Ruskin Bond is a celebrated Indian author known for his captivating storytelling. On his 90th birthday, let’s revisit some of his classic short stories that we grew up reading as kids. His short stories for children offer valuable life lessons in the most engaging way possible. Here is a list of stories by Ruskin Bond that are best for young readers.  

The Blue Umbrella

A young girl named Binya trades her leopard claw pendant for a beautiful blue umbrella. However, when the umbrella goes missing, she learns a valuable lesson about kindness and forgiveness. The film ‘The Blue Umbrella’ by Vishal Bhardwaj is an adaptation of the story that came out in 2005 and won the National Film Award. 

The Cherry Tree

This short story is set against the backdrop of the Himalayan hills. The story follows the bond between Rakesh and his beloved cherry tree. Through patience and perseverance, Rakesh learns the true meaning of nurturing and the wonders of nature.

The Kite Maker

‘The Kite Maker’ is a story about an old kite maker's meeting with a wealthy tourist. It explores themes of friendship, social class, and the simplicity of joy found in the art of kite flying.

The Night Train at Deoli

A timeless classic, this story follows a young boy's innocent love with a mysterious girl he meets at the Deoli railway station. With his simple writing style, Bond captures the bittersweet bond between the two and the fleeting nature of connections.

The Parrot Who Wouldn't Talk

Ruskin Bond writes about a beautiful story of friendship between a young boy and a mischievous parrot. Through their amusing encounters, Raman learns valuable lessons about empathy, patience, and the beauty of companionship. Your kids will surely love this amusing story before bedtime.