Weekend book babble

Ibby issues an open letter on current events in gaza strip

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has issued a statement regarding two libraries it had set up in the Gaza Strip. IBBY's main goal is to bring together children and books, believing that much can be achieved from such a union. IBBY was founded in Zurich in 1953 and currently has 74 National sections around the world with a section in the UAE (UAEBBY).

The open letter issued by the foundation president on July 11, explains the impact the Israeli offensive on Gaza is having regarding the children in particular. The letter comes at a crucial time when the World marks the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The letter's message is clear: 'This offensive by the government of Israel is abhorrent to all people, especially to the children of Palestine'.

Read the open letter in English & Arabic.

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reading on kindle this weekend

Ahdaf Soueif - novelist, commentator, activist - navigates her history of Cairo and her journey through the Revolution that's redrawing its future. Through a map of stories drawn from private history and public record Soueif charts a story of the Revolution that is both intimately hers and publicly Egyptian. Ahdaf Soueif was born and brought up in Cairo. When the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 erupted on January 25th, she, along with thousands of others, called Tahrir Square home for eighteen days. She reported for the world's media and did - like everyone else - whatever she could.

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out now: banipal celebrates 50th edition highlighting prison writing

Sheikh zayed book award recieves flood of nominations

According to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award website, the committee already received in excess of 526 nominations. Established 'in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of UAE for more than 30 years, and of his pioneering role in promoting national unity and development. 

The award is presented every year to outstanding Arab writers, intellectuals, and publishers as well as young talents whose writing and translation in humanities have objectively enriched Arab scholarship and cultural, literary, and social life'. For more on the award click HERE.

The award will continue to accept nominations until September 1st.

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latest book find: stories about arab culture by emirati REem el Mutwalli

Meet Sheema, Shama, and their brother Hazza. These children will take you on fun adventures while learning about Arab customs and culture along the way. The books are in English & Arabic.