This series of imaginatively written stories has been developed for readers of 6-14 years. It is a unique project for Pakistani children in the sense that all the stories have been written by seasoned Pakistani children’s authors writing in English. Each story has an environment familiar to Pakistani children and takes into account the sensitivities of the region. It is hoped, therefore, that the stories will inspire their readers to write confidently in English.
Min Chin’s Tree Home
Mahnaz Malik
Min Chin’s Tree Home is the story of Min Chin, a small girl monkey, who is eager to explore the world. After meeting a peacock in the forest, she learns about the importance of family and realizes that not everyone will look after her.
Zain and Zara: My Mischievous Sister
Nina Naqvi Arif
This is a story in rhyme about the adventures of Zain and Zara. Little Zara is forever getting in trouble whether it is while building a snowman in Canada, playing on the beach in Karachi, or horseback riding in the bazaars of Cairo. It is her protective brother Zain who always comes to her rescue.
The Mystery of the Aagnee Ruby
Maha Khan Phillips
Saif and Taimur visit Naran for their summer vacations and meet Amina, a strange little girl who lives in an old haunted house, where the magical Aagnee Ruby was stolen during the British Raj. The boys go to the house hoping to capture the ghost – instead, they get a lot more than they had bargained for. Why are people dying in mysterious accidents? How is Amina’s uncle involved? And, where is the Aagnee Ruby? They must find it all out before the murderer strikes again!
The Adventures of Slothful Slough-off
Saman Shamsie
The Adventures of Slothful Slough-Off is a series of stories about a good-hearted, good-natured snake in search of contentment and the characters he meets along the way. These are tales of friendship and love in its many forms, of give and take, of boundaries and parameters. These are stories of the human heart found in the hearts of the animals in the forest.
The Beautiful Pearl
Fahmida Riaz
The Beautiful Pearl: A Tale from Afghanistan is about a young girl named Dur Jamala and her inspiring bravery in the face of great odds. In this charming story, you will come across many facets of life in an Afghan village. Dur Jamala’s country has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in the celebrations, traditions and sports of the region. As you spend time with Dur Jamala, you will marvel at the brave Afghani girl’s efforts to keep her family together as they await her father’s return from the war.
These books have been published by the Oxford University Press.
Published in Daily Times, November 24nd 2017.