Books published by publisher Penguin Picture Puffin

A genius, a visionary, a writer, a dreamer, a teacher and an inspiration for generations of Indians this was Swami Vivekananda. Born into a family of lawyers, Narendranath Dutta was an exceptionally intelligent child, a natural leader among his playmates, who impressed his teachers with his scholarship. The spirituality of his mentor Shri Ramakrishna and his own study of philosophy and logic influenced Narendranath to join the monastic order. Vivekananda was the spokesperson for India at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago where the magic of his words held his audience in thrall. He also instilled among the Indian youth self-confidence and the hope of regeneration. Devika Rangachari s account of the life and times of Swami Vivekananda is both inspiring and absorbing.

The first novel to feature the master sleuth Feluda and his teenaged assistant Topshe, The Emperor s Ring is full of adventure, mystery and intrigue. Feluda and Topshe are on holiday in Lucknow when a priceless Mughal ring is stolen. Feluda begins to investigate the case and finds himself hot on the trail of a devious criminal. The hunt for the ring takes them to Laxmanjhoola, and a deadly encounter with a python in a log cabin. Feluda s twelve greatest adventures are now available in special Puffin editions. This is the first book in the series.

Gautama s ideas went against the established beliefs of centuries. His teachings did not rely on the idea of a Supreme God or gods who could rescue humanity from its sorrows; instead he believed that nirvana lay within each person, and could be achieved by following the right path. Even though he was one of the most influential men who ever walked the earth, very little is known about the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man we call the Buddha. His teachings were followed for 1,500 years in India, and became the guiding principles of life for both rich and poor, high born and lower caste. Today, the religion he founded is followed all over the world. Here is the fascinating story of his life from his youth as a privileged prince to his renunciation and attainment of nirvana; how his teachings changed all those who came in contact with him; and the story of the tumultuous lives of people and kingdoms in ancient India

Portrait of a man who is a living embodiment of the ideals of peace, democracy and freedom perfect for young readers! The road to Lhasa was lined with people who had gathered to see the new reincarnation. Dressed in finery they thronged the streets waiting for a glimpse of their new ruler. Looking out of his carriage, the Dalai Lama saw people crying with joy. Their Kundun had returned. Born to a family of farmers in a remote corner of Tibet, Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the fourteenth reincarnation of the Dalai Lama at the age of two. He took charge of his country in 1950 when the Chinese invaded Tibet. The rest of his teens were spent in negotiations with the Chinese government. However, as Chinese violence against Tibetans increased, Kundun was forced to flee his native land. His escape over the Himalayas is the stuff of adventure novels. Exiled now in India for over five decades, the Dalai Lama constantly champions Tibet s independence while remaining its greatest spiritual mentor. He received the Nobel Prize in 1989 for his non-violent efforts to gain freedom for his country. Rich in personal anecdotes, this engaging biography shows how Kundun blends spirituality with politics. To the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is God incarnate. To the world, he is the face of Tibet.

Now wilder, for the wiser! Take a joyride through the animal and plant kingdom, as you learn about exotic and familiar species. Compiled from India s only national-level quiz on wildlife, this book is bursting with fascinating facts and little-known details, peppered with mind-boggling trivia, and brought to life with its exquisite artwork. Prepare to enter this bountiful world with eyes wide in wonder, and leave equipped to be a nature explorer! A must-have on your shelf, The Wild Wisdom Quiz Book Volume 2 is a great tool to test your own knowledge and your friends .

There is only one God and all are equal before him. The founding father of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev was born in a little village near Lahore in Pakistan in the year 1469. In an age of religious orthodoxy, hate and disharmony, Guru Nanak came to preach and convert, to blaze a new trail. Sreelata Menon traces the life and times of this spiritual master. She brings to life stories of the birth, childhood and the search for enlightenment of a little boy who, unhappy with the social conditions existing around him, sought to make a difference as he grew up. With Mardana, his best friend and companion, Guru Nanak spent twenty years and more travelling the world to spread his message of love, truth, compassion and One God. Come rain or shine, braving all odds, winning over all kinds of people and performing miracles through the power of prayer, he spread the word of God. This is the story of an extraordinary man, who was the very embodiment of the love and compassion that he preached.

If you know the answer and do not respond, your head will shatter into pieces! In a land of glorious kings, bloodthirsty demons and talking spirits, was born the lore of Vikram and the vetal. After a series of mysterious events, King Vikramaditya carries the vetal, a witty ghost, on a long journey through death s playground. The vetal narrates the most fascinating tales and asks the most puzzling riddles, leaving Vikram completely stumped. Deepa Agarwal s beautiful translation brings age-old wisdom alive through the vetal s wondrous stories that are bound to confound and captivate readers even today.

In the mountains that tower over the sleepy town of Pistachio, a secret sect of unlikely assassins live, pray and make apple pies in an abbey surrounded by telescopes. After many years of peace, the guardian nuns turn complacent. When the Reverend Mother suddenly discovers that the crime rate in Pistachio has skyrocketed drastically in recent months, she calls for reinforcements. What she gets instead is a eleven-year-old, excitable and very accidentprone orphan, Ann. As Ann and the formerly peaceful abbey adjust to each other, the crime rate in Pistachio continues to rise and the Reverend Mother sends the youngest member of the order down to Pistachio to investigate. Beginning her foray into secrecy and assassinlike behaviour, Ann soon finds herself up to her elbows in a flood of unusual behaviour around town. Hilarious and heart-warming, join Ann on her unforgettable adventure as she learns the importance of friendship and family and the right way to bake a raspberry crumble while sharpening an arrow.

Go wild with the Year s most exciting Quiz Book Who is the head of the elephant family? a. Matriarch b. Tusker c. Patriarch d. Elderphant Which is the only snake that builds a nest? a. Rattlesnake b. King Cobra c. Rat snake d. Mamba If questions like these fascinate you, then this one-of-its-kind quiz book is a must for your bookshelf! Compiled from India s only national level quiz on wildlife, this book packs in incredible information on the amazing world of animals and plants. Get a low-down on bizarre animal facts and increase your sense of wonder with some mind-boggling questions on exotic and familiar species. Peppered with amazing trivia and charming illustrations, this fun and irresistible book is an absolute essential. Use it to test your own knowledge and quiz your friends.