"Before I saw the colorful Room to Read books, I thought reading was only for homework. Now, I can read books that are fun and learn about other places and animals." -- Puja, Student in Nepal
Our Goals
We started our Local Language Publishing program (LLP) in Nepal in 2003. At that time we were establishing children’s libraries across Nepal through our Reading Room program. One of the biggest challenges we encountered was finding children’s books published in the national language of Nepali. Very few children’s books were available on the market, and most were aimed at more advanced readers. Books for beginning readers were practically non-existent. In addition, the books were unaffordable for most families.
We wanted to give children access to the type of books that would spark imagination, curiosity and a desire to learn to read. Due to the lack of high-quality children's books in the local language, we boldly decided to fill the void in the children's book industry. With seed funding provided by the Skoll Foundation in 2003, we launched our LLP program to create and publish new local language children's books.
Supplying Necessary Resources
The main beneficiaries of the LLP books are the children attending the schools where Room to Read has established libraries. Teachers and community members also use the library books.
Room to Read believes the books we publish should be:
- Written and illustrated by local authors and artists in each country
- Culturally relevant for beginning readers
- Available in each local language
Building Local Capacity
Each Room to Read office and corresponding LLP staff collaborates with local authors, illustrators, various local writing organizations/associations, and local printers to publish new children’s books.
Our goal is to discover, cultivate and train emerging or established local illustrators and writers in the countries where we operate so they can become the "Dr. Seuss of the developing world". Some of the ways we source new book content include sponsoring a Writer’s Competition or offering a Writing Workshop to train emerging writers.
We hire local and regional experts to train writing workshop participants on topics such as character and plot development, development, child-friendliness, and how to create non-fiction materials for children, among others.
Room to Read solicits feedback on the books we publish through interaction with students, teachers, librarians and parents who are associated with our Reading Rooms.
Room to Read has published an increasing number of titles that deal with important global themes such as the environment, gender equality, and dealing with HIV/AIDS to increase awareness about these issues within the context of each country. Also, the books include discussion questions, important vocabulary words, or activity pages at the back of the book to help a teacher extend the story and integrate it into areas of the curriculum such as social studies, science or math.
Examples of our books
 | Sophie Loves Books is a story of a very poor family in a remote village in the countryside of Cambodia. Everyday Sophie follows her mother to school, carrying her little brother in her arms while her mother sells fried banana cakes at the primary school in their village. While all the pupils were studying in the classroom, Sophie used to hold her little brother in her arms and stand by the window looking in at them. Through the help of a neighboring boy, Theun, and a teacher, Madame Bopha, Sophie is eventually able to enroll in school, learn to read and write, and make many friends. It is written in Khmer and English and is suitable for children aged 6-12. Author: Ven Son
Illustrator: Y Lida |
 | Chameli Ko Basna is a Nepali story of a young girl named Chameli. The only daughter of wealthy parents, she discovers her mother's jewelry one day. The next day she wears her mother's Shirphoola on her head to school. Each day she adds more jewelry. The more she adds, the less attention she gives to her studies and to her friends. Eventually, Chameli learns a great lesson in modesty and humility. It is written in Nepali and English and suitable for children aged 7-12. Author: Mr. Ram Babu Subedi
Illustrator: Mr. KK Karmacharya |
 | Many Bags is the story of Bee and Khek, two girls who are good friends and often walk to school together. While the girls are similar in many ways, they see the world around them differently. Bee is very concerned about recycling while Khek uses plastic bags and like many people, burns them when she is done. With her love of the environment, Bee shows Khek how she too can make choices that are kinder to the earth. This book won a “Book Excellence” Award from the Lao Ministry of Information and Culture. It was one of only 4 books selected for the honor.
Author: Mr. Rangsit Thanasook
Illustrator: Mr Uthong Saengnaree
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 | The Memorandum tells the story of a group of animals that come together to come up with solutions on how to minimize pollution. They write a memorandum to all humans that describes how pollution harms the environment. The memo explains the connection between humans, plants, and animals and asks humans to find ways to reduce pollution. The hope of the animals is to inform humans and help them change some of their wasteful ways. It is written in Nepalese and English and is for students under 12. Author: Mr. Parshuram Niraula
Illustrator: Mr. Deepak Gautam
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 | The Noisy Little Dinosaurs is a story written in Vietnamese and English about a family of dinosaurs, whose curious little children love to play and make noise which sometimes bothers their tired parents. The story describes how the family teaches the young dinosaurs the importance of playing quietly while the grown up dinosaurs are resting. One day the baby dinosaurs see that their screaming has given their father a very bad headache. They realize that if they play without making as much noise it will not be as bothersome to their father and they learn to play without making so much noise. For ages 5-10. Author: Kim Khanh
Illustrator: Kim Khanh
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 | Prakash (which means "light" in Hindi) explains the basic concept of light as a form of energy. Vivid color photographs show different examples of light in both natural and man-made settings. The book also elaborates on the various uses of light in modern life and contains both definitions of important terms related to light and a few questions designed to spark children's interest in the importance of light in our everyday lives. It is printed in Hindi and English (in separate books) and is written for 3-10 year olds. Author: Mr. Biman Basu
Illustrator: Mr. Biman Basu
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 | The Story of Vusi’s Orchestra is an inspiring story of how a band of poor boys made it in the world of music after taking advantage of a unique opportunity. This story was selected from nearly 200 entries to our first Writing Competition in South Africa, held in 2008. Author: Nini Bennett
Illustrator: Vusi Malindi |