Here are some good starting books to understand Jainism, kept very simple and practical.

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1. For Complete Beginners (Overview of Jainism)

In English

1. “Jainism – An Introduction” – a short, simple overview of basic principles, Tirthankars, karma, soul, non‑violence, etc.
2. “Compendium of Jainism” (Jain Academic Bowl Manual) – clear explanations of fundamentals, suitable from older children to adults.
3. “The First Step of Jainism” – very good for those who want a structured entry into Jain beliefs and practices.

In Hindi / Gujarati (if you are comfortable)

1. “Jain Dharm ka Parichay / Jain Dharmno Parichay” – basic introduction text.
2. Simple Pathshala books used in Jain pathshalas (Balbodh, Jain Dharm Parichay etc.) – very easy language.

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2. For Understanding Principles & Philosophy (easy level)

1. Books on the “6 Dravya (six substances)” and “9 Tattva (nine fundamentals)”

These explain: soul, matter, karma, punya–paap, bondage, liberation etc. in simple form.

1. Books on “Anekantvad” and “Syadvad”

These explain Jain way of many‑sided truth and non‑absolutism.

1. Short books on:

- Ahimsa (non‑violence) - Aparigraha (non‑possessiveness) - Satya (truth) & other vows

Even small pamphlets or pathshala booklets on these topics are very helpful.

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3. For Daily Practice & Devotion

1. Small books explaining:

- Navkar Mantra - Logassa, Uvasaggaharam, Jina Stavan, etc. (with meanings)

1. Books on “Samayik” and “Pratikraman” – what they are and how to do them.
2. Life stories of Tirthankars – especially Bhagwan Mahavir’s life in story form.

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4. For Children / Teenagers

1. Jain storybooks (Jain Kathas / Jain Katha Sangrah) – moral stories based on Jain values.
2. Jain Activity / Coloring / Alphabet books – introduce Namokar Mantra, symbols, basic concepts in playful form.
3. Short biographies of:

- Tirthankars - Great Shravaks / Shravikas (Shravak‑Shravika Charitra)

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5. How to Choose According to Tradition

• If your family follows Shwetambar tradition – start with books printed by Shwetambar sanghs / pathshala committees / Jain mission trusts of that tradition.
• If your family follows Digambar tradition – use books from Digambar math, Digambar pathshala, or Digambar granth‑mala.

Basics like:

• 9 Tattva
• 6 Dravya
• Navkar Mantra

are common in essence in both traditions, only some details and practices differ.

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Simple Reading Path (If You Want an Order)

1. A very basic introduction booklet to Jainism.
2. A storybook on Tirthankars or Bhagwan Mahavir.
3. A small book on 9 Tattva and karma theory.
4. A booklet explaining daily practices – Navkar, Samayik, Pratikraman.
5. Then, slowly move to slightly deeper philosophy (Anekantvad, detailed karma theory, etc.).

If you tell me:

• your age,
• preferred language (English / Hindi / Gujarati etc.),
• and whether you are Digambar or Shwetambar,

I can narrow this list down to a few very specific book names for you.