A Mother's Guide to finding good books for Children...in India

It has been my experience while surfing the net, that most of the sites selling books cater to Europe or the United States. There are few sites which cater to the average Indian book buyer, especially one who has a small budget. Besides, the choices of books at such sites is not very large, and I have rarely found my chioce of books at these sites.
I try not to spend too much when I buy a book. I believe that expensive ooks belong in libraries, and it is for such books that one should join one.I always search for good, inexpensice books that one can enjoy, as well as treasure, and with this aim that I visit bookshops, exhibitions, and surf the net.
Through this lens, I shall try to share the results of my research and my experience with other young parents like me...........

Higginbothams, Chennai is truly a book lovers paradise. If you are ever in Chennai, do visit this over-160 year old bookshop. I have been taken to this store since I was a kid, and till date , treasure memories of hours spent among wonderful books that I never knew existed. Even today, when I visit this store, I get the same feeling.

Landmark, Chennai, is another store, quite recent, but with a good collection of books, where one can spend hours reading and browsing without being disturbed.

If you live in Bombay, or Mumbai, as I do, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the Strand Book Stall. For those who don't, it is situated on Sir P.M. Road, in Fort, Mumbai. It is a very small store, but what it lacks in space, it makes up in content. The owner, Mr. T.N. Shanbag, who is always present at the store, is probably the most well-read , and well- informed man I have ever met. He has helped me find wonderful books, first for my sister, and then my son, and has influenced the way I pick up books now. It came as no surprise when he was awarded the Padmashri in 2003 for Sterling service to readers. Now, they have expanded their operations by adding an online store at www.strandbookstall.com. Besides, their annual BooK Fair, usually held at Sunderabai Hall, Churchgate, is a great place to pick up amazing bargains!!!!

The biggest store in Mumbai for books is certainly Crossword.they have their stores all over India, and a great network of stores in Mumbai. You can surely find one near your home. Many people I meet tell me that Crossword is expensive. Sure, they have a huge collection, many of which are imported ones, and those are certainly expensive. But they also have good Indian publications, which are not. Their Annual Book Sale in December offers great value for books!

FBD or Fort Book Depot, which is in Fort, is a good place to find some rare books. They also stock second hand books, which are in good condition,and one can find books which are no longer being published. Sometimes, I have found a veritable goldmine of books there, some of which I read a sa child, and didn't find anywhere else for my son. These days, they hold regular exhibitions all over Bombay, at Chembur, Borivili and Thane, among other places.

Area-wise, there are, of course, many local bookshops which stock good books. Among these, in Chembur is the Jayesh Book Store, which is amazingly up-to-date. They have great books, the owner is helpful, and he goes out of the way to get books once he knows the customer.

This lens is by no means complete yet. There is much more to add, and I shall do so, as soon as I can. So please do keep coming back, and keep looking for updates on this lens.