Kalimat to participate in Sharjah International Book Fair

During the 10-day event, which is organized annually by the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information, Kalimat will be presenting lectures on a diverse range of topics relating to children's books, such as how to become a children's book author or illustrator, choosing the right books for your children and encouraging them to read, what teenagers want in books and how to use children's books in a library.

Kalimat will also be displaying three of its brand new titles - Law Kuntu Taeran (If I Were a Bird), written by award winning Arabic children's author Fatima Sharafeddine and illustrated by Amal Karzai, as well as Ayna anamu Al Anan (Where Do I Sleep Now?) and Maza fi Batn Mama? (What's inside Mom's tummy?), both written by Rania Zbib Daher and illustrated by Danielle Kattar. The authors and illustrators of all three books will be on hand at various times during the Fair to sign copies of their books.

The SIBF is an internationally recognized event, and is considered to be one of the most remarkable annual events in Sharjah. Each year, more than 750 publishers from 42 nations welcome on average 400,000 visitors to the event, which aims are to create an interest in reading among people, especially the younger generation, and to make quality books available at affordable prices.

These goals are perfectly in line with Kalimat's vision and mission. "Reading is a very important skill that helps children to develop vital language and cognitive skills. This is why it is crucial to make quality Arabic books available to our children. Kalimat's books fill a niche segment in the UAE's publishing market, and by publishing a range of Arabic children's books, we hope to spread the love of reading to children of all ages, no matter what their individual interests might be," says Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, who founded Kalimat in 2007 in response to the lack of quality books available for children in the Arabic language.

Over the past year, Kalimat has successfully participated in numerous international book fairs with the aim of showcasing its collection of titles. "Our participation at the various book fairs has been crucial; firstly because these platforms are the driving force in promoting the Arabic language internationally, and secondly as they provide excellent opportunities for literary exchange," Sheikha Bodour continued. "However, while our participation in these international events focuses on expanding our global reach through worldwide affiliations and partnerships, the SIBF is not only closer to home, but also closer to our hearts. After all, our aim is to encourage a love of reading and Arabic literature among Arab children."

She added, "The SIBF is a very prestigious event. It presents an excellent opportunity for us to promote our titles on home soil, while simultaneously enabling us to network with key players in the publishing industry around the world."

With a portfolio of internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators, Kalimat's extensive range of books highlights traditional Arabic culture alongside the modern challenges faced by today's children. As the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing high-quality Arabic books for children aged 0 to 16 years, Kalimat aims to encourage a love of reading and Arabic literature among Arab children, and has published over 40 titles, including picture books, baby books, concept books and fables.