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Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most beloved festivals in India—a time when streets echo with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, homes are filled with laughter and devotion, and families come together to welcome Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

For children growing up outside India, it is also a beautiful opportunity to stay connected with their roots, learn about Indian traditions, and understand the values that festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi embody—wisdom, new beginnings, and the power of good over obstacles.

One of the most engaging ways to introduce children to the magic of Ganesh Chaturthi is through books. Stories about Ganesha’s birth, his fondness for laddoos, his witty comebacks, and his many adventures are not only fun to read but also full of gentle life lessons.

Whether your child is already familiar with Ganesha or hearing about him for the first time, a good story can spark their curiosity and deepen their cultural connection.

In this blog post, I’ve put together a list of delightful children’s books that bring Ganesha’s world to life through vibrant illustrations, thoughtful storytelling, and age-appropriate language.

These are perfect for reading aloud during the festival or gifting to a little one along with a Ganesha idol or sweets. Some are humorous, some are reflective, and all are rooted in Indian tradition.

Ganesh Chaturthi: A Vibrant Celebration of Wisdom and New Beginnings

My Little Book of Ganesha by Penguin India

Format – Board Book

Recommended Age – 0-5 years

The story gently brings Ganesha’s cleverness to life, making it fun for kids to follow along and see what he’s thinking. It also includes a seek-and-find activity and fun facts, which adds an interactive element that parents and children will enjoy doing together.

My First Shloka Book Ganesha (Prayer Series) by Chitwan Mittal, Sarita Saraf (Editor), illustrated by Bhargavi Rudraraju – 3-5 years

A delightful introduction to the beloved Ganesha for young readers. The book features a popular Sanskrit shloka dedicated to Ganesha, accompanied by an English transliteration and a child-friendly translation with word meanings.

Ganesha Goes Green by Lakshmi Thamizhmani, illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta 

Recommended Age – 5-9 years

Themes – Determination, Teamwork, Making a Difference

This thoughtful story follows young Prema as she finds a creative way to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi while protecting the environment. Set in a vibrant Indian town, the book showcases how festivals, traditions, and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.

21 Modaks for Ganesh Chaturthi by Nandini Nayar, illustrated by Chandrima Chatterjee – 3-5 years

A delightful picture book that introduces young readers to the vibrant traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi through the eyes of two curious brothers, Neeraj and Nitin.

As they assist their parents in preparing for the festival, their excitement builds around the question: how many modaks will they get to enjoy? This charming narrative captures the essence of family bonding, cultural practices, and the joy of the festival.

Vehicles of Gods: Ganesha and Mooshika the Mouse by Shubha Vilas

The book introduces young readers to a lesser-known tale from Hindu mythology. This story delves into the origins of Ganesha’s unique companion, Mooshika the mouse.

Ganesha’s Great Race by Sanjay Patel, Emily Haynes

Recommended Age – 5-8 years

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.

Kaveri Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi by Ketaki Kulkarni (Author, Illustrator) – 3-8 years

The story follows Kaveri, a curious little girl who learns about Lord Ganesha at school and later embarks on a magical journey with him. This poetic tale blends imagination with cultural education, making it an engaging read for children aged 3 and up.

I Dream of Ganesha by Sonali Zohra (Author, Illustrator) – 4-6 years

The story follows Maya, a young girl who, after a challenging day, drifts into a dream where she finds herself lost in a jungle. In her dream, she encounters Ganesha, the elephant-headed boy, who becomes her guide, helping her navigate the jungle with bravery, wisdom, and love. Through this journey, Maya learns to overcome fear and discovers inner strength. Upon waking, she carries the lessons from her dream into her daily life.

Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes

Recommended Age – 2-6 years

The picture book is a retelling of how Ganesha came to write the epic poem of Hindu literature, the Mahabharata. The book has vibrant, graphic illustrations, expressive characters, and presents a unique twist on a classic tale.

This book is also available as a Board Book for the littlest of readers. See the Board Book here.

Gods of India: Ganesha Wins the Race by Shubha Vilas

The narrative centers around a legendary race announced by Lord Shiva, where Ganesha, despite his seemingly slow vehicle—a mouse—wins the race through wisdom and devotion. This tale not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on intelligence, humility, and the importance of inner qualities over outward appearances.

Picture Books About India – The Ultimate List

Lord Ganesha’s Feast of Laughter by Meera Uberoi – 7-10 years

A delightful collection of 23 short stories that introduce young readers to the mischievous and wise elephant-headed god, Ganesha. Written in an engaging and accessible style, the book brings to life various legends from Hindu mythology, portraying Ganesha’s adventures and his interactions with gods, sages, and demons.

The tales are characterized by humor, wit, and a touch of mischief, reflecting Ganesha’s playful nature. Each story is accompanied by illustrations that capture the essence of the narrative.

The Broken Tusk: Stories of the Hindu God Ganesha by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Maniam Selven, Selven Maniam 

Recommended Age – 10-12 years

The Broken Tusk is a wonderful collection of stories about Ganesha, written especially for middle-grade readers. With warmth and humor, the book shares classic tales, such as how Ganesha acquired his elephant head and why he has only one tusk.

Each story is rich with lessons about kindness, humility, and learning from mistakes. This book is a great pick for older kids who love mythology or want to connect more deeply with Indian culture.

Children’s Books with South Asian Voices

From Modaks To Murtis: The Magic Of Ganesh Chaturthi