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25 Famous Books On Lord Krishna – Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami has always held a special place in my heart — and I know it’s the same for countless families in India and across the world.

It’s the day we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, whose life is a perfect blend of wisdom, charm, and mischief.

One moment he’s playing the sweetest tunes on his flute, the next he’s sneaking into the kitchen for a lump of freshly churned butter, and then — just like that — he’s fearlessly taking on demons or delivering timeless truths to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

His story is an endless stream of adventures, each more fascinating than the last.

For me, Janmashtami isn’t only about the rituals, the fasts, or the temple visits (though I cherish them all). It’s about immersing ourselves in Krishna’s stories — the kind that make you smile, make you think, and sometimes even make you a little teary.

And what better way to keep these stories alive than through books? A good story can take you straight to the dusty lanes of Gokul, let you peek into the makhan handi with little Gopal, or walk beside him as he guides Arjuna through the dilemmas of life.

For children, these tales open up a world of adventure and values; for adults, they offer a gentle reminder of lessons we often forget in the rush of daily life.

That’s exactly why I’ve put together this list of 25 wonderful books on Lord Krishna — there’s something here for every age and stage.

From sturdy, colorful board books perfect for tiny hands, to picture books full of vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes; from chapter books brimming with adventure, to thoughtful adaptations of the Bhagavad Gita that make its wisdom easy to understand; and for the grown-ups, deeply researched novels and Mahabharata-inspired reads that bring Krishna’s role in the epic to life.

Whether you want to introduce your toddler to the butter thief of Gokul, read bedtime stories that sparkle with magic and devotion, or dive into the deeper philosophy that Krishna shared with the world, you’ll find it here.

My Little Book of Krishna by Ashwitha Jayakumar

Recommended Age: 0-5 years

Naughty little Krishna‘s search for butter leads to an unexpected adventure. This is a charming book that was hands-down my toddlers’ favorite for a long time.

The text is rhyming with a touch of humor, and the illustrations are engaging. There is an activity at the end which the little ones will enjoy.

The Curious Case of Krishna by Avani Modi Sarkar, illustrated by Dipanjan Biswas

Recommended Age: 0-5 years

Take your little ones on a trip to Gokul with this sweet story of Krishna’s childhood. Told in playful rhymes with bright, colorful illustrations, this book is as fun for parents to read aloud as it is for kids to listen to.

Krishna and the Mystery of the Stolen Calves by Joshua M. Greene, illustrated by Dominique Amendola

Recommended Age: 4-9 years

A captivating story of Krishna’s cleverness when faced with disappearing calves. In this enchanting tale from the Puranas, little Krishna shows us that even the mighty god Brahma can be humbled by the power of friendship. Set in the playful village of Vrindavan, the book beautifully weaves nature and childhood bonds into the story.

Kaliya, Serpent King by Joshua M. Greene, illustrated by Patrick Wire – 4-6 years

The story follows Kaliya, the serpent king whose poisonous presence threatens the Yamuna River and the lives of Vrindavan’s villagers. Enter little Krishna—playful, brave, and deeply committed to protecting his friends, animals, and the environment.

It’s more than just a mythological tale—it’s a story of courage, responsibility, and respect for nature.

Krishna in Rhyme by Kairavi Bharat Ram and Ananya Mittal

Told in playful verse, this book introduces Krishna’s mischief through rhymes kids will love to repeat. From stealing butter to outsmarting demons, each page captures a moment from Gokul in a way that’s both fun to read aloud and easy for kids to follow along.

Krishna the Butter Thief of Gokul by Devika Joglekar – 2-7 years

A joyful picture book that celebrates Krishna’s butter-stealing antics. Through delightful storytelling and vibrant illustrations, readers are transported into the bustling village where Krishna and his friends come up with clever tricks to steal the freshly churned butter that the women try so hard to hide.

Maiyya Mori: A Little Krishna Story by Chaya Baliga – 6-8 years

Maiyya Mori is a sweet and lyrical retelling of Krishna’s childhood mischief, inspired by the beloved bhajan of the same name. The story captures Krishna’s playful antics, his love for his mother, and his irresistible temptation for freshly churned butter. Young readers will delight in Krishna’s clever schemes—climbing on friends’ shoulders, sneaking bites, and testing just how far his charm can get him before Maiyya catches the little butter thief!

Krishna’s First Raksha Bandhan by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Dejeshwini N 

A lovely story that ties together two festivals — Raksha Bandhan and Krishna Janmashtami. A book that brings the origins of Raksha Bandhan to life. Set in a sugarcane field, the story follows a young Krishna and Draupadi during a sticky (and sweet!) mishap that sparks a timeless tradition of love, protection, and friendship. In a delightful twist, it’s Draupadi who comes to Krishna’s rescue, showing that care and protection go both ways.

Amma Tell Me About Krishna! (Part 1 in the Krishna Trilogy) by Bhakti Mathur, illustrated by Maulshree Somani – (6-8 years)

An introduction to Krishna’s mystical birth and early adventures. Follow siblings Klaka and Kiki as they celebrate Krishna’s birthday at midnight, listening to Amma narrate how baby Krishna escapes from prison and is safely carried across the flooded Yamuna with the help of a magical snake.

Other Books in the Series:

Amma, Tell Me How Krishna Fought the Demons! (Part 2)
Full of adventure, this one focuses on Krishna’s battles with demons. Perfect for children who love action-packed tales.

Amma, Tell Me How Krishna Defeated Kansa! (Part 3)
The grand finale in the trilogy, this story retells how Krishna finally defeated his uncle Kansa. A dramatic and satisfying read for kids who love complete story arcs.

Picture Books About India – The Ultimate List

Krishna Steals the Butter and Other Stories by Anita Ganeri, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry – 5-8 years

This collection brings Krishna’s mischievous childhood adventures to life with charm and humor. From stealing butter to playful tricks in Gokul, each story is short, engaging, and perfect for read-aloud sessions.

The Magical Adventures of Krishna: How a Mischief Maker Saved the World by Vatsala Sperling, illustrated by Pieter Weltevrede – 6+ years

This beautifully illustrated book brings Krishna’s playful mischief and heroic deeds to life. From pranks and butter-stealing antics to daring battles with demons, Krishna’s adventures are full of fun, bravery, and heart.

Bhagavad Gita for Kids by Rita Gandhi, illustrated by Shweta Singh Baidya – 4+ years

An accessible introduction to the Gita, presented in a simplified manner without compromising meaning. Ideal for children starting to explore spiritual concepts.

The Upside-Down King: Unusual Tales About Rama and Krishna (Unusual Tales from Indian Mythology) by Sudha Murthy – 8-12 years

A captivating collection of lesser-known tales from the world of Rama and Krishna. From talking animals and laughing moons to gods with a thousand arms, each story bursts with wonder, mischief, and magic.

Bhagavad Gita for Children by Sudha Gupta – 10+ years

Clear, concise, and thoughtful — this adaptation simplifies the Gita’s teachings for young readers. Ideal for pre-teens and teens.

The Gita: For Children by Roopa Pai, illustrated by Sayan Mukherjee – 10+ years

A lively and well-explained take on the Gita, written with humor and clarity. Great for independent readers and curious teens.

Rukmini: Krishna’s Wife by Saiswaroopa Iyer

A mesmerizing blend of history, legend, and devotion that brings Rukmini’s story to the forefront. Rukmini is portrayed as a strong, intelligent, and courageous princess who defies family pressures and societal expectations to choose her own path. Her life—marked by bold decisions, loyalty, and love—shines as much as Krishna’s legendary exploits.

Abhaya: The Destroyer of Adharma by Saiswaroopa Iyer

A gripping tale of courage, devotion, and resilience set in the epic backdrop of the Mahabharata. Princess Abhaya faces danger, betrayal, and political chaos, yet her determination and bravery shine through as she navigates threats from ruthless kings and demons. The story highlights Abhaya’s strength, her friendship with Krishna, and her fight against injustice.

Mauri: The Woman Who Challenged Krishna by Saiswaroopa Iyer

A thrilling and intense tale of vengeance, love, and self-discovery. Mauri’s quest to avenge her father’s death brings her face-to-face with Krishna, the very man she seeks to destroy, while unexpected love complicates her path. A gripping narrative full of suspense, moral dilemmas, and larger-than-life characters.

The Mahabharatha: A Child’s View by Samhita Arni – 9+ years

This retelling of the Mahabharata offers a fresh and bold perspective, written with remarkable insight by the author at just twelve years old. Her unorthodox take examines the epic’s themes of ambition, duty, and war with sharp critique, while charming line illustrations bring the complex characters and stories to life.

Mahabharat for Kids by Rita Gandhi, illustrated by Ankita Mehta – 4+ years

A simple and engaging version for young children, with straightforward storytelling. Great as a first introduction.

Treasury of Mahabharata Stories by Subhadra Sen Gupta – (8-10 years)

A delightful collection of short tales, each highlighting key moments and characters. Ideal for 8–10 years.

Mahabharata: Indian Epic (Illustrated Mahabharata for Children) by Om Books – 10+ years

Illustrated and concise, this version is best for children ready for slightly longer reads. It balances story and visuals well.

A Spark of White Fire: Book One of the Celestial Trilogy by Sangu Mandanna (12 years and above)

A dazzling sci-fi reimagining of the Mahabharata, blending high-stakes space adventure with timeless themes of family, loyalty, and rivalry.

Follow Esmae as she navigates a universe of gods, sentient warships, and political intrigue, striving to reclaim her family and home.

Other Books in the Series:

A House of Rage and Sorrow: Book Two in the Celestial Trilogy (2)

A War of Swallowed Stars: Book Three of the Celestial Trilogy

The Serpent’s Revenge: Unusual Tales from the Mahabharata by Sudha Murty – 8-12 years

A captivating collection of lesser-known stories from the Mahabharata that bring its rich, complex world to life. Sudha Murty explores intriguing episodes—like Yudhisthira’s lesson from a mongoose, Yama’s curse, and Arjuna’s many names—revealing the epic’s humor, wisdom, and moral depth.

The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic by R.K.Narayan – 18+ years

R.K. Narayan’s abridged retelling of the Mahabharata makes this sprawling epic accessible and engaging for modern readers.

With his masterful prose, Narayan distills complex stories, characters, and themes into a clear, elegant narrative while preserving the richness of the original.

The book comes with a character guide and family tree.

Children’s Books with South Asian Voices