- publishers aim to tackle children reading habits at the largest Arab book exhibition-
Dubai, UAE, 15th January 2009:- Kalimat, the first publishing house in the UAE to specialize in Arabic books for children, announces its participation in the Reader Development Conference at the Cairo International Book Fair, scheduled from 21st January to 2nd February 2009. Sponsored by ETISALAT, Kalimat will contribute to the development of strategies for reading at the largest book exhibition of its kind in the Arab World, which is expecting to attract over two million visitors.
Organised by the British Council, the Reader Development Conference takes place within the book fair on the 29th and 31st of January and is a focal part of the fair. Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qassimi, Founder and Owner of Kalimat, has been invited by British Council to participate at the conference alongside over 100 policy makers, teachers, librarians, and reader development specialists from the UK and across the world.
The Reader Development Conference aims to tackle issues such as developing reading habits among children; supporting children in becoming life-long readers, and partnering with different stakeholders in the community to deliver reader development projects. Commenting on Kalimat's participation in the fair, Sheikha Bodour said, "We are extremely delighted that Kalimat will be involved in a cause so close to our hearts. At Kalimat, our aim is to develop a love of reading Arabic in young children and the Reader Development Conference provides a platform to actively discuss ways in which we can empower young people and encourage them to read."
Working with renowned Arabic authors and illustrators and with more than 25 titles to their credit, Kalimat books tap into the imagination of young children through charming and colourful characters. Targeted at children from 0-12 years of age, the books highlight the Arabic culture through story lines that originate from the region. Topics range from educational stories exploring the milestones of growing up and parent-child relationships to ancient Arabic fables.
Kalimat recently returned from the Beirut Book Fair, where they launched 3 books of their 9 book-set series, together with another 15 titles, and received an overwhelming response from the visitors to the exhibition. Supported by Etisalat, Kalimat's participation in Lebanon attracted parents and teachers alike, all keen to encourage and promote the love of Arabic literature to children at a very young age.
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About Kalimat
Kalimat meaning "words" is a publishing house that is dedicated to the production and distribution of quality children's books in Arabic. Established by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi in 2007 due to the scarcity of good children's books in Arabic, the company's goal is to instill a life-long love for reading in young Arabic readers. The books are written and illustrated by award winning Arabic authors and illustrators for children in the age group of 0- 12 years of age. They have a wide variety of themes ranging from ancient Arabic fables to dilemmas faced by children in modern life. The company has excellent production values that are comparable to the best that America and Europe have to offer. Within a short span of time, Kalimat has managed to produce 25 titles with more on the anvil.
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© Press Release 2009
