The great book debate in India has shifted. As recently as 2020, most Indian parents firmly preferred physical books. By 2025, that picture looks very different — with digital reading growing dramatically faster than print. Here’s what Indian families actually need to know.
Cost: eBooks Win Significantly
A good children’s book from a major Indian publisher typically costs ₹250–₹800. Imported educational books can cost ₹1,200 or more. In contrast, eBooks on Penastory start from just ₹49. For a family that buys 10 books per year, the savings are substantial — allowing families to buy more books and read more widely.
Convenience: eBooks Win
No shelf space needed. No trips to a bookshop that may or may not have what you want. No damage from monsoon humidity. No carrying heavy books on school trips. A child with the free Pen A Story app on their tablet carries their entire library everywhere — offline, instantly accessible, perfectly organised.
Learning Outcomes: More Nuanced
Research on this question is genuinely mixed. Studies show children comprehend deeply in both formats when reading is comfortable and engaged. The key insight: a child who reads enthusiastically in any format learns more than a child who reads reluctantly in the “correct” format. If your child loves reading on a tablet, eBooks will produce better outcomes than a physical book they never open.
For Indian Families: A Practical Recommendation
The best approach for most Indian families in 2025: use eBooks for everyday reading (cost-effective, convenient, encourages more reading) and keep a small selection of physical books for special occasions and very young children who benefit from the tactile experience of turning pages.
Start Reading eBooks Today
Download the free Pen A Story app on Android or iOS. Browse the growing library of Indian eBooks on Penastory — from ₹49. Instant download, read offline anywhere.