We don’t have enough stories that speak to children from diverse cultural backgrounds
Summary
Anuradha, a Kathmandu-based creative writer and translator, says Nepali children’s books must better reflect diverse cultures, social realities and regional identities. She also argues that children’s literature should address difficult topics like migration, climate change and inequality in age-appropriate ways.
Key Points
- Anuradha has written more than 30 picture and chapter books for children and is widely recognized for her work in children’s literature.
- She says Nepali stories often fail to represent indigenous cultures and children from regions like the Tarai.
- She argues that books should address realities such as migration, floods and landslides instead of shielding children from them.
- She stresses that children’s literature should avoid stereotypes and better reflect gender balance, disability and social inclusion.
