This activity book is based on the characters of the picture books 'Number 8' and 'One Big Heart' written by Atiya and Ameera Karimshah. Number 8 is a fun and interactive picture book which introduces early numeracy in a vibrant display of colour and culture. Because clothing is such an important medium of socio-cultural expression each of the characters are dressed in their traditional clothing. Now you can have fun adding your own sparkle to these outfits with colouring pencils, pens or even collage!


One Big Heart was designed to encourage children to use what they have to make the world a better place. We don't need fancy tools to do good things! Having said that, the concepts described in the book may be difficult to explain, especially to very young children. That's why we have made this booklet with practical and fun activities that you can do with your child to teach them about their role in shaping the world they live in.


Kids glean so much of their view of the world from the books they read. They mimic the language, ideas, attitudes and beliefs they read in books. As parents and teachers it is our job to expose kids to books that open up their hearts and minds. Books with diverse characters. Both characters that look like them and characters that don't. We need to show them that love, success, kindness, personal power and hope are not tied to their gender, skin colour or any other factor that is out of their control. These things are open to everyone. Children who read diverse stories, will accept diversity as the norm. They will lean toward inclusivity and expect a seat at the table when matters of importance are discussed. After all, all our voices count!