(Updated based on availability on Pratham store as of June 26, 2026)
We are huge fans of Pratham books and though my boys have long outgrown their Level 1 books, we still reach for them on tired, heavy days. Perhaps, it is a mix of beautiful illustrations and gentle words or maybe it is a reminder of something comforting — whatever it is, they are timeless and we simply cannot think of parting with them.
If you are looking to build your baby’s first library with picture books, start with the list below! These books are all bright, colourful, and perfect for when a book needs to read! Bonus: You will enjoy them just as much as your baby does!
Use code PBMOR10 for a special discount!
Incredible Insects : A Counting Book
Written and illustrated by Sheena Deviah
Let’s begin with an incredible counting book by Sheena Deviah. Bright, bold, colourful and so much fun for baby to thumb through! The beauty of the book lies in its simplicity and its timelessness. Your baby will begin looking at the pictures and then progress to learning to count and learn the names of the insects. Enjoy this book for years to come! Buy here
ABCD – A Nature Alphabet Book
Written and illustrated by Adrija Ghosh
This incredible, high-contrast picture book is a little different from A for Apple. Each letter stands for something you find in nature and as you read them you will begin to fall in love with this book. The bold pictures will draw you in and before you know it becomes a book you and your baby can’t get enough of! Buy here
Have You Seen Sundari
Written and illustrated by Aindri C
Dina cant find her best friend! She knows she is hiding in play sight but where is she? This is a beautifully illustrated book that will have you and baby laughing and searching for Sundari’s friend! Buy here
Naughty Dog
Written by Kanchan Bannerjee and illustrated by Deepa Balsavar
What does it mean to grow up with a dog at home? In this darling book, Chinku’s dog is his best friend! He follows him everywhere, keeps him safe, plays and works with him too! This book will introduce your baby to simple sentences and highlight the tender friendship between baby and dog. Buy here
The Other Way
Written by Radha Rangarajan and illustrated by Garima Gupta
This is such a wonderful way to introduce your child to opposites! Through this gorgeouly illustrated book, we understand that the world around us is full of opposites – whether it is tall trees and short grass or light flower petals and heavy rocks — all we need to do is get out in nature and explore! The bold illustrations engage your baby before they are old enough to learn about opposites. This is a great example of a book that stays relevant for a long time. Buy here
Food Monster
Written by Meenu Thomas and illustrated by Aindri C
How many different shapes do we eat? Can you find them all in your food? This is a great way to bring awareness about shapes and food to your child. Illustrations by Aindri C are arresting and this book will become a meal time staple! Buy here
Hello Sun
Written and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe
Join a young boy as he explores the tiny nooks and crannies around his house to find new friends! This book has the magical powers to add sunshine and joy to your life! Must-read! Buy here
Nani’s Walk to the Park
Written and illustrated by Deepa Balsavar
Venki wants to go to the park but Nani has errands to run around the neighbourhood! Read along as VEnki walks with his grandmother around the neighbourhood and discovers what a truly magical place it is! This book is one for all ages. The sheer level of details drawn in the pages will take your breath away. I revisit this book at least once a week! Buy here
Pishi and Me
Written by Timira Gupta and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe
This is a beautiful book for when your child starts exploring spaces around the neighbourhood. This book is about Chutku who goes for a walk with his aunt or Pishi. The illustrations in this book are all from the POV of a child so the reader gets to see things from a level and perspective that grownups usually miss. Chutku collects tiny things, from different places in his walk and stores them in his pocket. This is a book that is sure to become a favourite! Buy here
The Adventures of Akara and Linio
Written by Kuzhali Manickvel and illustrated by Aindri C
Akara is a standing line and Linio is a sleeping line. They decide to go out and play with their friends! This is a simple book with page after page of amazing illustrations designed to engage and enthral your child! A simple concept where young readers can identify shapes and understand how shapes and lines come together to form objects we see around us. Buy here