This series not only provides interesting historical information but will also go a long way in developing a sense of pride among Pakistani children regarding their history and cultural heritage. A simple yet engaging style and narration of anecdotes makes it lively and exciting for young readers.
A Childrens History of Sindh
Urdu Translation by Fahmida Riaz Sindhi Translation by Badar Abro This book introduces children to the rich history of Sindh—a land that was home to one of the oldest civilizations of the world. Beautifully illustrated, this book not only traces the footsteps of the invaders and foreigners who set foot in Sindh—from the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, and Arabs to the Mughals and finally, the British—but also talks about the local dynasties that left their mark. The book has also been translated in Urdu and Sindhi.
A Childrens History of Punjab
In this book, which begins in the pre-partition days, a young girl Abida's Interest in the history of Punjab is developed when she asks her uncle to tell her about the history of 'the land of five rivers' and to take her to explore the historic sites of this land.
As she learns about foreign invasions, Buddhist influence, romantic legends, the contribution of the Mughal emperors and the British, Abida is so fascinated by the story of Punjab that she grows up to become a historian herself!
A Childrens History of Khyber PakhtunKhwa
Two girls, Hafsa and Ansa, travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and on the way discover a wealth of Information about the history of this region—how these valleys have echoed the footsteps of Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and the British as they went across and left their mark in the region.
A Children’s History of Balochistan (forthcoming) A Children’s History of Gilgit-Baltistan (forthcoming)
Oxford Reading Treasure
Ages 6 to 10 years
Nicholas Horsburgh
Oxford Reading Treasure is a fun-filled reading package designed for children in the six to ten year age group. It features 15 books containing tales of laughter, adventure, fantasy, and real life.
The books will infuse the joy of reading in young readers and improve fluency and comprehension. Oxford Reading Treasure will aid in developing good reading habits.
Bano, Billo and Amai: The Paper Doll Book
Introducing the traditional dresses of Pakistan Ages 5 years and up Fauzia Aziz Minallah Amai, the bird of light, introduces you to her young friends Bano and Billoo. They live in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. They both speak Urdu.
Amai wishes for a peaceful Pakistan. It can only happen when children learn to respect each other’s language and traditions. In this book Bano and Billoo along with Amai travel to different parts of the country, dress up in different traditional clothes, and find out about the languages, food, and music of different regions of Pakistan. The books are handy in size and are colour coded for easy identification
Graphic Stories
Ages 9 years and up Graphic Stories are a popular genre of writing in English as well as in many other languages, and popular in many countries. However, there were no locally produced graphic stories in Pakistan in English, Urdu, or any of the regional languages before the publication of Abdul Sattar Edhi even though the richly pictorial presentation of text in this genre is irresistible to children and youth, and effective in attracting reluctant readers to the world of books.
Abdul Sattar Edhi
Amina Azfar Based on the life of Pakistan’s most outstanding social worker, Abdul Sattar Edhi is the first title in a series of Graphic Stories published by Oxford University Press, Pakistan. This title describes the life of Abdul Sattar Edhi—one of the greatest Pakistanis—and has been written in a simple, readable style. It is enlivened by attractive coloured illustrations. The novel presents key events from Abdul Sattar Edhi’s life and his contribution to Pakistani society in a reader-friendly manner.
Akhter Hameed Khan
Rumana Husain Akhtar Hameed Khan is the second title in a series of Graphic Stories based on the life of prominent Pakistanis, published by Oxford University Press, Pakistan. More titles, each describing the life of a great Pakistani, follow in this series which will be available in both English and Urdu.
Tasveeri Kahani Silsila
Graphic Novels
Ages 9 years and above
The graphic novel is a popular genre of literature in English and many other languages. However, so far there were no graphic novels in Urdu (or Pakistan’s regional languages). This form of writing is a good way to encourage children and young adults towards reading, who tend to stay away from books.
Oxford University Press Pakistan has initiated Tasveeri Kahani Silsila the first book of which is based on the life of Abdul Sattar Edhi. More books on the lives of other leading personalities of Pakistan will soon be added to this series.
Abdul Sattar Edhi
Amina Azfar Abdul Sattar Edhi is the first of a new series of Tasveeri Kahani Silsila from Oxford University Press, Pakistan. This title describes the life of Abdul Sattar Edhi—one of the greatest Pakistanis—and has been written in a simple, readable style. It is enlivened by attractive coloured illustrations. The novel presents key events from Abdul Sattar Edhi’s life and his contribution to Pakistani society in a reader-friendly manner.
This will be followed up with an English version, as well as more titles in the series: Akhtar Hameed Khan Faiz Ahmed Faiz Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan Hakeem Mohammed Said Zamir Niazi Rumana Husain
Bachon ka Adbi Khazana
Finding a good story gives more pleasure than acquiring a treasure. Books become children’s best friends as well as guides; they provide pleasure and knowledge. Many famous Urdu writers have written stories for children—Bachon ka Adabi Khazaana (A Literary Treasure for Children) is an effort to reintroduce some of these masterpieces of the past for the children of today. The forthcoming title in this series is:
Jo Yoon Hota to Kia Hota
Ages 10 to 14 years ISMAT CHUGHTAI This is a collection of three stories—each introduces the reader to a new aspect of entertainment and humour.
Ismat Chughtai is a famous Urdu writer; apart from her great contribution in adult literature she has written stories for children which are considered masterpieces on account of their humour, entertainment, and fluent style of writing.
Kitabon Ki Kehkashan
Beautifully illustrated in full-colour, the stories in Kitabon ki Kehkashan are written in a lively and engaging manner. Wide-ranging in subject matter, the inspiration behind them is the storytelling tradition, passed on down the generations. Most of the stories in this collection carry a moral lesson, thus serving the dual purpose of entertainment and education.
Bi Putki
Ages 8 to 10 years Asif Farrukhi This amusing tale is about a tiny little girl and her comical adventures in a grand palace.
This is one of the stories that writer Asif Farrukhi heard from his grandmother when he was a child. He is a well known author, moderator, and critic who has not only written short stories for adults but also for children.
Maula Baksh
Ages 9 to 11 years Asif Farrukhi This book has been written by the noted scholar Aslam Farrukhi. He has been involved in research, education, literature, as well as Metaphysics. He has written several books for children.
Maiku Mian School Gaye
Ages 5 to 7 years Humaira Kazmi This book has been written by Humaira Kazmi. She has a great interest in literature and has translated a selection of short stories from Urdu to English. She writes poetry in both languages.
Uran Tashtree
Amra Alam Ages 7 to 13 Uran Tashtri is a bi-monthly magazine that comprises of jam packed fun, knowledge, stories and other exciting content. The first edition got launched at Children’s Literature Festival 2013 at Islamabad and is the first of the series by CLF PUBLICATIONS.
Irgit Girgit
By Basarat Kazim Leon the Chameleon has a problem. When the other little chameleons turn green, yellow or blue, he turns red, purple or orange. Being different makes him feel lonely. But when the little chameleons go exploring and lose their way, Leon discovers that what makes him different is also what makes him special!
Cephalo The Daring Dinosaur
By Asas Cephalo is a daring young dinosaur living with his herd on Roar Hill. When Cephalo's best friend Izen the Pteranodon injures a wing and falls into the dark, dangerous forest full of predators, Cephalo goes on a rescue mission. Alone in the deep woods, can Cephalo escape the ferocious, attacking carnivores and get Izen back to safety?
Rani and the Flood
By Rumana Husain Ages 4 to 6 years Rani is a little village girl—confident and curious, happy-go-lucky and playful, as well as keen on learning. The village where she lives has been surrounded by flood water. This story is about how Rani and her family face the disaster with courage and hope.