Story of Ramayana for kids: Best age wise Ramayana books for kids
Story of Ramayana for kids: Best age-wise Ramayana books for kids to read and understand our age-old Indian mythology and reasons behind festivals.
The age-old Story of Ramayana is one of the greatest Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Ramayana is not just a story of Lord Rama- obeying his parents, going to save her wife or how he killed Ravana. There is so much more in the story of Ramayana for kids to learn important life lessons which are just as relevant in today’s time. The Story of Ramayana is one such tale of the triumph of good over evil, where Lord Rama not only showed his epitome of compassion, love and kindness. But also his wisdom and strength by killing the king of the demons- Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita. This timeless epic tale is filled with lessons about Hindu culture and also helps us in understanding the genuine definition of care, love, commitment, courage, and bravery.
Why you should read Story of Ramayana to kids?
Points for discussion while reading Story of Ramayana for kids
It is said to have over 300 versions of the Ramayana existing which tell this epic tale and its varied interpretations. It has so many aspects to discuss and unroll. As per the age of your child you may take these below pointers to discuss while reading the story of Ramayana for kids.
- Why do we celebrate the festival of Dusshera/Diwali?
- The triumph of good over evil
- Relationships, commitment and decision-making skills
- any specific characters or some major events from the epic tale they like
- the various avatars of lord Vishnu
- How do we celebrate the festivals of Dusshera/Diwali at home?
- The geographical locations of Ayodhya and India
- You may also enact the Ramayana or enjoy a Pretend play
If your kids are interested in knowing more about the festival of Diwali by way of crafts do give read my other post on the subject – Diwali easy craft ideas and books. I have also some theme-based recommendations of books, do check them out as well – Best Kids Books on the Space theme
Best age-wise Ramayana books for kids
There are numerous age-wise Ramayana books for kids available on Amazon for kids, which covers the essential storyline of the spic tale. Most of the are very affordable and definitely a starter for understanding and enjoying the tale as is. You can also read this bedtime story explained in simple words here.
1. Ramayana By popular publishers
Recommended Age 3+ Years
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2. Amma, tell me about Ramayana By Bhakti Mathur
Recommended Age 3+ Years
One of the biggest epics the Ramayana is covered in detail in this book! From the birth of Lord Rama, the exile, the love, the pain, the loyalty, the treachery, to the defeat of demon Ravana. The essence is summarized in a small, beautiful poem for children written by the Bhakti Mathur and brought to life by the beautiful illustrations of Malushree Somani.
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Some other interesting Ramayana books for kids
If you want some interesting conversations going on around the characters or events in Ramayana, do give try some of these interesting Story of Ramayana for kids. These ones are sure to encourage some healthy understanding and viewpoints of some major characters from the story.
1. Junior Kumbhakarna by Arundhati Venkatesh
Recommended Age 0-5 yrs
Every night, Kukku wants his father, to tell him his favourite story. The story is about this giant Kumbhakarna who sleeps non-stop for six months. Every night Kukku falls asleep just like Kumbhakarna does. In his dream, everyone is trying almost everything to wake up the giant. But nothing works!
It is a lively retelling of an episode from the Ramayana with wildly funny pictures.
Get the book here
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2. Sweet And Salty by Sandhya Rao
Recommended Age 0-5 yrs
There is this famous storyteller, Gorannagaru who is in the village to recite the tale of Ramayana. Bangaramma forces her husband, Penchilayya, to attend. Tired and sleepy, he goes quite unwillingly and finds the stories sweet. one night, salty another! Bangaramma is intrigued… A gentle folktale from Andhra Pradesh about the magic of stories, with pictures in the style of traditional Kondapalli toys.
3. Hanuman’s Ramayan by Devdutt Pattanaik
Recommended Age 5+ Years
Valmiki has barely put his pen down after completing his magnificent creation, the epic Ramayan when he realises he has competition. The sage Narad tells him that there is a better Ramayan, written by Hanuman. Valmiki is devastated! And when Hanuman sees Valmiki so upset, what does he do?
Tulika’s series Our Myths explores the plural and regenerative quality of stories from mythology that have come down generations. As the story of Hanuman’s Ramayan unfolds, humorously and gently, so does the idea that there is no one version of the well-loved story about Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Ravan, but many — a fundamental comment on the nature of all myths. A story belongs to no one person. It can have as many forms as there are tellers, it can grow and change, and each time it makes us see it afresh.
Here, the quirky illustrations based on the style of Mithila folk paintings tell their own story!
4. Two-Epics-in-One (The Girl Who Chose and The Boys Who Fought): Flip Book by Devdutt Pattanaik
Recommended Age 5+ Years
This unique flip book has two epics in one book:
- The Girl Who Chose: A New Way Of Narrating The Ramayana
- The Boys Who Fought: A New Way of Narrating Mahabharata
What were Sita’s choices?
What was the outcome of the fight of the five brothers against a hundred princes? A tale told two thousand years ago, of Ram and Ravan-the sun-prince of Ayodhya who follows the family rules and the king of Lanka who had little respect for others’ choices-is one that has been reinterpreted in myriads of ways, exalting the virtues of the princes. Few notice, however, that the story is actually led by the girl who chose, Sita.
The other is the tale of the five Pandavas and their cousins, the hundred Kauravas, who threw out the family morals. Instead of taking care of their five orphaned cousins, the princes burnt their house, abused their wife and stole their kingdom. This is the saga of the boys who fought not for revenge but for dharma. The country’s favourite mythologist, Devdutt Pattanaik, empowers and entertains with a double bill of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata for a whole new generation of readers, in his easy, distinctive style. Flip the book and look at the epics in a brand-new light.
- The Girl Who Chose is a book about consent & choosing responsibly. The Ramayana, the ancient tale of Ram and Ravana, is one that has been reinterpreted in myriad ways exalting the virtues of the princes. Few notice, however, that the story is actually led by the girl who chose, Sita.
- The Boys Who Fought is a book about handling bullies and being humble. The Mahabharata is the tale of the five Pandavas and their cousins, the hundred Kauravas, who threw out family morals. Instead of taking care of their five orphaned cousins, the princes burnt their houses, abused their wife and stole their kingdom. This is the saga of the boys who fought, not for revenge but for dharma.
5. A Play of Ramayana: Why & How We Celebrate Dusshera/Diwali by
Recommended Age 6+ Years
Ramayana, the story is about the kids who are playing the Ramayana in their house’s backyard. This story tells why we celebrate Diwali and Dusshera and how we celebrate Diwali and Dusshera. For kids, who love to pretend play or enjoy enacting while reading, this would definitely be a great pick. It is available on Amazon and other major platforms. you can also find it free on Kindle Unlimited plan.
6 The story of jatayu by
Recommended Age 7+ Years
A brave vulture and a devotee of Rama, Jatayu is not afraid of anything, not even death. This book is a graphic novel book depicting the Story of Ramayan for kids to learn more about the life journey of jatayu through his eyes.
7. The Upside-Down King Unusual Tales about Rama and Krishna by Sudha Murty
Recommended age – independent reader/9+
Did you know there was a time when bears spoke, the moon laughed and babies were found inside fish?
Have you heard of the two-horned sage who had never seen a woman in his life?
Did you know Ravana’s half-brother was the god of wealth?
Have you ever seen a man with a thousand arms?
The tales in this collection surround the two most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu-Rama and Krishna-and their lineage. The countless stories about the two abound, yet most are simply disappearing from the hearts and minds of the present generation. The author Sudha Murty takes you on an arresting tour, all the while telling you of the days when demons and gods walked alongside humans, animals could talk and gods granted the most glorious boons to common people.
For example, the first story begins as just another story, about a king named Khatwanga, a powerful ruler who belonged to the solar dynasty and who could not have children because of a curse from the gods. On advice from Sage Vasishta, King Dilip then performs penance and his curse is broken. The story has many twists and turns, but it ends with quite a delightful revelation — that it is the origin story of King Dasharatha, Lord Rama’s father and the King of Ayodhya! The second story is about Ratnakara, a highway robber who leads a life of many sins but who one day meets Narada, and his destiny changes forever. Who does Ratnakara become? You will be stunned to know who it is! Hint: He is connected with the Ramayana!
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It’s so important that we introduce kids to the right books, which explain Ramayana in the right kid friendly way. Nice compilation
Our ancient scripture Ramayana is full of Indian values and the way to the right way of life. It has so many lessons to learn for kids, these are some of the really nice Ramayana books for kids. Sandy N Vyjay
This is Ramayan simplified, I love the way authors have presented Ramayan and Mahabharat in the way children understand. I will pick them up as my son reach the right age.
Yes Paresh, there are a lot of options. Even simple ones for even 3 years Olds.
Here in uSA, my girls did not get enough chance to learn and explore about our Indian culture. your book list for Ramayana for kids sounds so promising to me. will surly try to pick few of these for my girls.
Yes Surbhi, I understand, sadly a lot if it is missing here too, my son saw the Ramleela for the first time this year, after reading it in books all these years. do check the kindle version or other ebooks or watch kids movies together ❤️
These are some good ways to teach your kids about what you believe in. It’s very important to make them understand what we believe in and why.
Absolutely and ramayana is one such age old Indian history which entertains and teach as well
Although we tell kids stories about Ramayan they learn a lot more through books and the beautiful illustrations that most kids’ books have. I’ll surely check these out for my daughter.
Wow Gunjan this is such an exhaustive list of authors. I really liked how you identified these author’s narrations according to the age of readers.
I loved your recommendations buddy and it really is good to let our little ones enjoy each character of ramayana separately too.
Reading Ramayana to kids is always tricky as there are so many aspects to it. It is great that you have listed age wise and character wise books to select. Shall read Hanuman book.
We need to teach kids about our culture and real story of Ramayana. I loved that you shared these age wise books easy to grab for kids.
Children should definitely be taught to read books that can shape their thoughts and attitudes.