Nikhil and Jay Save the Day

Early readers from all backgrounds will enjoy these four lively stories from the everyday life of two young brothers in a British Indian family


In these four interlinked stories about Nikhil and Jay and their family, there's always fun and mischief. Jay wants to do things by himself on his birthday, but sharing with Nikhil turns out to be more fun. They all go to visit Grandad and Nana, but where is the story dragon? Then it's Pancake Day, the day when Amma makes yummy dosa, Indian pancakes. And last but not least, Nikhil and Jay help to lead a campaign to save their local library from closing.

The Nikhil and Jay stories are perfect for children moving on from picture books to longer stories, helped by Soofiya's lively and characterful illustrations.

"Launch title in a culturally diverse news series for early readers, drawing on Soundar’s own South Indian background. Each book features four family-based, interlinked stories, ideal for the first step up from picture books."

"Perfect everyday stories for early readers... gentle stories that appreciate the value of family and the importance of everyday events. I’m loving the recipes in the back of each book as well. Going to try out Dosa and Chutney over the summer break!"

"A perfect first chapter book for new independent readers. It’s a series of stories about two brothers in a British Asian family. The stories are funny, gentle, real & make you hungry! Don’t worry though, recipes are included!"

"It’s lovely to see these books for newly independent readers (or for reading aloud) starring a British Asian family. Chitra draws on her own South Indian background and the stories are illustrated with gently humorous line drawings by Soofya on every page."

“A perfect book for newly independent readers. With a dual heritage family, this book is important to have on your bookshelves, to ensure younger children are able to see diverse families reflected in the stories they read. The emphasis on the family leaves young readers with a warm and comforting feeling of contentment. I would highly recommend it as a read aloud for Year One.”

Chitra Soundar is a very well-known and popular writer for children. Born in Chennai, India, she has written over 40 books, including Pattan's Pumpkin for Otter-Barry Books (2017).


Soofiya is a visual artist, designer, design educator and campaigner whose warm, playful illustrations have been used in books, magazines and other media by clients including Tate Modern, Tate Britain, The Barbican and the BBC.

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