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Raksha Bandhan Books for Kids
Growing up in India, Raksha Bandhan was never just a day on the calendar. It was a season of handwritten letters, decorated thalis, the search for the perfect rakhi, and secret plans to outdo last year’s return gift.
But at its heart, it was — and still is — a celebration of love, laughter, and the beautiful bond between siblings. And what better way to introduce children to this heartwarming festival than through the magic of stories?
In today’s fast-paced, global world — especially for children of Indian origin growing up outside India — festivals like Raksha Bandhan offer a powerful way to stay connected to culture, values, and family traditions.
This blog post is a handpicked collection of children’s books that beautifully explore the festival of Raksha Bandhan and the sweet bond between siblings.
You’ll find picture books for little readers, engaging stories that older kids can read on their own, and even a few titles that introduce the idea of sibling bonds in new, inclusive ways.
Many of these stories go beyond just Rakhi—they highlight values like love, respect, and protection that siblings show each other every day (even when they’re fighting over the last piece of chocolate!).
So, grab a cozy spot, a plate of sweets, and your favorite sibling (or cousin, or a friend who feels like family), and dive into these stories that celebrate bonds built with threads, words, and hearts.
Let’s begin!
Raksha Bandhan: A Celebration of the bond between Siblings
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan with Stories: Books That Tie the Bond a Little Tighter
Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers (Storytelling Math) by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
Recommended Age – 3-6 years
Format – Picture Book
For Raksha Bandhan, Bina is determined to make beaded bracelets for her brothers all by herself. She finds out which colors her brothers like and dislike and sets to work. Working with her every-other-one beading pattern causes Bina to discover something new about patterns and her brothers.
Thread of Love by Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal; illustrated by Zara Gonzalez Hoang
Recommended Age – 4-8 years
Format – Picture Book
Three siblings enjoy Raksha Bandhan in this vibrant reinterpretation of the classic song Frère Jacques (Are You Sleeping). Two sisters lovingly make rakhi—thread bracelets adorned with beads, sequins, sparkles, and tassels for their brother. And then see their brother present them with toys and sweets, and special gifts!
Ganesha’s Great Race by Sanjay Patel, Emily Haynes
Recommended Age – 5-8 years
Format – Picture Book
When his brother Kartikeya challenges him to a race around the world, Ganesha knows he cannot win with speed. He may not be as fast as Kartikeya, but clever Ganesha knows that every problem has more than one solution!
A celebration of the dynamic bond between siblings and a loving tribute to family, Ganesha’s Great Race is the story of their most famous contest and will delight readers with a tale of muscles, mangoes, and the meaning of the world.
Tiger in My Soup by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
Recommended Age – 4-8 years
Format – Picture Book
Sometimes it’s almost impossible to get your big sister to read your favorite book to you. Sometimes you have to go to great lengths to get her attention! But if you’re creative and use your imagination, you might just get what you want.
A humorous story of the dynamic between a younger brother and an older sister.
Bringing Asha Home by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Jamel Akib
Recommended Age – 4-9 years
Format – Picture Book
It’s Rakhi and Arun wishes he had a sister with whom to celebrate. Soon, it looks as if his wish will come true. His parents are going to adopt a baby girl named Asha. She is coming from India, where Arun’s dad was born.
However, it will be almost a year until they receive approval to bring Asha home. Arun is impatient and struggles to accept the long delay, but finds his special ways to build a bond with his sister, who is still halfway around the world.
Usha and the Big Digger (Storytelling Math) by Amitha Jagannath Knight, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Recommended Age – 3-6 years
Format – Picture Book
When sisters Usha and Aarti look up at the stars, they see different things. Aarti sees the Big Dipper, but Usha sees the Big DIGGER. And cousin Gloria sees the Big Kite! Could they all be right?
The Mumbai Street Siblings: Amit’s Sweet Surprise by Karina Vunnam, Illustrated by Tr?n Hà Trang
Recommended Age – 5-8 years
Format – Picture Book
In the heart of Mumbai, India’s largest city, three siblings make their home among the bustling markets and colorful alleyways. When little Amit follows the irresistible scent of jalebi, his older sisters Anita and Sunita turn their adventure into a lesson about love, determination, and the true meaning of family.
Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
Recommended Age – 8-12 years
Format – Chapter Book
Chaya is the outgoing twin. When she sees her beloved sister suffering, she wants to tell their parents, which makes Maya feel completely betrayed. With Maya shutting her out, Chaya makes a dramatic change to give her twin the space she seems to need.
The once-close sisters can’t seem to find their rhythm, so they make a bet: they’ll switch places at their summer camp, and whoever can keep the ruse going longer will get to decide where they both attend high school. But stepping into each other’s shoes comes with its difficulties, and the girls don’t know how they’re going to make it.
Threads That Bind | Sibling Stories from Indian Mythology by Nalini Ramachandran, Sayani Ray
Recommended Age – 8 years and up
Format – Short Stories
Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva easily handle small and big problems that occur in the three worlds. But their biggest problem is resolving the constant squabbles between their sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya. When their quarrels get out of hand, Parvati comes up with an ingenious plan?to deal with her sons’ complaints, one story at a time!
As the goddess takes them through the world of divine siblings like Jyeshtha and Lakshmi, Krishna and Katyayani, Kubera and Ravana, Nara and Narayana, and many others, Ganesha and Karthikeya sit back and listen attentively.
A Rakhi for Rakesh by Nadia Salomon, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali
Recommended Age – 4-8 years
Format – Picture Book
Raksha Bandhan is days away, but Aashi and Rakesh just can’t seem to get along! As the siblings prepare for the big day, can they work together to learn a lesson of forgiveness and the importance of family?
Shubh Raatri Dost/Good Night Friend (English and Hindi Edition) by Nidhi Chanani
Recommended Age – 3-6 years
Format – Board Book
As day turns to night, Bhai (brother) and Behan (sister) bid their animal friends a good night in their Indian farm home.
Nina Soni, Sister Fixer by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky
Recommended Age – 7-10 years
Format – Early Chapter Book
In this addition to the Nina Soni series, spring break has Nina feeling restless—especially with her little sister Kavita’s embarrassing antics. When a big pile of dirt arrives at the neighbor’s house, Nina sees the perfect chance to dive into a new project. But can she “fix” her sister and create something amazing at the same time?
Full of humor, sibling drama, and Nina’s signature lists and math-infused problem-solving, this book is both entertaining and relatable. Perfect for readers who love everyday adventures with a dash of creativity and STEAM learning.
Happy reading, and Happy Raksha Bandhan!
Raksha Bandhan: A Celebration of the bond between Siblings
