Publishers Fine Print recently launched a children’s wing, Finetasy, as part of the publication’s stable. The imprint will be headed by artist and illustrator Promina Shrestha, who holds a master’s degree in Arts and Aesthetics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She also used to teach Children’s Book Illustration at Kathmandu University, Centre for Arts and Design.

“Our aim is to set a different trend in Nepali children’s literature by publishing books that parents, children and young adults will want to pick up, read and look at,” said Shrestha. “We hope that Finetasy can inspire the imaginations of young minds.”

Niraj Bhari, CEO of Fine Print, believes Finetasy will fill a void in the local market that hasn’t been targeted by other publishers. “Very few children books are being

written in Nepal, and Nepali children are growing up without reading original Nepali stories. As a result, only a few children are reading books. That’s why we felt the need for a children’s book imprint,” said Bhari.

The imprint will first publish The Journey and its Nepali translation, Yatra, by Ubahang Nembang and Sanu and the Big Storm and its Nepali translation and Sanu Ra Aandheberi, by Bandana Tulachan. These books were written/illustrated during a month-long children’s book art residency organised by Srijanalaya. “After Ubahang’s and Bandana’s books, we will publish children’s books by writers like Buddhisagar, Amar Nyaupane, etc. FineTasty will publish 12 children’s books per year,” said Shrestha.