Latest news with #BolognaRagazziAward
Sharjah 24
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Majid Zakery inspires young artists at SCRF 2025 workshop
Majid's artistry needs little introduction in the world of children's literature. His recent collaboration with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority, on the acclaimed The House of Wisdom book has not only captured young imaginations but also clinched the festival's coveted Best Children's Book award this year. The book has been lauded internationally, picking up several honours, including the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award in fiction at Italy's renowned Bologna Children's Book Fair. For his SCRF workshop, Majid conjured up a little tale called 'The City of Dreams'— featuring four charming characters: Sam, a spirited boy; Layla, a curious girl; Puff, a friendly dragon; and Coco, a whimsical fairy. Festival-goers may recognise these mascots from the colourful illustrations that adorn the venue's walls. 'This festival is beautifully organised and a wonderful opportunity for children,' said Majid, who has been attending SCRF for several years but hosted his very first workshop this edition. 'The children are talented and eager to learn. Experiences like these can shape their futures in ways we can't yet imagine.' Supporting him this year is his daughter, Narges, a 23-year-old English teacher from Iran, who helps bridge the language gap between English and Arabic-speaking participants. 'It's a delight to assist the children with their questions and be part of such a vibrant event,' she said. During the session, each child was invited to sketch their favourite character from Majid's story, colour it to their liking before cutting and pasting them onto vibrant backgrounds. For many, it was a first, thrilling introduction to the world of illustration—a glimpse into the creative process behind the books they love. With a career spanning more than three decades, Majid Zakery Younesy's influence reaches far beyond Iran. He has held over 50 exhibitions around the world and boasts an impressive tally of more than 30 international and domestic awards for his work. The 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival continues at Expo Centre Sharjah until May 4, once again cementing the emirate's reputation as a cultural beacon in the region. For more information and to explore the full programme, visit
Sharjah 24
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Kalimat Group promotes cultural exchange at Rabat Book Fair
Among the highlights is House of Wisdom authored by the group's Founder and Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, which recently received the 2025 Bologna Ragazzi Award for Fiction at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. The collection also spans Arabic and international literature, philosophy, cultural studies, and personal development. KG is also taking part in the cultural programme organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, hosting events such as a poetry session titled Emirati and Moroccan poetic readings with Khalid Al Budoor and Amal Al Sahlawi, a panel on heritage-inspired children's literature led by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, and a book signing by Amal Al Sahlawi on April 20. Bridging East and West Reflecting on the group's participation, Ahmed Al Ali, General Manager of KG, described the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair as a significant step in the group's growing cultural presence across the region and internationally. He emphasised Morocco's role as a vital cultural link within the Arab world, where the traditions of the East harmoniously meet the heritage of the Maghreb, creating a space of shared history, language and creativity. He said: 'KG views our publications as cultural ambassadors that represent the UAE and the wider Arab region on the international stage,' said Al Ali. 'Our participation in Rabat offers a valuable opportunity to connect with new readers, from young audiences and emerging writers to seasoned literary professionals. We are proud to present a diverse portfolio of works that reflect our commitment to cultural authenticity while embracing modern storytelling and artistic expression.' Kalimat Group invites visitors to explore its offerings in Hall E Stand 04, featuring books that blend visual elegance with intellectual depth, encouraging a deeper appreciation for reading and fostering a lasting connection with knowledge.
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE's Sheikha Bodour becomes first Arab woman to receive prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award
Emirati publisher, author, and women's advocate Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children's book 'House of Wisdom' at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d'Accursio, in Bologna. 'For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children's publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like 'House of Wisdom' carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It's a timely statement about literature's power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view,' Sheikha Bodour said. "The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolised how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today,' she added. Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of 'House of Wisdom' marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children's literature. Watch the video below: The book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the story. Although unable to be in Bologna to collect the award with Sheikha Bodour, he said: 'Working on 'House of Wisdom' was a unique opportunity to visually capture the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives humanity's infinite quest for learning and dialogue, something Sheikha Bodour has so deftly portrayed in her narrative.' The day after the prizegiving, Sheikha Bodour spoke on a thought-provoking panel with other BolognaRagazzi Award winners and joined a celebration reception at the Kalimat Group stand. On both occasions, she shared her inspiration behind 'House of Wisdom', emphasising the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual legacies, the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, and Sharjah's commitment to promoting knowledge, including through the creation of its own House of Wisdom. Before receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour signed copies of her book at the Giannino Stoppani Children's Bookshop, which she helped restore after it was destroyed by fire in 2022. To support the renovation, Sheikha Bodour allocated significant funds from the Sharjah World Book Capital Office.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Bodour Al Qasimi Becomes 1st Woman from the Gulf to Win BolognaRagazzi Award
Emirati publisher, author, and women's advocate Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Thursday. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children's book 'House of Wisdom' at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d'Accursio, in Bologna, WAM said. Reflecting on the honor, Sheikha Bodour said, 'For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children's publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like 'House of Wisdom' carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It's a timely statement about literature's power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view.' 'The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolized how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today,' she added. Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of 'House of Wisdom' marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children's literature. The book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the story.
Al Etihad
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bodour Al Qasimi becomes first woman from GCC to win BolognaRagazzi Award
3 Apr 2025 15:49 SHARJAH, (WAM) Emirati publisher, author, and women's advocate Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children's book 'House of Wisdom' at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d'Accursio, in on the honour, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said, 'For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children's publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like 'House of Wisdom' carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It's a timely statement about literature's power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view.'She added, 'The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolised how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today.'Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of 'House of Wisdom' marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children's book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the unable to be in Bologna to collect the award with Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, he said, 'Working on 'House of Wisdom' was a unique opportunity to visually capture the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives humanity's infinite quest for learning and dialogue, something Sheikha Bodour has so deftly portrayed in her narrative.'The day after the prize-giving, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi spoke on a thought-provoking panel with other BolognaRagazzi Award winners and joined a celebration reception at the Kalimat Group both occasions, she shared her inspiration behind 'House of Wisdom,' emphasising the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual legacies, the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, and Sharjah's commitment to promoting knowledge, including through the creation of its own House of receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi signed copies of her book at the Giannino Stoppani Children's Bookshop, which she helped restore after it was destroyed by fire in 2022. To support the renovation, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi allocated significant funds from the Sharjah World Book Capital Office.
