Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) is holding events this months with Qatari children’s author Muneera Saad Al Romaihi to celebrate Unesco World Book Day 2016, which falls on April 23. It will also highlight the joy of reading to children, librarians, parents and educators. A celebration with the book’s illustrator Gulnar Hajo will also be held in Istanbul.
HBKU Press has chosen Al Romaihi’s heartwarming book, Manal’s World, as its 2016 title for World Book Day. To encourage reading, 4,000 bilingual Arabic and English copies will be gifted to schools and children in Qatar. In partnership with Qatar Foundation International (QFI), copies will also be distributed to students at QFI-funded Arabic language programmes in the US.
Manal’s World is a story about a young girl, Manal, who helps a lonely friend come out of her shell. Unhindered by her physical disabilities, Manal’s generosity, kindness and creativity are an inspiration to the friend and the reader. Lyrical and imaginative, it is a charming story whose main character proves that you can have fun and set a positive example in all circumstances.
Al Romaihi will participate in reading circles with grade three students at schools in Qatar. In partnership with Maktaba Qatar, the author will conduct bilingual reading sessions and writing activities for young students and their parents on April 16 at Maktaba Qatar from 1pm to 3pm. “Good reading starts early and children who share books with others are more likely to develop language skills and advanced reading levels,” said Al Romaihi. “I am very excited that Manal’s World has been chosen as this year’s book. I hope that the story will encourage children to embrace reading and storytelling.”
This year, HBKU Press is widening its reach and distribution for World Book Day. To positively impact children in challenging circumstances, HBKU Press will distribute copies of the book to children in refugee camps in the Middle East.
Al Romaihi will join Hajo in Istanbul for a celebration at her bookstore, Pages, on April 23 and 24. The events will include illustration workshops and reading circles with young Syrian children.
The Peninsula
