Nikhil and Jay: Off to India

Nikhil and Jay visit India in this third book in the sparkling Early Reader series about a British Asian family.

Nikhil and Jay and Amma and Appa are off to India for the Christmas holidays to visit Chennai Granny and Grandad. In Grandad’s garden they see parrots and Chennai squirrels, a mango tree and a coconut tree. It’s all very new and exciting but the boys miss Max the Cat! One day they go to the beach, play Catch Me If You Can in the big waves and eat Granny’s Indian savoury snacks. The boys have their first Chennai Christmas, with mango-leaf decorations, Indian sweets for Father Christmas, a basket of beautiful Indian wooden toys – and a special Christmas star. And last but not least, the family see in the New Year the Indian way. They make a Welcome poster, Granny lights a lamp at midnight, and they all eat Granny’s delicious Kesala as an Indian New Year treat.

This third book in the Nikhil and Jay series is perfect for children moving on from picture books to longer stories, helped by Soofiya’s lively and characterful illustrations.

"This book can help children move from picture books to longer stories, helped by Soofiya’s lively and characterful illustrations. In this story, the boys have their first Chennai Christmas, with mango-leaf decorations, Indian sweets for Father Christmas, a basket of beautiful Indian wooden toys – and a special Christmas star as well as celebrating with family to see in the New Year the Indian way."

"Brothers Nikhil and Jay, along with their parents, visit their grandparents in Chennai, India at Christmas time. Through four interconnected tales, young readers embark on a rich cultural adventure with vibrant illustrations. Perfect for emerging readers transitioning from picture books to longer narratives, this book celebrates family, tradition, and the excitement of exploring."

"This book allows the reader to relate to a variety of adventures through four interlinked stories. This book therefore is an ideal book for emergent readers, with accessible language, short chapters and delightful illustrations."

Chitra Soundar is a well-known and popular writer and storyteller for children. Born in Chennai, she has written over 40 books, including Pattan’s Pumpkin (illustrated by Frane Lessac) for Otter-Barry Books and the first two titles in the Nikhil and Jay series: Nikhil and Jay Save the Day and Nikhil and Jay: The Star Birthday. The Nikhil and Jay books are inspired by Chitra’s two nephews and their real experiences within their blended family. Chitra divides her time between south London and Chennai, India.


Soofiya is a visual artist and illustrator. Soofiya’s work explores ideas around race, gender and bodies. Their illustration and design clients include Tate Britain, Mayor of London, Hachette, BBC, Nike and many more. They illustrated Nikhil and Jay Save the Day and Nikhil and Jay: The Star Birthday. They live close to the sea and like to spend weekends painting and taking care of their plants.

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