Neel: Krishna Through Art—Where Kids Learn About Krishna Through Great Works of Art

Some children's books just tell stories, but some are quite special and open up a whole new world. Neel: Krishna Through Art is one of the latter. It's a jewel from AdiDev Press that combines mythology, art, and fun imagination in just the perfect amounts.This hardback book is crafted by Vineeta and Arvind Kanoria and is a unique journey. Each page displays an artwork by some of India’s most known artists — Jamini Roy, M. F. Husain, Sakti Burman, Dilip Shyam, Biju Mullaklal, S. Nandagopal, Manjit Bawa, among others — each presenting Krishna as they envisaged him. The range is amazing, from lines that are influenced by folk art to powerful modernist strokes. For kids, it's like taking a stroll around a small museum from the comfort of their reading area.

The writing is smart and simple, and each artwork is linked with straightforward storytelling from Krishna’s life – his amusing pranks, his music, his struggles, and his wisdom. The book also has interactive activities that encourage kids to look and think: What’s the heaviest thing you can balance on your fingertips? How long can you keep it? Can you see how many musical instruments are in this painting?

Most mythology books for children relate stories, sometimes wonderfully, but few mix them with art appreciation at such a young age. Children don't simply hear about Krishna here; they see him in several creative ways. And the lesson is deep: just like great artists had their own ideas about Krishna, we may all picture him in our own manner.

As a mom, I observed this magic bloom at home. My 10-year-old, who loves books and is fond of drawing, always takes a keen interest whenever a new children’s title arrives for review. He is my in-house book critic, and about 70% of the reviews I write about kids' books are based on his feedback. He didn't just flip through Neel: Krishna Through Art; he stayed on each page. He studied the powerful artworks of Jamini Roy, the dreamy textures of Sakti Burman, the brilliant strokes of Husain. He was motivated to pick up his pencils and try one of the book's artworks. That moment spoke everything. The book did exactly what it was supposed to do, and the authors and publishers deserve credit for making something so intelligent.

Why parents will love it:

A pleasant way to learn about India's art, culture, and mythology, all in one place.

Things that get you to do more than just read, like painting, observing, and telling stories.

A book that keeps kids aged 6 to 11 interested without any screens in sight.

This book isn't just something to read once and forget about; it's something to read again and over again.

What also makes Neel stand out is the idea it gently imparts: that there is no single way to see god or creativity. Every child's imagination is valid, just like Husain's Krishna is different from Roy's and Roy's is different from Burman's. This book isn't just about Krishna; it's also about getting kids to appreciate their own "roop of Krishna," or how they see things.

There aren't many books like Neel: Krishna Through Art on the market now. They mix cultural roots with creativity to give kids more than simply stories; they give them tools to think, dream, and make things. This is a must-have for parents who want their kids to be interested in art and know about a part of Indian history.

Neel: Krishna Through Art is a hardback book of 26 pages published by AdiDev Press. It costs ₹595.

Buy here: Neel: Krishna Through Art