lovingly repurposed into many beautiful things.

The story reminded me of my own grandmother turning my mom’s old saree into a little saree for me. That idea — clothes being reused, adapted and passed between generations — is such a familiar part of family life in India.

There is a specific word for these reworked children’s sarees that I am still trying to remember. If you know it, I would love to hear it.

Maharani the Cow

A cow stands in the middle of the street, and suddenly the entire street erupts into chaos.

It immediately reminded me of Pu La Deshpande’s Mhais: the same sharp observation of everyday life, but presented in a way children can enjoy.

It is funny, recognizable and wonderfully Indian without needing to explain itself.

Chiku Piku

This is not a book, but perhaps it comes closest to recreating the reading culture I grew up with.

I grew up reading magazines like Champak and Kishor, so I am glad my son has something like Chiku Piku.

It also includes some English, which means children who are still developing confidence in Marathi can enjoy parts of it independently while gradually becoming more comfortable with the language.

This is not a paid collaboration. I genuinely enjoy the magazine and what it offers children.

Books as a Bridge to Home

When we talk about helping children stay connected to their culture, it can sometimes feel like a huge responsibility.

But connection does not always have to come from formal lessons.

Sometimes it is a grandmother in a story.

Sometimes it is a crowded Mumbai market, a saree being repurposed, a cow blocking traffic, or a magazine arriving at home.

Those small details tell children: this world belongs to you too.

Some books teach. Some entertain. Some simply feel like home.

And for families raising children away from India, that feeling can matter enormously.

What books remind you of India? I would love to keep growing this collection.