Category: Uncategorized
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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: 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 Bronté say, “Don’t forget to sharpen your pencil!” Why? Because part…
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The Complete Guide To AANHPI KidLit Creators in Southern California
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash May is AANHPI Heritage Month, and Southern California is home to many Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) kidlit creators. These authors, illustrators, and content creators are weaving their heritage, experiences, and cultural traditions into stories that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. From picture books to…
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Big News! Announcing BELA AND LILY
I wrote a story about friendship. I wrote a story about friendship for English as a Second Language Learners like me. I wrote a story about friendship for kind and open-minded kids, like my first friend in America. I wrote a story about friendship based on my American immigrant experience, and I am so grateful…
NATASHA KHAN KAZI 