“In 1992, Rato Bangala started its library with a really strong collection of international literature, and we had a rule that the kids could take one English book and one Nepali book per week. When we looked at the shelves, the English books were wonderful and attractive. The Nepali books were on a small shelf; they were written with a direct message, and were not necessarily developmentally appropriate for young children. We realized we had to do something about it..." -- Dr. Shanta Dixit, Founder of BSM, talking about the origins of Rato Bangala Kitab and the festival
HIGHLIGHTS
Creative Workshops and stalls for Children
Creative workshops and stalls included: slime making, play dough making, finger painting, mask making, nature art, Matisse cut-out art, the Cartoon Corner, the Manga Gako, stencil art, mural art, and up-cycling materials into flowers!
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Teacher and Parent Workshops
We had an excellent array of experts giving workshops this year.
In addition to those covered below:
In addition to those covered below:
- "Why is Reading Comprehension So Important?" with Dr. Frances Hitchens
- "Why Read Early?" with Mr. Rajeev Dhar Joshi
- "Theater for Your Soul" with Akanchha Karki
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Fun Activities and Interactive Exhibitions
The Illustrator's Exhibition, Photography Exhibition, Haunted House, Jail House Rock, Sharing Wall, and Hogwarts Express were open all day for participants to visit. Activities included potion making, cartoon and manga drawing, face painting, and many more.
Teacher Training by RBF
The festival, as always, was open to all. Rato Bangala Foundation invited 39 partner schools from remote districts like Bajura, Kavre, Kaski, Nuwakot, Lalitpur, Mustang, Dolpa and Bhojpur. Teachers participated in workshops such as “Find the Author in You”, “Express Your Creativity through Mural Art” and many others.
On the day following the festival, 89 participants from those schools participated in a training from Rato Bangala Foundation on how to plan and hold children’s literature festivals in their own districts. Each school was provided with two sets of books published by Rato Bangala Kitab. To see more about this, visit: Outreach
On the day following the festival, 89 participants from those schools participated in a training from Rato Bangala Foundation on how to plan and hold children’s literature festivals in their own districts. Each school was provided with two sets of books published by Rato Bangala Kitab. To see more about this, visit: Outreach
Special Guest: Author Bruce Coville
Author Bruce Coville is a three time “Golden Duck Award '' winner and the author of more than 100 books for children, including the bestsellers "Aliens Ate My Homework" and "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher." Mr. Coville spoke during the opening ceremony, signed books, and gave two sessions in the auditorium.
During the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Coville urged the audience to “take reading seriously-- but also take it joyfully!" According to him, “there is a virtuous circle and it consists of three elements: pleasure, practice, then proficiency.” A vibrant, enthusiastic culture of reading is necessary to improve reading proficiency.
Furthermore, he emphasized that “Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to forge a lasting connection with another person.”
During the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Coville urged the audience to “take reading seriously-- but also take it joyfully!" According to him, “there is a virtuous circle and it consists of three elements: pleasure, practice, then proficiency.” A vibrant, enthusiastic culture of reading is necessary to improve reading proficiency.
Furthermore, he emphasized that “Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to forge a lasting connection with another person.”
Book Launches
During the Opening Ceremony, Rato Bangala Kitab launched 12 books, including 6 board books (the first ever printed in Nepali!), 2 braille versions of previously published books, and four picture books.
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Braille Books:
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Picture Books:
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Board Books
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