Abstract:  Children’s literature plays a significant role in shaping the emotional, intellectual, and ethical development of young readers. Beyond entertainment, it introduces children to important idea about society, culture, and the natural environment. In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the role of literature in developing ecological awareness at an early age. Anushka Ravishankar, one of India’s most creative voices in children’s literature, contributes to this area through her innovative use of humor, rhythm, and visual storytelling. Her book Excuse Me, Is This India? Presents’ a playful journey across different regions of India while subtly introducing readers to the country’s ecological richness and cultural diversity. The narrative follows a small blue mouse as it travels through forests, deserts, mountains, rivers, and villages. Through this journey, young readers encounter different landscapes, animals, crafts. The text combines nonsense verse with meaningful observation, making learning both enjoyable and memorable. The integration of illustrations further enhances the reader’s understanding by visually representing India’s environmental and cultural variety. This paper examines how Ravishankar’s work nurtures ecological imagination by encouraging children to observe, appreciate, and respect nature. It also explores how the text promotes cultural awareness by presenting India as a diverse yet interconnected space where environment and human life exist in harmony. By analyzing the thematic elements and narrative techniques of the book, the study highlights the importance of picture books as tools for early environmental education. The research argues that ecological sensitivity developed through literature can influence children’s attitudes toward sustainability and responsibility. Ravishankar’s work demonstrates that environmental learning does not need to be more moralistic; instead, it can emerge naturally through playfulness, curiosity, and imagination. Thus, the book serves as an example of how children’s literature can contribute to building environmentally conscious and culturally aware future citizens.

Keywords : Children’s literature, ecological imagination, cultural diversity, environmental awareness, Anushka Ravishankar, picture books, Indian landscapes, sustainability education, environmental sensitivity, cultural identity.