KF will feature Al Mansoori’s signature products on its website and at various events and outlets. Through this partnership, KF aims to promote the role of art and creativity as a means of positive change and social impact both within and outside of the UAE.
Al Mansoori also becomes KF’s first ambassador in its charitable journey towards empowering children, instilling a love of reading and a passion for knowledge in the hearts of disadvantaged youth and children.
Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, Majid Al Futtaim Group has committed to promote KF’s initiatives and display its products in the group’s shopping malls locally, as well as facilitating collaborations with shopping centers outside the UAE to raise public awareness about its efforts.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi stated: “Kalimat Foundation was born out of a powerful vision, one that recognizes the transformative power of books and the life-changing impact it can have on a child’s future. Our mission is to ensure that every under-resourced Arab child worldwide has access to books, securing their right to reading, and empowering them to dream, imagine, and envision a brighter future than their current reality.”
“With a powerful mission to ensure that every child has access to books, the Kalimat Foundation has recognized the criticality and significance of its work in collaboration with numerous local and international organizations. Our aspirations have now grown to reach thousands of disadvantaged, refugee, and visually impaired children, and we are committed to forging robust partnerships with individuals and organizations to achieve our goals. Our endeavor to provide the gift of reading to children and adolescents across the Arab world and beyond is an unwavering mission and we will continue to collaborate with various partners to realize this, towards shaping a better future together.” she remarked.
Fuad Mansoor Sharaf said: “It is our pleasure to collaborate with Kalimat Foundation and lend our support to its noble humanitarian efforts to proManaging Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Propertievide disadvantaged children with access to Arabic language resources. The group’s shopping malls across the United Arab Emirates will display the foundation’s merchandise, as we strive to make a positive impact on society. This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility and aligns with our overarching philosophy and vision of creating great moments for everyone, everyday.”
“Each product sold will help support this noble cause and will be a radical turning point in the life of a child somewhere in our world who can become an ambitious and active member contributing to the development of their community. I am honoured to collaborate with Kalimat Foundation to support this humanitarian cause. I hope my artistic works displayed in the new product line will convey a message of hope and inspire people to support the Pledge a Library initiative,” said Emirati artist Mohammed Al Mansoori.
The collaboration between KF and Al Mansoori, a prominent visual artist in the UAE known for three decades of work focused on natural materials and pioneering land art, marks the first time the foundation has partnered with a local artist to create innovative and unique products that reflect the foundation’s creative and humanitarian vision.
The artist’s captivating inscriptions, bold lines, and intricate abstract forms embellish an array of KF products, including tote bags, notebooks, cups, flasks, t-shirts, hoodies, and more. Those who wish to learn more about the Kalimat Foundation and support its initiatives can visit the following website: https://kalimatfoundation.ae/support-us/merchandise, where they purchase products to support its ‘Pledge a Library’ and ‘Ara’ initiatives.

The Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Award organised annually by SBA is one of the most important global platforms for honouring and promoting creative talents in children’s book illustrations. For its 11th edition, the winners were selected from amongst 235 shortlisted works by 85 illustrators from around the world.

Syrian artist Lena Naddaf secured second place in the competition for her illustrations in the book titled The Puzzle of the Lost City. Through her art, she skillfully supports the story’s narrative revolving around a child who tries to keep the memories of his home city alive, which he has to flee due to war.

Iranian artist Majid Zakeri Younesi is the second runner-up, whose masterful illustrations in the story titled Mahteti portrays the ancient legend. He used the old Islamic miniature painting style to present the elements of the story. His artwork is characterised by its unique individuality, which he accentuates with a distinct modern touch.

Three artists received encouragement awards. Baraa Al Aawour from Palestine was selected for her creative illustrations that brought together many imaginary creatures to spread joy in the world and instil positive feelings in children; Maria Catalina Vasquez from Chile for her work that recalls childhood and simulates old memories, and Ecuadorian artist Maria Estefania Santos Gallegos who received the Award for her distinguished digital work that blends the worlds of reality and myth.

Through this coveted Award, SBA encourages specialised artists in children’s book illustrations to develop high-quality content and illustrations that appeal to the younger generations and instil the love of reading in them as a daily habit.

The jury for this edition featured renowned Emirati artist and sculptor Abdulrahim Salem, Egyptian artist Hani Salah, American artist and author Andrea D’Aquino, Spanish artist Zuriñe Aguirre, and German artist Vitali Konstantinov.

The prize for the first-place winner is USD 8,000, while the second-place receives 6,000 and the third-place receives 4,000. Encouragement awards recipients received 1,000 each.

Additionally, SCRF announced the winners of the 14th Sharjah Children’s Book Award. A Tale of Two Colours by Abdullah Mohammed Al-Sharhan, published by Dar Ajyal, was announced the winner of the Arabic Children’s Book (4 – 12 years) category. The Arabic Young Adult book (13 – 17 years) category was awarded to My Digital Grandmother by Ahmed Qarni, and published by Shaan Publishing and Distribution, while the International Children’s book (7 – 13 years) category was awarded to the title Incredible History by DK, and published by DK Publishing.

Organised by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and sponsored by Etisalat by e&, the coveted award comprises five categories, namely Early Reader, Picture Book, Chapter Book, Young Adults Book, and the Poetry Book category, which changes every two years.

Submissions for the award are open until August 31 and can be submitted via email to [email protected]. To be eligible, entries must be original, written in Arabic, in printed format, published within the past five years, and not translated. The jury committee will evaluate the entries based on specific criteria and may exclude any submission that does not meet the conditions. Furthermore, the award does not accept electronic, audio, or manuscript book submissions, and self-published books are not eligible.

The award comprises five categories, each receiving AED 180,000, with a total value of AED 1.2 million. In the Young Adult Book category, the amount is divided between the publisher and the author. The award also allocates AED 300,000 to the Warsha program, which organises the Etisalat Award Workshops for Children’s Books. Launched in 2013, the programme aims to discover a new generation of Arab talent and encourage their creative capacities in writing books that embody the local Arabic culture while meeting international standards.

The ‘Early Reader’ category targets children’s books from birth to age five. Publishers can submit a maximum of five books in this category. As for the ‘Young Adults’ category (13-18 years old), it accepts novels and sci-fi books aimed at the age group. Publishers can submit unlimited books in this category, provided they are distinctive and new or revised. The books should contain an engaging story, dialogue, plot, and developed characters.

A maximum of five book submissions is allowed in the ‘Picture Book’ category (5-9 years) giving people the ability to tell their stories through the use of imagery. The ‘Chapter Book’ category (9-12 years) aims to tell a story through text rather than pictures, and publishers can submit unlimited books in this category, provided they are unique and new or modified.

 The new ‘Poetry Book’ category (up to 18 years) is dedicated to poetry for children and adolescents. It can cover various topics, from nature and animals to friendship and family. Publishers can submit unlimited books for this category, provided each book embodies creativity, originality, and appeal and has a high poetic skill.

The Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature is a highly regarded platform that promotes creativity, nurtures talent, and recognizes the exceptional contributions of authors, illustrators, and publishers in the children’s literature sector. As the submissions for the award are now open, it provides a unique opportunity for aspiring writers, illustrators, and publishers to showcase their talents and make their mark in the world of literature.

This year, the cultural event designed for children in the region will shape young minds with 1,732 activities designed to foster a love of reading, offer a platform to those involved in children’s literature to develop creative content and elevate the children’s book industry both in the Arab world and globally.

This year’s cultural extravaganza brings together 457 guests, including artists, writers, illustrators, experts, and influencers who will lead engaging activities and workshops as well as unveil their latest works.

Visitors can explore the latest releases from the children’s book fair, which brings together 141 publishers in the children’s literature sector, offering content ranging from novels to educational books and creative genres.

Children and youth will have the opportunity to explore the world of comics through more than 323 activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and a series of roaming shows led by 15 creatives from 4 countries. The most prominent activities at the corner include Acro Adventures and Ninja Tests, in addition to workshops and interactive activities showcasing 35 local talents and their works.

SCRF 2023 will stage 21 panel discussions hosting 68 guests from 21 Arab and foreign countries. The diverse cultural agenda includes ‘The Importance of Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills at Young Age’, which will host speakers Dr. Maya Alhuwi from the UAE, Lorca Sbeity from Lebanon, and Canadian Dr Louise Lambert.

Another panel discussion on the agenda is ‘The Link Between Artificial Intelligence (AI), Education Curricula, and Children’s Books’, which brings together Dr. Karima Matar Almazroui from the UAE, Egyptian author Amal Farah; and from the UK, Ross Welford. Meanwhile, authors, including Dr. Haitham Al Khawaja from Syria, Roysten Abel from India, and Sharifa Mousa from the UAE, will be speakers in the panel discussion titled ‘Implementing Theatre Studies in Educational Curricula’.

The 12-day festival will be home to 946 events led by 25 guests from 10 countries, including various workshops for children covering arts, sports, science, and technology. The festival will also host 136 theatre performances, roaming shows, acrobat and music concerts led by 16 guests from 16 countries.

The most notable activities include the children’s play “Alone at Home,” produced by SBA. The fun-filled play will run at 7:30 pm on May 12 and 13 and at 6 pm on the 14th, while the comedy play Akbar the Great Nahi Rahe will be held at 4 pm on May 7, and the children’s show Masaka Kids Africana which again highlights the attention to diversity by the festival.

The Social Media Station will be home to 72 activities led by influencers and content creators, including Wessam Qutob, Chef Faisal Al Khalidi, Azza Al Mughairy and Jamal Al Mulla, who will shine light on the latest techniques for creating content on digital platforms and developing suitable content for target audiences.

The informative session featured Mark Thornton from “Bookshop.org”, Sara Dennis from “Mostly Books” and “Borzoi Bookshop”, and Jo Coldwell from “Red Lion Books,” and was presented during the first day of the International Booksellers Conference, which is having its second edition at Sharjah Expo Centre, after a successful inaugural event last year.

Mark Thornton is the Bookshop Partnership Manager for Bookshop.org, an ecommerce platform designed to help physical bookshops. With over 550 independent bookshops on the platform, Thornton is responsible for supporting and promoting them, including running online events to enhance booksellers’ sales and digital skills.

Thornton revealed one of the ways their platform supports the industry saying, “Bookshop.org gives 10% of our sales through non-booksellers to a dedicated ‘shared pool’ which ultimately goes back to independent booksellers, and all sales on the platform are carbon neutral, meeting our sustainable goals.” The platform has won several awards, including Best for the World as a certified B corporation. In the US, the platform has helped independent booksellers earn over $25 million, and in the UK, over £2.8 million.

The platform is designed to meet the challenge of the long-term trend in online purchases, with 35% of online purchases starting on Google, 25-35% of sales generated through emails and newsletters, and 49% of purchases produced through social media. Advising businesses entering the online world, Thornton stated, “Be authentic and use original content, be sustainable and offer multiple buying options, and be flexible.”

Jo Coldwell, who manages the day-to-day running of the award-winning Red Lion Books, discussed the importance of book clubs and fostering a love of reading within the community. She believes that booksellers should continually adapt in their practices but not forget the reasons they got into the industry.

Expanding on this, Coldwell stated, “As booksellers, we need to make decisions about our businesses and practices on a daily basis to keep ahead of an ever-changing world. Having a strong digital footprint ironically gives me the resources and energy to focus on what I truly love, connecting directly with people and providing them with quality reading material.”

Sara Dennis, the owner of two award-winning independent bookshops “Mostly Books” and “Borzoi Bookshop,” stressed the significance of creating a distinctive customer experience and building strong relationships with customers. According to her, “Each individual bookshop has its unique selling points, atmosphere, and communities.” She also acknowledged the importance of social media and its benefits in reaching new customers and showcasing the personality of the shop. However, she believes that the best way to connect with customers is still through in-person interactions at the physical store.

In response to the pandemic, Sara Dennis emphasised the significance of community support for local bookstores. While online sales have increased, she still observed the strength of the local bookstore community, where customers chose to buy from independent bookstores instead of cheaper online alternatives. She also highlighted their online book club as a means of strengthening their community and providing another interface for customers.

The International Booksellers Conference is an impactful initiative by the Sharjah Book Authority and aims to promote and support the book industry in the region by bringing together leading professionals and publishing houses from around the world to share their expertise and knowledge. The conference runs from May 1st to May 2nd at the Expo Centre Sharjah and has already proven to be of great value to all in attendance.

In the Literature category, the award went to Iraqi poet Ali Jaafar Alallaq for his book ‘Ila Ayn Ayyathouha Al Kaseedah’ (‘Whereto, O Poem?’ An Autobiography), issued by Alaan Publishing, Jordan, in 2022. The book is a significant addition to the genre, particularly due to its focus on Alallaq’s poetic experience. Through the book, readers can gain insight into the relationship between the poet and his work, as well as the challenges of the Iraqi and Arab cultural landscape for over 50 years. The author presents a modernist perspective that is broad-minded. The language of the book is stylistically diverse, ranging from everyday language to poetic prose. The author skilfully employs biographical techniques, incorporating Alallaq’s own poems and those of other poets to create a distinct and exceptional work.

The Arab Culture in Other Languages category saw French author Mathieu Tillier win for his book ‘L’invention du cadi: La justice des musulmans, des juifs et des chrétiens aux premiers siècles de l’Islam’ (The Invention of the Cadi: Justice among Muslims, Jews, and Christians during the First Centuries of Islam), issued by Editions de la Sorbonne in 2017. This book marks a key step toward a more comprehensive and precise exploration of the evolution of the judicial system during the early Islamic period. Utilising fresh sources and an innovative comparative approach, the book examines the development of judicial procedures, shedding light on various critical questions, such as the processes involved in filing complaints and cases, their legal progression, and the individuals responsible for delivering final judgments.

Meanwhile, in the Young Author category, the winner was Algerian author Said Khatibi for his novel ‘Nehayat Al Sahra’a’ (The End of the Desert), issued by Hachette Antoine/Nofal in 2022. The novel exhibits imaginative characteristics, stylistic originality, and narrative proficiency in the genre of detective literature. It skilfully arranges events and utilises storytelling techniques, making it a noteworthy addition to the scarce historical detective novels in modern Arabic literature that cater to younger readers and encompass various societal settings. The text is distinguished by its eloquence and seamless flow, keeping the reader engaged without pause or tedium.

Tunisian author Chokri Al Saadi won in the Translation category for his translated book ‘Al-Ibara wa-al-Mi’na: Dirasat fi Nathariyat al-A’amal al-Lughawiya’ (Expression and Meaning: Studies in the Theory of Speech Acts) by John R. Searle, issued by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs – Tunisian Institute for Translation in 2021 and translated from English to Arabic. The translation of the book stands out for its significant scientific merit and its ability to effectively convey specialised terminology in the areas of linguistics and philosophy. Additionally, the translator has included an exceptional introduction that adds to the value of the translation. As a result, this book is an important addition to the field of linguistics, enriching the Arabic library. Moreover, it presents an opportunity for Arabic language specialists to familiarise themselves with the latest advancements in linguistics.

In the Art and Literary Criticism category, Dr. Jalila Al Tritar from Tunisia won for her book ‘Mara’i an-Nisaa’: Dirasat fi Kitabat al-That an-Nisaa’iya al-Aarabiya’ (‘Women Views: Studies on Arab Women Self Writings’), issued by La Maison Tunisienne Du Livre in 2021. This research is regarded as a significant contribution to the study of women’s biographies. Its scientific approach and capacity to comprehend the biographies of Arab female innovators demonstrate an understanding of their identity within the Arab society’s context. Furthermore, it expands the scope of research in exploring women’s creative expression, highlighting their contributions to shaping ideas and advancing civilisation.

Meanwhile, in the Publishing and Technology category, the winner was Egyptian publishing house Dar ElAin Publishing.  Dar ElAin Publishing House’s publications span various fields, including scientific culture – the area it began its journey within the publishing world. The house has made significant strides in the field of literature and literary studies by supporting the publication of high-value literary works and studies, not limiting itself to established authors, but also providing opportunities for creative youth.

The winner of the Cultural Personality of the Year award will be announced in the upcoming few weeks. The SZBA will honour the winners of its 17th edition in an award ceremony at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre )ADNEC( coinciding with the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on 23 May 2023.

The Cultural Personality of the Year winner will be presented with a gold medal and a certificate of merit, as well as an AED 1 million prize, while winners of other categories will each receive a gold medal, a certificate of merit, and a prize of AED 750,000.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi stated: “One trend that needs our immediate attention is sustainability, most importantly the impact of the book industry on the environment. It is also an opportunity to raise discussions on the book industry‘s sustainability and propose initiatives that could radically change the way we produce and distribute books, while at the same time giving us the opportunity to lead this change and be part of the process. No single publisher or bookseller or stakeholder from our ecosystem can face this challenge alone, which is why collaboration is more critical now than ever.”

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in the book industry and the need for the industry to address sustainability and effects of the industry on the environment, also discussing the growing trend of generative artificial intelligence and its potential to bring radical changes to the way books are written, published, and consumed.

The Kalimat Group CEO and Founder, and Immediate Past President of International Publishers Association, stressed the importance of staying ahead of the curve and finding ways to strengthen the industry and its processes, as well as unleashing the creative power within teams and inviting thought-leaders from different sectors to help the industry look at things differently. Emphasising the need to challenge biases in order to continuously learn and evolve, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi left the audience with an impactful and motivational message, saying, “I truly believe that we are at a historic moment in our industry, and through consistent collaboration, our ability to innovate and re-imagine our industry will help transform these challenges into opportunities.”

During his opening speech at the conference, Ahmed Al Amiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, highlighted the commitment of the Emirate of Sharjah to supporting and promoting the book industry both regionally and globally thanks to the visionary leadership and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Al Amiri emphasised the significance of the challenges facing the publishing and creative industries and how these challenges could become opportunities. He encouraged collaboration between publishers and distributors from all over the world and stressed the importance of effective communication between all stakeholders in the industry.

Al Amiri also expressed his hope for fruitful discussions and successful outcomes at the conference. Expanding on this, the Chairman stated, “We recognize the significance of the role of booksellers and are fully aware of the main challenges hindering the development of your businesses… As such, we have organised this Booksellers Conference not only as a platform for dialogue and discussion but also as an excellent opportunity to present solutions, implement and support them, and transform successful experiences in this sector into practical lessons to learn from.”

In a quest to uncover new opportunities, untangle complex issues, and chart a path for the future, the two-day event — a first-of-its-kind in the region, hosting more than 400 booksellers and distributors from 69 countries — is committed to enriching the publishing industry. With a goal to spark groundbreaking discussions on the state of the industry, the conference is an unparalleled platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and expertise that will redefine the future of the publishing and bookselling industry.

Dohle identified six reasons why the publishing and bookselling industry is on the rise, making this arguably the best time in history for the industry. First, the global revenue for books is showing growth year-on-year. Second, the industry is experiencing stability and profitability in distribution models. Third, there is a healthy co-existence between digital and traditional formats of books. “What may surprise many is that 80% of the market is still in physical copies, even with the additional options we have these days. Print has prevailed, and has proven to be the “life insurance” for publishers and retailers,” Dohle stated. Fourth, the addressable audience is growing every year due to population growth and increasing literacy rates.

The fifth reason Dohle presented is that the biggest market for books and publishing is for children and young adults. This is a healthy sign for the future of publishing. Finally, Dohle noted the ever-growing industry of audiobooks. He explained that listening to stories is in our DNA and that the format enables people to multi-task, making it attractive to those with busy lifestyles.

In conclusion, according to Dohle, the data shows that the publishing and bookselling industry is thriving, and there are many opportunities for growth and success. Despite negative perceptions, the future looks bright.

 The conference’s opening day also featured a series of workshops, each led by experts in their respective fields. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about data in the book industry, sustainability and the SDGs, consumer book buying behaviours, effective social media campaigns, bookshop design and marketing, along with many more engaging and informative sessions. The workshops provide an excellent platform for attendees to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from the experts. Attendees have the chance to network with other professionals in the industry and build new connections.

At the two-day event held alongside the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), participants discussed how book distribution activities and creative content could reach a wider audience.

The event serve as a platform for expertise and knowledge exchange to encourage participants to diversify distribution mechanisms and learn from inspiring and innovative experiences that will benefit the sector.

The agenda of the highly anticipated event is more robust and holistic with new features, including workshops, keynote sessions and open dialogues that enable participants to network with their peers and discuss environmental, cultural, and technological elements that impact the distribution sector and its various initiatives. It also provides a platform to forge partnerships and direct sales between publishers and distributors.

The conference will feature representatives from major publishing houses around the world, including Penguin Random House, Wonder House, Austin Macauley, Bonnier/Igloo, Kogan Page, Pan Macmillan, Difference Engine, MMS, Avicenna, Bookland Press, Lightning Source, Aseer Alkutoob, Estifan, Alshamel, and Dar Amnah, who will provide inspiration for the sector’s development.

Through 18 curated workshops during the two-day event that brings together experts, distributors, and publishers, the Bookseller Conference will evaluate the realities of book and creative content distribution, explore new distribution and marketing mechanisms, and empower participants with the latest knowledge and industry practices.

Ross Welford and Jasmine Warga are among the international guests. Khyrunnisa A., the Indian bestselling author of the Butterfingers series, Sharon Cameron, Canadian #1 New York Times bestselling author, and Cheri J Meiners, US author of the Learning to Get Along® social skills series, will also be part of the festival.

Ellie Robinson, the British multi-medal-winning swimmer and author, and Shiko Nguru, the Kenyan author and content creator, are two of the debut authors to look out for at SCRF 2023. Robinson’s first book for children, Gold Medal Mysteries: Thief on the Track, and Nguru’s debut novel, Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask, are set to captivate readers with thrilling mystery stories and East African mythology.

Ross MacKenzie, an award-winning author of children’s fiction from Scotland, will also attend the festival, sharing his passion for storytelling with young readers. Dr Fabrice Jaumont, an award-winning author and education advisor from France, is set to attend the festival, sharing his insights into bilingualism, education, philanthropy, and higher education.

Indian children’s author and yoga expert, Yamini Muthanna, will be sharing her book Power of Yoga, which encourages children to embrace the practice of yoga for mental and physical health and well-being. Timothy Knapman, the internationally bestselling author of children’s fiction from the UK, will also attend the festival, sharing his over 70 books, including Princesses Break Free, Dinosaurs in the Supermarket, and Superhero Mum, Dad, and Gran.

Mexican author and diplomat Francisca Mendez will be discussing her widely acclaimed children’s book, Why Doesn’t Fernando Want to Grow Up, which originates from her own experiences in raising an autistic child and began as an innocent question from Fernando’s sibling who didn’t understand why her mentally challenged brother was different. This literary work, illustrated by Enrique Torralba transcends the mere narration of a single family’s odyssey and serves as an invaluable resource for fostering understanding and enlightenment regarding the management of families grappling with autism spectrum disorder, as well as addressing the many stigmas that surround the condition.

Featuring her latest book, The Magic of the Lost Story, award winning Indian educator, author and philanthropist, Sudha Murty, will also attend the festival, and reveal the proliferation of Rampuri cuisine from its opulent origins to commonplace, serving as a platform to break down the concept of classism through the articulation of themes that unite all peoples, such as affection, bereavement, absolution, and spirituality.

Dr. Vatsala Sperling will be showcasing the many children’s books she has authored including Classic Tales from India, an anthology of seven historic teachings, meticulously translated from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas. These stories offer a glimpse into the antiquated Indian customs and impart invaluable moral teachings, all embellished by full-colour paintings in accordance with the time-honoured Hindu canon.

Also joining the literary lineup this year will be FranklinCovey Co.’s Vice President of Books and Audio, Annie Oswald, an accomplished project manager from the US for several bestselling self-help books, including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and The 7 Habits of Happy Kids.

A.J. Low, the husband-and-wife writing team of Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez from Singapore, will also grace the SCRF 2023 lineup. They are the authors of the internationally bestselling Sherlock Sam series, which has been published in multiple languages.

Dr Wale Okediran, an award-winning Nigerian writer, medical doctor, and former member of the Nigerian Parliament, is another notable author participating in the festival. Bestselling children’s and young adult fiction authors, Lily LaMotte from the US, Paro Anand from India and Shaw Kuzki from Japan, have also confirmed their participation at the festival this year.