Bangladesh - Children's Books

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Children's Books about Stories in Bangladesh

The Katha Chest: Reminiscent of Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s Mommy’s Khimar, this beautifully woven tale about the bonds of love, culture, and memory follows a young girl learning about her family history through her grandmother’s katha chest. Asiya loves to visit Nanu’s house where she can rummage through Nanu’s katha chest filled with quilts. There are stories in each of the quilts that her Nanu has collected through the years, all about the bold and brave women in Asiya’s family. Among all of the games and exciting things at Nanu’s house, Asiya thinks these hidden histories are the grandest treasure. After Asiya introduces each quilt, along with a brief reference to the woman who wore the sari, the following page spread conveys the woman's story in four highly detailed wordless panels. For example, the panels show a woman wearing the sari; holding her three worried children close to her pregnant belly as her husband strides away bearing the flag of Bangladesh; cradling her newborn and older children within her sari, while an image above shows shadowy figures firing guns; and the husband returned to his smiling family, holding the youngest child and wearing a medal.

A Dupatta Is . . .: A Dupatta Is..., written by Marzieh Abbas and vividly brought to life by the artwork of Anu Chouhan, is a loving and lyrical ode to the dupatta. Dupattas―shawls traditionally worn by women in various cultures of South Asia―are beautiful and colorful of course, but they're also fun, functional, and carry the sounds and smells of family and identity. Abbas offers not just a story, but a poetic explanation of a traditional scarf worn by the people of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. A dupatta-a rectangular fabric "plucked and spun into thread"-is "so much more" than it appears. From color to function, beauty to identity, the dupatta's significance is shown through vivid illustrations from Chouhan. Burnt orange, purple, and turquoise are among the vibrant colors that flow from page to page. The dupatta's many uses, from wrap to head scarf, traditional and modern, are charmingly presented to readers in abundance as families join for various activities, such as sipping tea, celebrating weddings, and embroidering intricate patterns onto these stunning scarves. Following the story is a brief history of the dupatta as well as a glossary of terms to help further explicate this beautiful symbol of faith and elegance.

Pongkhi and the Giant Fish: A Story from Bangladesh: Pongkhi, a high-spirited and inquisitive Bangladeshi boy, regularly went fishing with his much older and wiser friend Abdul. When Pongkhi discovers Abdul's boat discarded on a beach one day, he can't resist taking it out on his own to try and catch fish and impress his elders. However, a storm ensues and terrified Pongkhi is left braving the elements to then be confronted with a scary and giant fish. A charming and timeless tale, written in verse in both English and Bengali and beautifully illustrated by the now-acclaimed artist Rafiqun Nabi.

Chotu's Childhood: A collection of fun, unique stories from a happy childhood in Bangladesh. Get a glimpse of Bangali culture, summer vacations, crossing rivers, crocodiles, water monitors, gypsies and goats! Beautiful illustrations and large print. Read together with grandparents. Written in English and Bangla -- for children around the world.

Rickshaw Girl: In this novel for elementary readers illustrated by Jamie Hogan, Naima must find a way to save her mother's golden bangle -- and fix her father's rickshaw.

Yasmin's Hammer: A young Bangladeshi girl who helps support her family by working in a brickyard finds a way to make her dream of going to school and learning to read a reality. In the noisy streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, another busy morning is beginning as Yasmin rides to work in her father's rattling rickshaw. Yasmin longs to go to school so she can learn to read, but her family needs the money she and her sister earn at the brickyard to help keep the rice bag full and the roof repaired. As she hammers away at bricks day after day, Yasmin dreams of a different life. If she could read, she could be anything she wants to be when she grows up. One night Yasmin has an idea--a secret plan that will bring her one step closer to making her dream a reality.

Tiger Boy: When a tiger cub escapes from a nature reserve near Neel's island village, the rangers and villagers hurry to find her before the cub's anxious mother follows suit and endangers them all. Mr. Gupta, a rich newcomer to the island, is also searching--he wants to sell the cub's body parts on the black market. Neel and his sister, Rupa, resolve to find the cub first and bring her back to the reserve where she belongs. The hunt for the cub interrupts Neel's preparations for an exam to win a prestigious scholarship at a boarding school far from home. Neel doesn't mind--he dreads the exam and would rather stay on his beloved island in the Sunderbans of West Bengal with his family and friends. But through his encounter with the cub, Neil learns that sometimes you have to take risks to preserve what you love. And sometimes you have to sacrifice the present for the chance to improve the future.

Grandpa Kobe Rescues Roshan and Helps Deepack in Bangladesh: A Heart-Stirring Story: The Adventures of Grandpa Kobe Series; Volume Two. Join Grandpa Kobe as he travels to Bangladesh to rescue his friends Roshan and Deepack. Both the boys work long and hard at the brick kiln for a mean boss. Roshan was taken from his home in a far away village, and Deepack inherited his father's debt. Roshan and Deepack have found themselves in an unfortunate circumstance with little hope of escape. Grandpa Kobe has found a way to bring hope to Roshan and Deepack future and lives. A wonderful, and inspirational story based on reality, beautiful written with splendid illustrations for the whole family!

Anisha's Adventures in Bangladesh: Join Anisha and her pet pony Chloe on their first exciting adventure. When Anisha's grandparents give her two magical necklaces on her birthday a whole new world of learning opens up before her. In a magical puff of smoke Chloe is transformed into a beautiful flying pink pony. Using a very special camera Anisha and Chloe explore Bangladesh, taking photos as they go. Each photo Anisha takes tells her interesting facts about the places and things she sees. Explore a rich culture and learn about the beautiful country of Bangladesh in Anisha and Chloe's first adventure. A wonderful way for young children to learn about the world, it's many different people and cultures in a fun and entertaining way.

Namira's Adventures in Bangladesh: Follow Namira, a little girl, who embarks on an enchanting trip to Bangladesh, where she explores bustling Dhaka, visits historical landmarks, and enjoys diverse Bengali food. She experiences the joy of festivals such as Victory Day and the Bengali New Year, encounters the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and admires the beauty of Cox's Bazar and Sylhet's tea gardens. It's a heartwarming adventure into her family's homeland.

Where are the Chonchols?: A search and find picture book for children to learn about 12 seasonal festivals in Bangladesh through finding different members of a forgetful Bangladeshi family. The illustrated spreads show traditional festivals and children learn about the location and elements associated with the local culture.

New Year's Day in Bangladesh (Tudie's Travels): New Year's Day in Bangladesh is the second children's picture book in the Tudie’s Travels™ series. Tudie's dreams takes her to Bangladesh where she meets Benoy, a young, and sometimes forgetful boy. Together they experience New Year's Day in Bangladesh. Tudie learns about Benoy's culture during his town's celebration and he learns a few interesting things from Tudie about how New Year's is sometimes celebrated in the United States!

Zayna, Yusuf, and the Mughal Empire: When siblings, Zayna and Yusuf, discover a magical seashell, they're whisked away to the Mughal Empire in South Asia. Through majestic palaces, libraries, markets, and mosques, they uncover the beauty of their heritage, meet the legendary emperor Akbar the Great, and learn the stories that shaped their world. With every step, they feel the pride of connecting with their roots-and a sense of wonder at discovering a vibrant culture they never knew. This heartwarming adventure not only brings history to life but also invites readers to celebrate the beauty of diverse cultures. It's a magical journey of discovery, perfect for families seeking a story that sparks curiosity, pride, and the joy of exploring new worlds together.

Farzana's Journey: A Bangladesh Story of the Water, Land, and People: Farzana's Journey is a narrative about a young girl, who must walk a long distance to fetch her family's water. Her usual journey develops into an adventure as she meets animal characters, who relay a story about her ever-changing environment and the subsequent human adaptation. The book was written as part of Vanderbilt University's research on the coevolution of physical and human systems in southwest Bangladesh.

Samira Surfs: A middle grade novel in verse about Samira, an eleven-year-old Rohingya refugee living in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, who finds strength and sisterhood in a local surf club for girls. Samira thinks of her life as before and after: before the burning and violence in her village in Burma, when she and her best friend would play in the fields, and after, when her family was forced to flee. There's before the uncertain journey to Bangladesh by river, and after, when the river swallowed her nana and nani whole. And now, months after rebuilding a life in Bangladesh with her mama, baba, and brother, there's before Samira saw the Bengali surfer girls of Cox's Bazar, and after, when she decides she'll become one. Samira Surfs, written by Rukhsanna Guidroz with illustrations by Fahmida Azim, is a tender novel in verse about a young Rohingya girl's journey from isolation and persecution to sisterhood, and from fear to power.

Children's Books about Famous Bangladeshi People

Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet (CitizenKid): It’s monsoon season in Bangladesh, which means Iqbal’s mother must cook the family’s meals indoors, over an open fire. The smoke from the fire makes breathing difficult for his mother and baby sister, and it’s even making them sick. Hearing them coughing at night worries Iqbal. So when he learns that his school’s upcoming science fair has the theme of sustainability, Iqbal comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he’ll design a stove that doesn’t produce smoke! With help from his teacher, Iqbal learns all about solar energy cooking, which uses heat from the sun to cook ― ingenious! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time?

Twenty-two Cents: Muhammad Yunus and the Village Bank: A biography of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending. Growing up in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus witnessed extreme poverty all around and was determined to eradicate it. In 1976, as an Economics professor, Muhammad met a young craftswoman in the village of Jobra who needed to borrow five taka (twenty-two cents) to buy materials. No bank would lend such a small amount to an uneducated woman, so she was forced to borrow from corrupt lenders who charged an unfair interest rate, and left her without enough profit to buy food. Muhammad realized that what stood in the way of her financial security was just a few cents. Inspired, Muhammad founded Grameen Bank where people could borrow small amounts of money to start a job, and then pay back the bank without exorbitant interest charges. Over the next few years, Muhammad's compassion and determination changed the lives of millions of people by loaning the equivalent of more than ten billion US dollars in micro-credit. This has also served to advocate and empower the poor, especially women, who often have limited options. Twenty-two Cents is an inspiring story of economic innovation and a celebration of how one person-like one small loan-can make a positive difference in the lives of many.

The Story of Banker of the People Muhammad Yunus: This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending. Growing up in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus witnessed extreme poverty all around him and was determined to eradicate it. In 1976, as an economics professor, Muhammad met a young craftswoman who needed to borrow five taka (twenty-two cents) to buy materials. No bank would lend such a small amount to an uneducated woman, so she was forced to borrow from corrupt lenders who charged an unfair interest rate, and left her without enough profit to buy food. Muhammad realized that what stood in the way of her financial security was just a few cents. Inspired, Muhammad founded Grameen Bank, where people could borrow small amounts of money to invest in themselves or their own businesses, and then pay back the bank without exorbitant interest charges. Over the next few years, Muhammad's compassion and determination changed the lives of millions of people by loaning the equivalent of more than ten billion US dollars in micro-credit. He received the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for establishing Grameen Bank and championing microfinance. The Story of Banker to the People Muhammad Yunus is an inspiring account of economic innovation and a celebration of how one person--like one small loan--can make a positive difference in the lives of many. This chapter book includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

Children's Books about Bangladesh

B Is for Bangladesh: From Dhaka to Jamdani, from Crocodile to Rickshaw, B Is for Bangladesh profiles a young country, once part of India, with an ancient history and centuries of tradition. Vibrant photographs show the resilient Bangladeshi people, who welcome visitors with a smile. Most of the citizens are Muslims, but there are also Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, all featured here. The book also showcases the country's natural wonders in striking images of the world's largest mangrove forest, where tigers roam; and the rivers that criss-cross the land, feeding the rice-fields as they flow south. From everyday items like food and clothing, to historical and cultural sites, B Is for Bangladesh shows young readers what it's like to live in this fascinating country.

My Country is Bangladesh: A colorful, fun, and creative way to learn all about the country of Bangladesh. Explore yummy food, clothing, and interesting traditions that make the culture of Bangladesh special and unique!

Amader Bangladesh: Our Bangladesh: Amader Bangladesh is a book of culture and heritage of Bangladesh. Tasmea Mahmud is a Bengali author and illustrator who captures the beauty of Bangladesh through scenic and detailed illustrations. Children can learn Bangla words and sentences through fun rhythmic poem that is in easy-to-read Bangla transliteration and English translation.

Khalil & Alina: Tell Us About Bangladesh!: In "Khalil and Alina: Tell Us About Bangladesh," young readers are invited to join Khalil and Alina on a captivating journey through their family's rich Bengali heritage. Guided by Nana and Nanu's enchanting stories, the children learn about the vibrant culture, delicious foods, and meaningful traditions of Bangladesh. From the bustling city of Dhaka to the tranquil countryside, each page is filled with colorful illustrations and fascinating details that bring the Bengali experience to life. This heartwarming story not only celebrates family and heritage but also invites children to appreciate the beauty of discovering their roots. Perfect for sparking curiosity and fostering a love for cultural exploration, this book promises to be a cherished addition to any young reader's library. Share the wonder of Khalil and Alina’s adventure and inspire the next generation to explore their own heritage!

Country Jumper in Bangladesh: Introducing COUNTRY JUMPER, a young world traveler, with an engaging personality. He will guide readers on a tour around the world and expose them to many different cultures. Children can step on board with COUNTRY JUMPER as he educates them on each country with a brief synopsis of its history, national treasures, places to visit, etc. Each book will inspire their curiosity in visiting each country and inform them of fun activities for kids to do if they get an opportunity to venture into one of these countries. The series, consisting of 205 books, is targeted toward children ages 9 through 16 years old; however, the information is relevant for anyone looking for a quick overview of other countries.

Bangladesh (Countries We Come from): Green. Stunning. Fun. Welcome to Bangladesh! In this bright, exciting book, young readers will travel to this amazing country without ever leaving their homes or classrooms. During their journey, they will learn all about Bangladesh's land, cities, history, food, and holidays. They'll even learn how to speak a few words in Bengali! This 32-page book features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The engaging text, bold design, and stunning photos are sure to capture children's interest.

Bangladesh (Cultures of the World): Describes the geography, history, government, economy, people, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh (Exploring Countries): Mouthwatering mangoes, Bengal tigers, and a world-renown cricket team all contribute to the national pride of Bangladeshis. Similar in size to the state of New York, this young country has more than 156 million citizens. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world! In this title for students, learn more about how the people of Bangladesh live and work in a land swarming with activity.

Bangladesh (Enchantment of the World): Describes the geography, people, government, culture, history, religion, economy, and wildlife of Bagladesh.

My First Book - Bangladesh: All About Bangladesh For Kids: The culture, the beauty, the landmarks, the food - it is simply fascinating. In this book, we cover all of those magical elements about BANGLADESH in a digestible and engaging way! Combining fun and education, we use real-life images to help your child learn about the country.

Bangladesh Coloring Book For Kids: With Interesting Facts: This coloring book is designed for children who want to learn about the wonderful country that is Bangladesh! This unique coloring book includes over 30 high-quality pages designed to entertain and engage, providing hours of coloring fun. Each page contains an interesting fact about Bangladesh which will help your child learn about the country, culture, food, language and people.

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