QPC: ‘Press Café’ reviews reality, challenges of children’s literature

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) organised a session titled ‘Creativity and Imagination in Children’s Stories’ as part of its Press Café sessions. The session addressed the reality, challenges, and future of children’s literature at the local level.Qatari writer Sheikha al-Ziyara, author of 50 children’s fiction titles and a judge in numerous children’s writing competitions, spoke during the 8th session of the Press Café. The session was moderated by media personality Amal Abdulmalik, and attended by a group of writers, intellectuals, journalists, and critics interested in children’s literature.At the opening of the session Saad bin Mohammed al-Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Press Center, praised the works of writer Sheikha al-Ziyara. He emphasised that children’s literature is one of the most difficult fields of writing due to the nature of children.Sheikha al-Ziyara began with her passion for writing, when she was a student in school, where she was among her friends who loved reading, learning and writing the most. She used to write down some thoughts in a small notebook, which made her discover that she had a talent for writing. So, she took a bold step in 1997, to write under a pseudonym and send it to one of the local newspapers that published it. This was the first step towards the path of writing, before she turned to writing in children’s literature.Al-Ziyara said: "When I became a mother, I started searching for valuable stories to tell my children before bedtime. However, it was not easy, so I started crafting stories for my children to tell them at bedtime, and they liked them. However, at that time, I did not think about writing for everyone.”She added: "I had an electronic blog where I shared my ideas and stories. At that time, I wrote "When will the dream come true?” I meant the dream of actually writing and producing stories. The beginning was by producing ‘Princess Amina’, as it is the first story. I published it in co-operation with Asala Publishing House, which is one of the publishing houses specialising in children’s literature.”Al-Ziyara went on to talk about the importance of focusing on the quality of content that includes writing directed at children. It is important for the writer to feel responsible for what he/she writes for children.Regarding the messages conveyed in her short stories, al-Ziyara explained that each of her stories contains a moral and educational message. Therefore, the focus is on values that build a person and answer the questions: "Who am I?” and "What is the world?” These types of questions shape awareness and understanding in children.Al-Ziyara addressed a message to critics, questioning their role in criticising what is published, especially by younger generations. She emphasised their responsibility to enhance the quality of Arabic content, which can only be enhanced through criticism and by not deviating from customary writing standards.Al-Ziyara suggested establishing a cultural centre for children that would nurture artistic and literary talents. She also hoped that children’s literature would be highlighted in print media, which is important for shaping awareness among generations.At the end of the session, Abdullah bin Hayi al-Sulaiti, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, questioned the reasons behind the high prices of children’s stories and literature, emphasising the urgent need to reconsider the pricing of children’s books to facilitate their acquisition.