AROUND INDIA WITH RUSKIN UNCLE :A Child’s Guide to the Country’s Wonders with Ruskin Bond

by Ruskin Bond

India is one of the most fascinating countries on earth, chock-full of extraordinary monuments, fabulous natural wonders, remarkable animals, colourful festivals, and unique traditions. In this gorgeously illustrated book, children can discover for themselves amazing facts about the history, geography, food, clothes, and culture of every state and union territory of the nation, and learn how to say ‘hello’ and ‘welcome’ in every major Indian language. Along the way, they will meet giant turtles, red pandas, and tortoiseshell butterflies, and sample food from various parts of the country—the delectable momo, pav bhaji, dal baati churma, and much, much more.
An unforgettable journey through the country—from the serene monasteries of Ladakh to the vibrant communities of the Tamil Nadu coastline; the deep green forests of Kerala to the stunning white sands of Gujarat; the palm-fringed deserts of Rajasthan to the misty mountains of Arunachal Pradesh—this book will introduce children to the myriad enchantments of India, with their favourite author, Ruskin Bond, as their guide.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 25, 2026

About the author

Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.

Reviews

[Priya Arun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Around India with Ruskin Uncle by Ruskin Bond is a truly beautiful book paired with absolutely fantastic illustrations. With his signature warmth, Ruskin Uncle takes us on a gentle journey across India, narrating each state’s specialty—its culture, language, heritage, and the bonds that make it unique.

Along with gentle historical glimpses, the book beautifully acknowledges great heroes and notable personalities who brought fame to India, subtly connecting them to the states they belonged to, all in a graceful and aesthetic narrative. Every page feels like a warm invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the diversity of our country.

This book is more than just a read; it’s a journey through India—perfect for young readers to understand their country and its multilingual beauty in a fun and engaging way. The illustrations—wow—are simply delightful and add immense charm to the reading experience.

The inclusion of translations from different state languages, especially simple phrases like “How are you?” and “I am good, thank you,” is a thoughtful touch and wonderfully executed. Ruskin Bond never fails to impress, and once again, he delivers magic through this book.

From the charming cover to the heartwarming narratives and stunning illustrations, everything comes together as a super-cute and irresistible combination. An ultimate delight for all Ruskin Bond fans, this is a solid five-star read for me. Do grab your copy and enjoy this wonderful voyage through India’s cultural heritage and traditions. 🇮🇳📚✨

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that teach children about a country, and then there are books that gently introduce the country to them, as one might introduce a child to an old friend. "Around India with Ruskin Uncle" belongs firmly to the latter category. It is not structured as a book, nor does it chase exhaustive detail. Instead, it functions as a soft, expansive invitation, one that asks young readers to look at India not as a list of facts, but as a living, breathing mosaic of landscapes, people, languages, animals, and stories.

Guided by Ruskin Bond, the book feels less like a lesson in geography and more like a long train journey, where each stop offers a glimpse, a smile, a small moment of wonder before the scenery changes again. This is its most defining quality: the refusal to overwhelm, and the confidence that curiosity does not need to be forced.

At its core, the book is thematically invested in belonging. Rather than presenting India as a monolithic nation, it frames the country as a collection of lived experiences, monasteries echoing with silence, markets humming with colour, forests alive with animals, kitchens fragrant with local food, and languages that shift every few hundred kilometres.

The thematic brilliance lies in how diversity is handled. There is no moralising sermon on “unity in diversity.” Instead, diversity is allowed to exist naturally, almost casually. Children learn that it is normal for food, greetings, clothing, wildlife, and architecture to change as one moves across the country.

Ruskin Bond’s voice has always carried a rare authority, the authority of kindness. Here, that voice works as a stabilising presence. He knows when to explain, when to narrate, and when to step back and let the reader simply observe. The tone never speaks down to children, nor does it perform intelligence. It assumes curiosity and meets it halfway.

Mohit Suneja’s illustrations are not ornamental add-ons; they are narrative collaborators. Every spread is dense with detail, people, animals, textures, architecture, clothing, inviting slow reading and repeated engagement. Children can return to the same page multiple times and discover something new each visit.
•••
Importantly, the illustrations reinforce the book’s central philosophy, learning through observation. Instead of explaining everything explicitly, the visuals allow children to notice patterns, contrasts, and similarities on their own. This encourages visual literacy and independent curiosity, skills often overlooked in children’s nonfiction.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸The book knows exactly what it wants to be and never pretends to be more.

🔸It welcomes children gently, without intimidation.

🔸Geography, wildlife, food, festivals, and language receive equitable attention.

🔸Traditions are presented with respect, not exoticisation.

🔸The book works as shared reading, sparking intergenerational conversation.

🔸This is not a one-time read; it invites revisiting as a child grows.

In conclusion, this book does not promise mastery over India. Instead, it offers something far more enduring, affection, curiosity, and humility. It reminds readers, young and old, that travel is not merely movement across space, but an openness of mind. By the final page, it leaves you with a quiet aftertaste of gratitude, for the country, for storytelling, and for the rare ability to make learning feel like comfort. It is a book that does not shout its importance, yet earns its place on a shelf that will be revisited again and again.

For children, it is an introduction, for adults, it is a reminder and for anyone who still believes that stories can make us gentler citizens of the world, it is a small, luminous gift.

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to India’s only active volcano, The Barren Island?

Are you aware that the sun rises early in Arunachal Pradesh, before any other state in the country?

Or did you know that Chandigarh was the first planned city, and its length and breadth resembled a human body?

Come join Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most endearing writers on an unforgettable virtual tour that encompasses the eclectic mix constituting the melting pot of cultures.

These and many other fascinating facts are explored in the book, Around India with Ruskin Uncle, which features colorful, vibrant illustrations that depict the unique culture and reminds me of the rich diversity of our motherland. The distinct history of each state is tailored to cater to the needs of inquisitive children. Ruskin Bond’s love for nature is very evident in his works. He writes two or three lines that describe the flora and fauna of each place. There's a saying in Sanskrit—Atithi Devo Bhava—which is synonymous with India’s warm hospitality. At the end of each chapter, a hypothetical conversation takes place between a local and Bond, exchanging greetings in different languages. The introduction that reflects Bond’s fondness of our country was indeed heart-warming.

From the portrayal of culture to his concern for endangered species, and delicacies to architecture and geography, the vast array of topics is made accessible for young minds. The cosmic dance of text and illustrations is such that neither one overpowers the other. The lively sketches by Mohit Suneja dance off the pages and effectively summarise the textual material. The blend of different cultures described in this book is a lesson in unity in diversity.

Around India with Ruskin Uncle isn't like his usual works. Reading the book was an immersive experience—one that is unforgettable for times to come.

[Nila · Rating 4 out of 5]

India with its diverse wonders. A capsule guide for children (and adults who love illustrated books!)