Lucknow: The National Book Fair 2025 at Balrampur Garden has turned into a vibrant hub for children, with stalls packed with colours, fascinating characters, and exciting stories capturing young readers’ attention. They can be seen exploring stalls, flipping through pages, and eagerly picking out books that spark their imagination.From the timeless tales of ‘Panchatantra’ to magical fairy tales and spine-chilling horror stories, the children’s corners are buzzing with energy. Horror and superhero collections featuring the Avengers, fairies, and even mythology titles are flying off the shelves as young readers look for both thrills and wonder. Activity books, especially those with colouring, puzzles, and fun learning exercises, are also proving popular, offering children a hands-on way to engage with stories and characters. “In schools, children are showing growing interest in horror stories, superheroes, fairy tales, and mythology,” said Rimple Thapar, a primary school teacher. “These genres not only entertain but also help children build imagination and develop reading habits.” Aadya Mishra, a Class 2 student, said, “I found a Cinderella book with pretty pictures and a Sudha Murty story. I like fairy tales and fun stories with happy endings.” Radhika Gupta, a Class 3 student, shared, “I bought a Ruskin Bond book and one about superheroes. I love reading about adventures, and I enjoy drawing in activity books too.” Kabir Mehta, another Class 3 student, said, “I chose a fun activity book with mazes and puzzles. I like solving them and putting stickers.” “Children are drawn to books that don’t just tell a story but show it. They love flipping through pages filled with bright images, engaging layouts, and interactive elements. These visually rich books, priced between Rs 150 and Rs 1,000, combine strong visuals with simple storytelling, making them both fun and educational,” said Sumit, a local bookseller.
