STORIES TO INSPIRE,
WARM THE HEART AND
IGNITE A SENSE OF ADVENTURE

Welcome to KaruBooks, a collection of children’s books from Kathmandu writer Karuna Paneru, featuring playful illustrations by Nepali artists.

Travel with a pack of wild animals on an outing to Kathmandu. Witness the power of her grandmother’s stories on the young, impressionable Maya. And coming soon – A Tihar in Patan. Celebrate a favorite Nepalese holiday with 8-year-old Sani and her extended family.

Cover of illustrated children's book titled The Animal Adventure

THE ANIMAL ADVENTURE

On a journey to Kathmandu, a group of animals from Chitwan National Park learn the value of friendship when they encounter a wild elephant.

Cover of illustrated children's book titled The Tale of Yaha

THE TALE OF YAYA

A tender autobiographical story that honors humanitarian activist Olga Murray and her influence on a young and inquisitive Karuna Paneru.

Graphic announcing the next book coming soon A Tihar in Patan

COMING SOON – A TIHAR IN PATAN

An eight-year-old girl balances the rituals of a favorite Nepali holiday with the sadness she feels for family members who have passed and her frustration with misogynistic cultural expectations.

Illustration of the girl Maya from the Tale of Yaya illustrated children's book

Karuna Paneru mines a childhood rich with cultural experiences to write compelling stories for young readers. Her characters face challenges that inspire, educate and delight the reader, and Paneru’s distinctive voice creates a heartfelt connection with children around the world.

“In each of my books I start with experiences from my childhood and write stories grounded in Nepali culture and history, told from the perspective of an inquisitive child.”

Spread of pages of the illustrated children's book The Tale of Yaya

Karuna Paneru hits the mark as a gifted and talented writer. Her children’s stories are the beginning of what I hope will be a continued commitment to chronicling her rich cultural experiences and what promises to be an amazing life.

Rebecca L, Denver, CO, USA

I love Karuna’s sense of adventure! My granddaughter especially likes The Animal Adventure, the story of wild animals on the run from Nepal’s largest national park.

Anya M. Denver, CO, USA

I read your inspiring book The Tale of Yaya and was delighted by the vibrant colors and your writing style. I was amazed by how curious Maya was and how patient Yaya was.

Prashamsha D, 5th grader, Kathmandu, Nepal