Zayed Book Award Longlist Announced for ‘Children’s Literature’ (2018-2019)

The Award’s 13th edition selects 10 titles out of 168 nominations

Abu Dhabi, November 14, 2018: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) announced today its longlist for the “Children’s Literature" Category, selecting 10 titles out of 168 nominations received in the category since last May. The nominations came from across the Arab regions, mostly from the UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Kuwait.

Out of the 10 works, the longlist includes the novel ‘Al Nooru Yantazerok’ (The Light Awaits You) by novelist Dr. Shamma Bint Mohammed Bin Khaled Al Nahyan, published by Al-Dar Al- Masriah Al-Lubnaniah, 2018, in addition to two titles published by Al Hadaek Group; namely ‘Ahlam An Akoun Khalat Asmant’ (I Dream of Being a Concrete Mixer) by author Hussain Almutawaa, published in 2018; and ‘Ana Lastu Anta’ (I Am Not You) by author Jekar Khourchid, published in 2018.

The list also includes ‘Sa tashruqu Al Shams Walaw Ba’ad Heen’ (The Sun will Rise Even After a While) by Taghreed Najjar, published by Al Salwa Books in 2017; ‘Serr Ala Daftar Sari’ (A Secret in Sari's Notebook) by Rania Zbib Daher, published by Dar Al Saqi in 2018; ‘Aswat Al’alam’ (Voices of the World), by Nadia Al Najjar, published by Al Hudhud Publishing & Distribution in 2018; ‘Ayn Minqari?’ (Where is My Beak?) by Yara Bamieh, published by Palestine Writing Workshop in 2018; ‘Hoor Tashrab Al Shai Ma’ Al Qamar’ (Hoor Drinks Tea with the Moon) by Jamal Bu Tayeb, published by Editions Approaches in 2017; ‘Ajnehat Ta’eraty’ (The Wings of My Kite) by novelist Raja’ Mallah, published by Landmarks Publishing & Distribution - Dar Al Moualef Publishing, Printing & Distribution, 2018; and ‘Metafy Al Qormozi’ (My Crimson Coat) by Hessa Al Mazrouei, published by Dar Al Arabi Publishing & Distribution in 2018.

Children’s literature fosters understanding and exchange between cultures and people. Children’s and young adult's access to literature is a mandatory step for an educated and intellectual society. The attention of the award leads to more children having access to high-quality literature.