Boulder, Colorado, USA: A newly illustrated children’s book exploring traditional Indian wisdom stories has been released by U.S.-based publisher Shambhala Publications. The book, titled Wisdom Stories of India, is co-authored by Indian-American storyteller Vinita Prachi Murarka.
Shambhala Publications, an independent publishing house headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, has been publishing books since its founding in 1969. The family-owned company currently maintains a catalog of more than 1,600 titles covering spirituality, culture, and wellness.
Written by Laura Burges in collaboration with Murarka, Wisdom Stories of India presents a collection of 14 stories drawn from diverse spiritual and cultural traditions, including Hindu, Buddhist, and Sufi teachings. The book is designed for readers aged six and above and is intended for children as well as families who enjoy reading together.
The stories introduce readers to well-known historical and spiritual figures such as Indra, the king of the devas; Siddhartha, the historical Buddha; the sixteenth-century Mughal emperor Akbar the Great; and the revered mystic poet Kabir. Through narratives featuring rulers, merchants, monks, and divine figures, the book highlights lessons rooted in Indian cultural traditions.
Each story concludes with a brief explanation offering historical background and emphasizing moral themes such as kindness toward strangers, respect for nature, thoughtful communication, and making wise decisions during challenging moments. A glossary is also included to explain unfamiliar terms and help readers better understand the cultural references.
The collection is illustrated by artist Wen Hsu, whose artwork visually captures the settings and atmosphere of the stories, including castles, royal courts, villages, and forest landscapes inspired by the narrative worlds.
Vinita Prachi Murarka, an Ayurvedic physician and Waldorf educator, was born in India and raised in the United States. In her twenties, she returned to India where she spent time living as a nun and served as a Loka Mitra Fellow for five years. She later founded Matre Sofia, an organization dedicated to birth education and holistic family well-being.
