Showing Books By Author : Ruskin Bond

Tales From My Boyhood

And when all the wars are done,” I said, “a butterfly will still be beautiful.” “Did you read that somewhere?” “No, it just came into my head.” “Already you’re a writer.”’ Vast realms of memories live in our minds. They stay there quietly as we go through the motions of life. But sometimes a place, a name, a taste or even a dream brings forth a flood of colourful memories. The tiny, intricate details of these memories enrich our lives in the most unexpected ways. The heart-warming and eclectic stories in Tales from My Boyhood give you a peek into the vibrant world of Ruskin Bond’s childhood days. Take a nostalgic plunge into Bond’s world through his evocative and descriptive prose, filled with conversations, love, friendship and, most of all, cherished memories.

Writing For Love

Ruskin Bond presents his selection of the best short stories from the Write for Love contest organized by Mugafi and Rupa Publications India. The annual contest provided a great opportunity for writers of all ages across India to explore various forms of love beyond traditional romantic narratives. In its first edition, the contest drew thousands of entries, showcasing the incredible diversity of love as perceived by people from different walks of life. Curated and edited by the legendary Ruskin Bond, the top twenty stories have been compiled in this unique collection. From heartwarming tales of familial bonds to thought-provoking stories of self-love, from the deep connections between friends to the enduring love for nature, this anthology captures the essence of love in all its forms. These stories, written by both emerging and established writers, offer a rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and relationships. This book is a celebration of love in its many manifestations and promises to touch your heart and soul, providing a reading experience that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

The Lagoon

In the stillness of the air every tree, every leaf, every bough, every tendril of creeper and every petal of minute blossoms seemed to have been bewitched into an immobility perfect and final. Nothing moved on the river but the eight paddles that rose flashing regularly, dipped together with a single splash… Somewhere deep in the jungles, in a boat anchored on a lagoon, a man listens to the doomed love story of his friend and his dying lover. In an apple orchard, a philosopher tries hard to decipher the codes of love, little realizing that he is ruining his own chances. With stories from writers like O. Henry, Joseph Conrad, Guy de Maupassant, Anton Chekov and others, this collection brings alive the many shades of love, from the heartbreaking to the joyous.

A Garland Of Memories

Garland of Memories is a narration of his charming city Doon. It is a collection of short stories based on the memories of Bond. This collection contains tales from his chance encounter with Rudyard Kipling’s ghost, to his adventures with eccentric Uncle Ken, being witness to a bitter battle between a brave snake, a braver mongoose and two foolhardy birds; it’s about the hungry pet python that ate up everyone’s lunch and the mythical snow-woman who almost exists

My Favourite Nature Stories

‘When I came to live in Mussoorie just over fifty years ago, I lived in Maplewood Lodge, a cottage below Wynberg-Allen School. Its windows opened on to a well-forested hillside. So naturally I wrote about the trees, wild flowers and birds and other creatures who lived among them. Then circumstances forced me to move higher up the mountain and for the last thirty-five years I have lived on the top floor of Ivy Cottage, in Landour Cantonment. Here there are windows too and they open on to the sky, clouds, the Doon valley and range upon range of mountains. And from this perch on the hillside I feel that I am part of the greater world, mother India as well as the natural world of planet Earth.’ In this charming collection, Ruskin Bond talks about his various encounters with the natural world. From the chorus of cicadas to the song of the whistling thrush, from his love for sea shells to his favourite place on earth, Bond details why he has such an overwhelming love for nature. This book is for all who cherish the green world, just as Bond does. Features • A brand new book celebrating Ruskin Bond's 82nd birthday • Written by India’s bestselling author, this book makes for a perfect gift for readers of all ages • A wonderful way to introduce the wonders of the natural world to children

Petals On The Ganga

This collection by Ruskin Bond has stories that are mostly autobiographical, based on the theme of nature. In these heart-warming stories, Bond talks of the various elements of nature as if they are members of his family. He also endows the flora and fauna that he encounters with distinct personalities, and himself recedes into the background as a silent observer. From the mountains to the trees, from the birds that fly to his cottage, bringing a whiff of the faraway forests they come from, to the winding paths that lead to charming gardens, Petals on the Ganga will take you to nooks and corners, opening up scenes of myriad beauty.

The Rupa Book Of Travellers' Tales

Unforgettable journeys adventures on land or sea!A South African revolution, a plane crash in the desert, a cannibal conclave and an encounter with pirates: these fascinating real-life accounts of travellers caught up in unexpected adventures and tricky situations comprise the ninth Rupa anthology compiled by Ruskin Bond.

Dust On The Mountain

Bisnu finds how dangerous and lonely life can be for a boy who has to leave his home to earn money for his family. As he sets to work on the limestone quarries with the choking dust enveloping the beautiful mountain air, he longs for home more than eve

Earthquake

What do you do when there's an earthquake?' asks Rakesh. Everyone in the Burman household has their own ideas, but when the tremors begin and things start to quake and crumble, they are all taken by surprise. Amidst the destruction, Rakesh's family stays strong. But will they survive the onslaught of yet another earthquake?

Do You Believe in Ghosts?

Let me put it this way,’ said the Colonel. ‘Do you believe in ghosts?’ ‘I’ve never seen any,’ I said. ‘But you have, my boy, you have…’ Does the unknown world of spirits overpower your imagination? Do spooky tales bring out the detective in you? The intrigue and mystery surrounding the supernatural nearly always evoke fascination and curiosity in most minds. With its enchanting characters, atmospheric prose, and fresh perspectives on the supernatural, the stories in Do You Believe in Ghosts? will take you on a mystical and magical journey. This collection brings together Ruskin Bond’s brilliant supernatural creations that are sure to give you a thrill. Go beyond fear and delve into the mysterious! After all, who knows what wonders await you there!

The Girl on the Train and Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Girl on the Train and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Girl on the Train, Wild Fruit, Pret in the House, Goodbye, Miss Mackenzie, King Bharata, and Nala and Damayanti, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

Wilson’s Bridge and Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Wilson's Bridge and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as Whispering in the Dark, Wilson's Bridge, The Man Who Was Kipling, and A Face Under the Pillow, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

The Tunnel and Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Tunnel and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Ugly Prince and the Heartless Princess, A Special Tree, and The Tunnel, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

The Woman on Platform No.8 and Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Woman on Platform No. 8 and Other Stories compiles some of his most heartwarming tales, such as The Woman on Platform No. 8, The Fight, The Funeral, and Love and Cricket, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

King Bharata And Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. King Bharata and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as King Bharata, A Demon For Work, The Tiger-King's Gift, and A Battle of Wits, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

Some Hill Station Ghosts And Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Some Hill Station Ghosts and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Photograph, Some Hill Station Ghosts, The Trouble with Jinns, and The Shadow on the Wall, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

Seven Brides For Seven Princes And Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Seven Brides for Seven Princes and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as Nala and Damayanti, The Ugly Prince and the Heartless Princess, The Lost Ruby, and Seven Brides for Seven Princes, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

The Tiger in The Tunnel And Other Stories

This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Tiger in the Tunnel and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Great Train Journey, Dragon in the Tunnel, Going Home, and The Tiger in the Tunnel, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.

Whispers of the Rain

‘In hot up-country towns in India, it is good to have the first monsoon showers arrive at night, while you are sleeping on the veranda. You wake up to the scent of wet earth and fallen neem leaves, and find that a hot and stuffy bungalow has been convened into a cool, damp place.’ As heavy monsoon winds begin to blow at the end of every summer, an entire country waits with bated breath. Once rain hits the parched land, the arid landscape slowly turns green. Humans, whistling thrushes, frogs, beetles and geckos—all rejoice. Whispers of the Rain is a collection of short stories that celebrates the ‘true spring’ of India—monsoon. Ruskin Bond’s descriptive, lucid and sensitive prose takes us through the dusty whirlwinds of the Gangetic plains, the whispering mists of Mussoorie and the thunderous Landour storms. This book welcomes you to embrace the fresh breeze of adventurous and rainy tales as seen through the master storyteller’s eyes.

The Big Book Of Mountain Tales

‘High in the spruce tree the barbet calls, heralding summer. A few puffy clouds drift lazily over the mountains. Is this the great escape?’ As we move along at a fast pace, there are very few things that offer solace from the hustle-bustle. Out of these things, there is nothing quite like the fresh mountain air or a breeze from the forest to revive one’s spirits and rekindle some hope. The Big Book of Mountain Tales gives you a chance to carry some of that mountain joy home with you. This collection of Ruskin Bond’s cherished stories is sure to transport you to the mountains and revive your sense of adventure. Bond’s evocative and engaging prose combined with some lively and vivid imagery are bound to bring a smile on your face.

Rain In The Mountains

The Land Of Many Colours

The bazaar is Indian, charming and quite prosperous: tailors sit cross-legged before their sewing machines, turning out blazers and tight trousers for the well-to-do students who attend the many public schools that still thrive here; halwais—potbellied sweet vendors—spend all day sitting on their haunches in front of giant frying pans; and coolies carry huge loads of timber or cement or grain up the steep hill paths.’ Diversity and variety in every aspect—food, culture, traditions, landscape—is a defining quality of India. Whether we talk about the festivals throughout the year, the delicious food found across the country or the intricate rituals performed in temples, India truly is a land of many textures, flavours and colours. The tales in The Land of Many Colours revolve around this vibrant diversity. This collection offers you the varied tastes and textures of India along with the imaginative brilliance of Ruskin Bond. Take a dive into the world of Bond’s evocative prose and heart-warming storytelling. Read less

Stories to Live By

Whether by accident or design, We are here. Let’s make the most of it, my friend. Make happiness our pursuit, Spread a little sunshine here and there.’ Whether it is during our school days, in adulthood or even in old age, our life is nothing but a sum of memories we’ve created with people. These memories, whether good or bad, hold the power to make us feel joy, love or grief—all of which makes us human. Stories to Live By brings you some loving and endearing stories which are sure to take you down memory lane. Indulge in the simple and wholesome charm of Ruskin Bond’s prose through this collection of tales that involves recollections of fun times with school friends, one-time meets with intriguing strangers and memories of times spent with one’s family.

The Hoopoe On The Lawn

From the master storyteller comes a wonderful new tale about friendship, eccentric relatives, ghosts, nature, and the enduring magic of childhood. Ruskin is eleven years old and visiting his granny’s home in Dehra during his winter holidays. Follow along as he takes you through the many things he experiences during his time there—a mischievous ghost hiding in an old peepul tree, delicious baked treats enclosed within a magic box, a man with a tin box containing odd knick-knacks, uncomfortable yet exciting tonga rides, surprising run-ins with Quit India protestors, the warm company of old Miss Kellner, pretty weeds that he calls ‘Purple Hearts’, and much else besides. Punctuating all these happenings is the hoopoe, a little bird with an attractive hairdo, which appears in granny’s garden at 3 p.m. every day, much to Ruskin’s delight. In The Hoopoe on the Lawn, Ruskin Bond weaves together a story of the joys of unexpected friendships, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasures of being young.