Author: Natasha K
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Why Reading Is Declining in the United States: What the Research Actually Says
As an 80s kid, I grew up in the era of Book It!, library field trips, and getting lost in a paperback for hours. We passed notes in class, not memes. If we were bored, we read the back of the cereal box. For years, many of us have sensed that something feels different about…
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Making Ramadan Gift Baskets + Free Printable Signage for Schools
Every year during Ramadan, I put together a basket for the front office staff at my kids’ public school. It’s become one of my favorite traditions. I fill it with snacks from our local halal market, such as chips, biscuits, savory treats, and teas. I love supporting our small businesses, especially our Muslim ones. And…
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Sharing Identity and Books in The Daily Star
I’m still smiling after the wonderful experience of working with student journalist Sophia Ahmed and seeing Bela and Lily celebrated in The Daily Star, one of Bangladesh’s most respected English-language news outlets. Being highlighted in a publication with such reach, especially as a Bangladeshi American creator, feels deeply meaningful, both personally and professionally. Sophia approached…
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The Inspiration for Bela and Lily: Mining Memories
Where do your story ideas come from? For me, they start with a feeling. The kind that stays with you. Like the time I felt frustrated and worried, because I couldn’t express myself in English. Or the way it felt when a new friend in a new town welcomed me like family. Those memories stayed…
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Free Printable: Qualities of a Friend Poster
Why Teaching Kids About Friendship Matters Friendship skills aren’t just a “nice to have” — they’re a core part of children’s emotional and social development. As a parent, educator, or caregiver, one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a clear understanding of what it means to be a good friend and…
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Upcycled Messy Sketchbook Project
To celebrate the cover reveal of BELA AND LILY (Published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin). I created an upcycled DIY messy sketchbook project! 🌼 What is a messy sketchbook? It’s a no-pressure, creative space to doodle, draft, and play. There is nothing like scrap paper to say, “Don’t overthink it.” Video Tutorial Watch this…
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Free Printable: Sharpening The Pencil Guided Journal
You’d think that after illustrating a few books, I wouldn’t need a Drawing Fundamentals class. But here I am, all summer, at my local city college, a HB pencil in hand, sketching still lifes alongside a group of students ranging in age from 18 to 80. Listening to Professor BrontĂ© say, “Don’t forget to sharpen your pencil!” Why? Because part…
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[Free Printable] Celebrate AANHPI Coloring Sheet
![[Free Printable] Celebrate AANHPI Coloring Sheet](https://natashakhankazi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_1720.jpg?w=1024)
I couldn’t find an AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander) Heritage Month coloring sheet I loved. It is such a big category full of diverse cultures. So, I created the one below. It’s a vision board of the eclectic collection of artifacts I hope to have from my world travels one day.
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How Requesting Books at the Library Helps Authors (and How You Can Do It!)
As an upcoming author-illustrator, I really appreciate when readers request my books at their local library. Here’s why—and how to do it. Why Library Requests Matter How to Request a Book at Your Library (Even Without a Direct Link) Even if I can’t provide specific links, here’s a general roadmap: In Joy, Natasha
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From Sidekick to Spotlight: Why Every Kid Deserves to See Themselves as the Hero
My niece, Niah, holding Lulu In The Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story. “Look, she has brown skin and curly hair like you.” A mom whispered to her daughter while pointing out the cover of Lulu in the Spotlight. I’ve heard this sentiment from moms of different backgrounds and it gives me chills every time.…
NATASHA KHAN KAZI 