INTERVIEW: Egyptian identity and universal values matter: Al-Shorouk Publisher Amira Abul-Magd - News

Al-Ahram Weekly

25-02-2025

On 23 February 1899, Erich Kästner was born in Dresden, Germany. Until his passing in July 1974 in Munich, when Germany remained divided during the Cold War, Kästner was known for his poems, screenplays, columns, and above all, for his bold and unconventional children's books created during and after World War II.
This year, for the Cairo International Book Fair, which ran from 23 January to 5 February, Al-Shorouk Publishing released select translations of Kästner's most celebrated titles, beloved by generations from Baby Boomers to Gen Z worldwide.
One of those was 'Mo'etamar Al-Hayawanat' (The Animals' Conference), which was first published in Germany in 1949 under the title 'Konferenz der Tiere.' Translated by Samir Grace, the Arabic version is published in simple, primarily colloquial Arabic, with a colourful cover and simple black-and-white drawings.
Abul-Magd, who has thirty years of experience publishing children's literature, decided to produce Arabic translations of Kästner's work to introduce Egyptian children, who lack access to foreign-language books, to one of the "most fascinating children's books ever." While the book targets children aged 8-12, Abul-Magd argues that it is 'actually for everyone, adults included, because the ideas and the narration are very interesting and stimulating."
While the selection of titles that Al-Shorouk put out for the 56th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair originated in the middle of the 20th century, Abul-Magd argued that 'they still make a lot of sense, and they are still very relevant in so many ways, both in terms of generic information and of universal values."
The 200-plus-page Mo'etamar Al-Hayawanat contains what Abul-Magd would describe as a marvellous blend of information—including zoology, geography, medicine, and history—alongside compelling and witty narration.
In essence, the book laments the compulsive urge for some to start destructive wars that kill people and destroy cities before negotiating on how to settle scores.
Written after World War II, this text is a cry against more wars. Abul-Magd argues that the core message of the book remains valid today, especially for the Middle East, where the Israeli occupation has been committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, over the past 15 months.
'The need to pursue justice, stop wars, end unfairness, show compassion, and be kind is always worth talking about,' she said. 'I think these are the universal values we all share as human beings—or at least, we should.'
The Kästner translations are the last in a decades-long pursuit of translating global children's literature for Arab child readers for Al-Shorouk. The regional publishing giant has been publishing children's books since their establishment in the 70s.
She explained that the idea was to benefit from the advancements made in the format and content of children's books at the early ages of storytelling and reading, 'something that had big room for improvement, especially in the 1970s until the 1990s."
She noted that this goal remains relevant due to the significantly increased variety of children's books produced globally, despite significant advancements in the format and content of children's literature in Egypt and other parts of the Arab world. However, Abul-Magd believes there is another reason.
'Today, there are children who could afford to read books that were produced in English, French, and German, simply because they learnt these foreign languages and have the financial ability to buy these books, and there are others who simply do not have this access,' she added.
Abul-Magd underscored the importance of introducing children who only read Arabic to these translated works, which are less costly than the foreign-language originals. She stated that producing these books in simple Arabic could also help children with a strictly foreign education become better acquainted with their mother tongue.
'I really find it unfair for children to be deprived of mastering their own language, which is inevitably part of their own identity,' Abul-Magd emphasized. This drawback, she lamented, is becoming more common among children who attend schools that give limited attention, if any, to Arabic.
Abul-Magd said that preserving the Arabic language and the ideas particularly relevant to Egyptian identity in children's books, 'with all its shades and colours," is a priority for Al-Shorouk. 'Identity matters a lot, and it is a top priority for our work even as we select titles for translation because we always make sure to steer clear of things incompatible with our culture,' she stressed.
She sees no reason for Egyptian children's books to remain stagnant or unattractive for the generations born in the digital age.
According to Abul-Magd, publishing children's literature requires capital and talented writers and illustrators, which are in short supply given the fierce competition for Egyptian talent in the Middle East and beyond. Nevertheless, she said the publishing industry is churning out some good work.
At this year's book fair, Al-Shorouk also introduced an original children's book, Kol Hatha Bessabab El-Moulokhiyya (All Because of Moulokheiya). The story, written by Samar Taher and illustrated by Walid Taher, targets children aged 6-8 and revolves around why the authentic Egyptian dish is widely popular. The book follows Fouad, who asks five family members about the dish and listens to their thoughts on its origins and recipes. It offers a smorgasbord of information, including history, botany, and social relations.
'Again, the idea is to provide information in a way that prompts interest in learning and also introduces the young child to the idea of multiple narratives,' Abul-Magd said. 'Stories that offer a one-truth tale or are loaded with preaching are certainly out now."
For more than 70 years, Al-Shorouk has been dedicated to creating books for children and, more recently, young adults. Al-Shorouk has walked the industry's many stops, publishing pop-up books, cassette stories, colouring books, books for first letters and words, and world maps. The publishing house is now launching stories on a reading application.
'It has been quite a journey, and we keep an eye on moving with the times,' Abul-Magd stated. 'We are aware that some of the old traditional stories are no longer valid for our times simply because they would be considered politically incorrect, but we are also particularly sensitive about cultural nuances and the need to address the questions that are on the minds of children today."
Abul-Magd laments the difficulties in reaching out to children outside the Cairo-centric communities who can still afford to buy books. 'We are aware that children's books have become a hard-to-afford luxury for many,' she said, hoping for a project to make books accessible and affordable to children all over Egypt.
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