11th March 2025
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Expanding horizons: translating Arabic children’s literature
Books eligible for the Translation Grant include the following
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is one of the Arab world's most prestigious and well-funded prizes, and its Children's Literature category opens up new horizons for young readers
T
he world of Arabic children's literature remains a vast, untapped treasure trove – brimming with rich narratives and cultural depth waiting to be
discovered. Despite Arabic literature’s deep- rooted storytelling traditions and vibrant contemporary voices, it frequently remains under-represented in the international children's book market. From the whimsical to the profound, these
books are powerful tools for bridging cultural divides while stimulating the imaginations of children everywhere. Bringing these voices to the world through translation celebrates a literary heritage while fostering a more connected, empathetic future. All winning and shortlisted titles from the
Children's Literature category of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award are eligible for the award's Translation Grant. The grant facilitates the translation from Arabic, promoting access to a wider range of children's literature and offering young readers a passport to new perspectives.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is one of the world’s leading prizes dedicated to Arabic literature and culture, bringing recognition to outstanding work by authors, scholars, researchers, translators, publishers, and literary organisations around the world.
The Mystery of the Glass Ball (Loghz al Kora al Zujajiya)
Maria Dadouch (Syria) While visiting the desert with their grandfathers, Ghassan and Sophia stumble on an attempt to poison a local oasis. Will the friends be able to outwit criminals disguised as old ladies in time to preserve the local ecosystem?
An Artist’s Journey (Rehlat Fannan) Mizouni Bannani (Tunisia) An Artist's Journey presents a fantastical world in which birds speak as they whisk readers on a journey around the world; they are no longer just readers, but participants too. The novel emphasises values of loyalty and belonging to one’s homeland.
The Lilac Girl (Al-Fatat Al-Laylakeyya)
Ibtisam Barakat (Palestine/USA) Inspired by the life of the Palestinian visual artist Tamam Al-Akhal, and her experience of displacement during the Nakba of 1948, The Lilac Girl tells the story of a child able to paint images in her mind. She uses colours to touch her memory, revisit her past, to savour the present and envision a future that harmonises with a past burdened with memories.
The Dinoraf (al-dinoraf) Hessa Al Muhairi (UAE) A small dinosaur emerges from an egg into the world with no family, longing for companionship. The little dinosaur searches the animal kingdom for someone who looks like him. The Dinoraf explores identity and belonging, teaching children about accepting differences.
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