You may not get the day off for Children's Day any longer, but who says you can't kid about a bit? Start with our reading list, which blurs the line between kiddie and adult fiction. All books available on Flipkart.com:

Haroun and the Sea of Stories: Salman Rushdie wrote this magical caper for his young son while he was under fatwa. Highlighting the importance of free speech, it is populated by all kinds of fantastical characters and lands, including Princess Baatcheat, Prince Bolo, the Land of Chupp, and of course, a magical (if slightly polluted) Sea of Stories. Also check out the more recent sequel, Luka and the Fire of Life.

The Daydreamer: Atonement author Ian McEwan's first book for kids. Need we say more?

When Banshee Kissed Bimbo and Other Bird Stories: And you thought you were the only one getting in trouble for PDA. In Ranjit Lal's hilarious short stories about a bunch of birds that live in Goa, owls are penalized by the minister of cultural propriety for smooching their beloveds, parakeets speak English, and an over zealous hornbill tries to shield his wife from roving eyes. 

Where The Wild Things Are: Winner of the Caldecott Prize, this awesome picture book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Centering around Max, a kid who gets sent to his room for being naughty, it explores how anger can be a propellant for the imagination, turning a tantrum into a mad and wonderful journey into a land of monsters. Written by Maurice Sendak, it was recently turned into a critically acclaimed film with a killer soundtrack. Watch this music video by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's for a taste.                                         

Peter Pan: Sure, we all know the story and have watched the film, but if you haven't read J. M. Barrie's original version yet, drop what you're doing and get it now.