Bela and Lily Activities
“An uplifting tale of budding friendship built on connections forged through play.
Inspired by her own experiences as an immigrant, Khan Kazi captures the frustration of language barriers, as well as the joys of transcending them: The little steps the girls take to understand each other lead to a blooming friendship. Rich details about Bela’s life in Bangladesh—rickshaws on the streets, days spent hunting for treasure with her cousins—offer a peek into the home she misses. Pastel watercolors with bursts of vibrant green complement the gently paced story.”
— Kirkus Reviews
New on the blog
A section of new posts about Bela and Lily.
Free Toolkit: Drawing Friends in the Style of Natasha Khan Kazi
Seeing my books in a library is always a thrill. I understand the consideration and cost that goes into curating a library collection. But I would be lying if I said seeing Bela and Lily in the inaugural collection…
Easy Watercolor Collage Pollinator Art Inspired By Picture Book
A One-Class Mixed Media Pollinator Art Lesson Using Watercolor, Colored Pencil, and Collage for Grades 2-5 One of the most important skills artists develop is learning how to see. When children first begin drawing, they often believe every part…
Not Just Another Friendship Read Aloud
Bela and Lily is a friendship picture book read aloud that helps elementary students explore empathy, communication, and making friends across language barriers. This SEL-focused story opens meaningful classroom discussions about kindness, inclusion, and connection. 5 Ways to Use…
Free Printable: Making New Friends Helpful Thoughts Poster for Back to School
The start of the school year always reminds me of when my son, Kian, started kindergarten. He loves socializing, but tends to be cautious in new situations. So making friends the first few months of kindergarten was a journey…
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…
Download Free Bela And Lily Activity Pack
The Bela And Lily activity pack is perfect for your next classroom, library, or at home BACK TO SCHOOL celebration! Just share your email below for the instant download link. Bonus! Bela And Lily Teacher’s Guide This activity pack…
Free Bela and Lily Teacher’s Guide
I’m thrilled to share the Bela and Lily Teacher’s Guide. This guide was created by Marcie Colleen, a former teacher with a BA in English Education from Oswego State and an MA in Educational Theater from NYU. Inside the…
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…
Order
Bela and Lily is available everywhere books are sold!
For signed copies, order through my local independent bookstore,{pages} a bookstore.