I just saw a note from Fatima Sharafeddine — author and translator of dozens of Arabic children’s books as well as a beautiful YA novel, Faten — about establishing a children’s library.
children's 
Fatima Sharafeddine: ‘Translation is a Very Important Aspect in Children’s Literature’
Where are the Arabic children’s books in translation? Does it matter?
Zeina Abirached’s ‘Game for Swallows’ Makes USBBY’s List of Outstanding International Books for Children
Lebanese graphic novelist Zeina Abirached’s A Game for Swallows has made the United States Board on Books for Young People‘s (USBBY’s) ”2013 Outstanding International Books List“: According to organizers: All of the titles originated or were first published in a country other than the… Read More ›
A Constitution for Children: Fatima Almaadoul’s ‘King Nabhan’ and Other Stories
Can books help Egyptian children grapple with the current political landscape in Cairo, particularly the constitution, on which their parents will vote today? Mona Elnamoury reflects. By Mona Elnamoury With daily debates over the proposed constitution in every Egyptian house, children cannot help… Read More ›
Fatima Sharafeddine: On Writing and Translating Arabic Children’s Literature
In addition to her report from the al-Alsun conference on the 3ameya vs. fos7a debate, Dr. Mona Elnamoury also sat down with award-winning Lebanese author and translator Fatima Sharafeddine, who has written for children ages 0-18. (One can also find adults of all ages buying her YA novel, Faten).
In Translation: Creativity vs. Responsibility and Colloquial vs Standard Arabic
Dr. Mona Elnamoury attended the second international translation forum at Al-Alsun. Two speakers had two different opinions on Arabic children’s literature.
Call for Papers, Workshop: Politics and (Arabic) Children’s Books
The Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo (NVIC) has taken up some of my favorite topics: Arabic children’s literature and translation. They sent out the following call for papers and workshop announcement:
This June in Beirut: A Conference on Politics in Children’s Literature
It wasn’t that long ago that I asked, “Where are the children’s books of the Arab Spring?” Others have apparently been thinking along similar lines: Now, a conference in Beirut — set for June 16-17 — will likely address this… Read More ›
Sharjah Children’s Reading Fest Booming
Sharjah has set themselves the mission of becoming “the premier reading festival for children in the region.” It’s hard to think of any children’s reading festival that competes: Cairo closed its children’s book festival — ostensibly “merging” it with the… Read More ›
Where are the Children’s Books of the ‘Arab Spring’?
From the Egypt Independent: At this year’s Cairo International Book Fair, the most sought-after books were those about Arab revolutions. Titles about revolution, in Arabic and in English, have also dominated prime bookstore shelf space. And yet few revolutionary titles have appeared for… Read More ›
In Memory of Sufi Writer Ahmed Bahjat
Editor’s note: Egyptian writer Ahmed Bahgat passed away Sunday evening at age 79. Contributor Mona Elnamoury reflects on his work: By Mona Elnamoury Best known for his short story collection Kesas Alhayawan Fi AlQuran (Animal Stories in the Quran), Ahmed Bahjat has… Read More ›
PalFest 2011 Opens Today
The grown-up participants are yet to cross the Allenby Bridge, but PalFest has already begun for its youngest festival-goers.
For the first time this year, PalFest kicks off with a one-day children’s festival at the Lajee Centre.
