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“A young Bangladeshi immigrant explores a park—and makes a new friend…Inspired by her own experiences as an immigrant, Khan Kazi captures the frustration of language barriers, as well as the joys of transcending them: The little steps the girls take to understand each other lead to a blooming friendship…An uplifting tale of budding friendship built on connections forged through play.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Bela and Lily

Written by Natasha Khan Kazi
Illustrated by Natasha Khan Kazi
Published by Kokila

Lily looks at my eyes, lips, and shoulders
as if they are pieces of a puzzle.

Bela, who has recently arrived in the United States from Bangladesh, meets Lily on the swings. But how do you make a friend when you don’t speak the same language? Based on Natasha’s own experience as a five-year-old immigrant making her first friend, Bela and Lily is about how two kindred spirits forge a bond through smiles, giggles, and a shared love of adventure, while also learning each other’s words.

Primary ISBN: 9780593858912
Publication Date: August 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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