Mama Suranya Books Review: Bringing Indian Art, Culture and Storytelling to Children
Saurabh Tankha
I often joke that I used to don the hat of Jim Corbett every time I entered a bookshop. Why? Because finding creative, illustrated, and truly engaging books for my daughters felt like a hunt—much like Corbett tracking man-eating tigers in the Kumaon region.
Good children’s books that are visually appealing, culturally rooted, and reader-friendly are surprisingly hard to come by. And that’s exactly why discovering Mama Suranya Books felt like striking gold.
Why Mama Suranya Books Stand Out
What makes Mama Suranya Books special is not just their vibrant illustrations or multilingual approach—it is their deeper purpose: connecting children with Indian art, culture, and traditions.
The stories and artwork are inspired by:
- India’s iconic trees, birds, and animals
- Festivals and legends
- Everyday life in Delhi—from scorching summers to the joy of monsoons and the universal love for mangoes
The illustrations blend traditional Indian folk and classical art styles with contemporary cartoon elements. This creates a visual language that feels both familiar and educational for young readers.
Inspired by Indian Folk Art Traditions
One of the standout features of these books is their artistic foundation. The artwork draws inspiration from traditional Indian forms such as:
- Phad Art
- Madhubani Art
The colouring books, in particular, are created with inputs from practising master craftsmen, giving children a hands-on introduction to India’s rich artistic heritage.
The Vision Behind Mama Suranya Books
The idea for Mama Suranya Books came from Suranya Aiyar, a mother of two, while reading to her children. She realised the lack of engaging content that introduces kids to Indian art and culture in a meaningful way.
“As you will have gathered, Mama Suranya Books is not just about books,” says Suranya. “We are trying to awaken Indian children to the wonders of India’s arts, legends, music and dance.”
Through books, storytelling sessions, videos, and social media initiatives, the brand aims to revive elements of Indian culture that modern education often overlooks.
Beyond Books: A Multi-Sensory Learning Experience
Mama Suranya Books is expanding beyond print to create a holistic cultural experience for children. Upcoming and ongoing initiatives include:
- A ‘Play Art’ app featuring folk art-based finger painting activities
- An online library of curated Indian artwork for children
- Live storytelling and theatrical performances
These performances combine stories with classical dance, mime, puppetry, and dastangoi—offering kids an immersive introduction to diverse Indian art forms.
Language and Accessibility
Currently available in Hindi and English, the publishers plan to expand into other Indian languages, making these culturally rich books accessible to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts: A Treasure for Young Readers
For parents who, like me, have spent hours “hunting” for the right books, Mama Suranya Books offer a refreshing alternative. They are not just reading material—they are a gateway to India’s artistic and cultural legacy.
So, if you don’t want to play hunter and hunted in a bookstore anymore, it might be time to bring home a piece of this treasure for your little ones.
