International Award for Arabic Children's Literature Draws 475 Entries
UrduPoint reports that the 18th edition of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature has received 475 entries from 20 Arab and foreign countries. This marks an increase of 16.7% over last year's 407 entries.
Entries by Category:
- Picture Book (Aged 5-9): 184 entries, the highest number across categories.
- Early Childhood (Birth-5 years): 112 entries.
- Young People’s Book (13-18 years): 85 entries.
- Chapter Book (9-12 years): 67 entries.
- Non-fiction Book: 27 entries, reflecting a growing trend in engaging educational literature.
Geographical Breakdown:
- UAE: 149 entries, leading the pack.
- Egypt: 115 entries.
- Jordan: 52 entries.
- Saudi Arabia: 43 entries.
- Lebanon: 27 entries.
Other notable contributors include Canada (15), Qatar (12), Syria (11), Türkiye (9), Oman and Switzerland (8 each), Morocco (7), and eight other countries with 19 entries combined.
Quote:
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), stated:
"These entries offer a vibrant picture... of the current landscape of Arabic children’s literature... Through the award, we look forward to highlighting works that combine original ideas with high-quality writing, illustrations and production."
The judging process will involve writers, illustrators, and specialists in children's literature who will evaluate submissions based on originality, quality, and adherence to the award's criteria.