Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts is a key sector-builder in the Indian children’s literature space, working to ensure that children across India can experience the joy of reading in languages that reflect their worlds. Through a three-pronged approach of sourcing, publishing, and disseminating children’s literature, Parag has contributed to strengthening the children’s literature, reading, and literacy ecosystem—placing reading for pleasure at its heart.
Over the years, Parag identified a significant gap: the absence of a trusted, curated list of high-quality children’s books that could meaningfully guide educators, librarians, and parents in selecting engaging, culturally rooted literature for children. To address this, Parag launched the Parag Honour List (PHL) in 2020.
Published annually, the Parag Honour List features noteworthy children’s books of the year, accompanied by brief annotations for each title. The list is curated through a rigorous process of multiple reviews and careful screening by experts from across the children’s literature sector. PHL serves as a valuable reference while also recognizing and celebrating exceptional work by publishers and creators.
Regarding what makes a book “outstanding”, acclaimed library educator and PHL jury member Thejaswi Shivanand notes:
“Irrespective of genre and format, however, a common thread across outstanding books is that they offer scope for a deep engagement with and enjoyment of what they hold. They speak of the best and the worst of humanity, making one pause and reflect. Sometimes they are overwhelming, but always with an intention to bring readers back to this world and its lived experiences — at once beautiful and complex.”
For the 2025 edition, Parag received over 300 submissions in English and Hindi from 57 publishers. Each title underwent three rounds of review: internal and independent. The jury comprised six members, three each for English and Hindi, including library educators, practitioners, subject matter experts, and award-winning creators. Every book shortlisted for the longlist was read by all three jury members in the respective language, allowing for rich discussion, diverse perspectives, and thoughtful consensus-building.
The Parag Honour List 2025 features 61 titles: 33 in English and 28 in Hindi.
Reflecting on the spirit of the Honour List, Prof. Prachi Kalra, jury member for both English and Hindi PHL, shares:
“For people who value good literature there is really no distinction between good literature for children or for adults. Being lost in a powerful book and emerging from it just a little bit changed is what draws us back to the spell of literature each time. And this is true for children as well as adults.”
We hope the Parag Honour List supports your efforts in selecting and curating quality Indian children’s literature for libraries and reading programmes and, ultimately, in nurturing the joy of reading among children. We invite you to explore the list and share it within your networks.
