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Showcasing creative writers of the Arab world

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi,

Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, honoured Lebanon-based publishing house Dar Al Hadaek for its book ‘Creatures on the Ceiling’ written by Nabiha Mheidly and illustrated by Hassan Zahreddine, for emerging winner at the fourth edition of the Dh1 million Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature.

The award ceremony was attended by Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY).

‘Creatures on the Ceiling’ forms a valuable addition to the Arabic children’s library in the 7 and 9 year segment. With its beautiful illustrations and simple language, the story takes a journey through the eyes of a child, encouraging children to explore the fascinating world of imagination. The book tells the story of Karim, an 8-year-old boy who lives with his poor family in a modest house. For Karim, who is endowed with a keen sense of imagination, his bedtime becomes a time of joy and wonder as he explores the magical world of his room’s ceiling.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of UAEBBY, congratulated the publishing house, writer and illustrator on winning the award, which aims at encouraging publishers, authors and illustrators to contribute significantly to promoting the children’s book industry and enriching the Arabic library with creative literary works for children.

“The Etisalat Award for Children’s Literature has become an annual milestone for all those interested in Arabic children’s literature from all over the world. The consistently high quality of the works submitted for each edition of the award also continues to prove year after year how rich the Arab world is in creative talents of writers and illustrators in the field of children’s literature,” Shaikha Bodour said.

The five books that compete for the award include two Lebanese titles, two Egyptian titles and one from Jordan.

The nominees are: ‘My Grandma Will Always Remember Me’, written by Samar Mahfouz Barraj and illustrated by Maya Fiddawi and published by Yuki Press (Lebanon); ‘Grandma Nafeesa’, written by Taghreed Al Najjar and illustrated by Maya Fiddawi and published by Dar Al Salwa (Jordan); ‘Seven Lives’, written and illustrated by Walid Taher and published by Dar Al Shorouk (Egypt); ‘Creatures on the Ceiling’ published by Dar Al Hadaek (Lebanon), written by Nabiha Mheidly and illustrated by Hussam Zahr Eldeen; and ‘Strong Wind Blow’, published by Dar Al Shorouk (Egypt), written by Fatima Sharafeddine and illustrated by Walid Taher.

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Winners over the years

The Award, the most prestigious one in Arabic children’s literature, was given in 2011 to the book ‘Teeri Ya Tayara’ (Fly Away Kite), published by Egypt-based Nahdet Misr, written by Amani Al Ashmawi, and illustrated by Hanadi Sileet.

In 2010, the winning book was ‘Al Noqta Al Sawda’ (The Black Dot) written and illustrated by Walid Taher and published by Egyptian Dar Al Shorouk

The first Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature was won in 2009 by Lebanese publisher Dar Al Hadaek for its book ‘Ana Oheb’ (I Love), written by Nabiha Mheidly and illustrated by Nadeen Saidani.

Criteria

The Award is open to Arab and international publishing houses, and books and entrants must meet 17 specific terms and conditions to be eligible for the Award. These include, among others, that the book must be written in Arabic, must have been published within the past three years, and it should not be a recipient of a previous local, regional or international award. In addition, the book must be an original work; translated or reproduced works are excluded. Participation is open to all Arab and international publishing houses dedicated to producing Arabic literature for children aged 0 to 14 years, and each publishing house may enter a maximum of three titles.