New book for children Stories from Bengal

Ansar Ahmed Ullah:

Independent children’s publisher Bok Bok Books has published Stories from Bengal: An Exploration of Myths, Legends and Folk Tales, a beautifully illustrated collection celebrating the rich traditions of Bengali storytelling. Retold by storyteller, educator and publisher Rumana Yasmin and illustrated by Bengali artist Farah Khandaker, the book brings together a selection of Bengali myths, legends and folk tales.

Rooted in Yasmin’s research with the HerStory Foundation and Folklore Expedition Bangladesh, Stories from Bengal is a British Council-supported UK–Bangladesh collaboration that introduces children to Bengali folklore rarely represented in English-language children’s publishing. In Stories from Bengal, readers are invited to gather around Chaader Buri, the magical grandmother on the moon, who spins her stories from moonlight. Young readers encounter a world rich in gods and goddesses, clever tricksters, mystical saints and magical creatures. From Ganga’s journey from heaven to earth to the cunning exploits of the trickster Gopal Bhar, alongside tales of Sufi wisdom and wonder, these stories celebrate Bengal’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Inspired by the intricate traditions of nakshi kantha embroidery, Farah Khandaker’s illustrations are delicate, colourful and richly patterned. They weave together the stories’ deeper meanings, bringing their magical characters and imaginative worlds to life.

Published in hardback on 30 September 2026, the collection is designed to be read, shared and treasured by children of all ages.

Rumana Yasmin said, “The stories I heard growing up shaped my imagination and my understanding of the world. The inspiration for this collection grew from those childhood memories, as well as my research with HerStory Foundation into the storytelling tradition of nakshi kantha embroidery. I was inspired by the women who have preserved stories, memories and cultural knowledge through both oral traditions and textile art. Stories from Bengal celebrates that spirit of storytelling, bringing together myths, legends and folk tales that have travelled across centuries. I hope readers will find wonder, laughter and familiarity in these stories, and feel connected to the people who have kept them alive.”

Farah Khandaker added, “Exploring nakshi kantha’s rich storytelling history, I wanted to stay true to its whimsy, colour and intricate beauty. I’ve learned so much about the heart behind both the craft and the tradition of storytelling. Representing an analogue textile art digitally was as challenging as it was rewarding, while staying close to the spirit of experimentation that is so crucial to this art form. I hope readers will enjoy it as much as I did illustrating it.”

Born in Bangladesh and now based in the North East of England, Rumana Yasmin is a storyteller, educator and publisher dedicated to preserving and sharing Bengali folklore with contemporary audiences.

Illustrator Farah Khandaker, originally from Bangladesh and now based in Toronto, creates richly patterned artwork inspired by the traditions of nakshi kantha embroidery and her cultural heritage.

Stories from Bengal: An Exploration of Myths, Legends and Folk Tales was published in hardback by Bok Bok Books on 30 September 2026, priced at £12.99.