To mark the second half of the current school year, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) has launched a collection of new and classic children’s books in Arabic.

Despite the cancellation of the 2021 Doha International Book Fair as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, HBKU Press has committed to continue its work to cultivate children’s literature in the region and in the Arabic language.

“As students continue the school year in a blended learning style both online and in person, having engaging reading material available to them has never been more important,” explained, Bachar Chebaro, executive director of HBKU Press.

In her first foray into children’s literature, established Qatari artist, Lina al-Aali debuts her book The Attar Plant.

Several series for children have been translated from various languages into Arabic for children of all ages to enjoy. Among them are a collection of books by celebrated children’s author Julia Donaldson. Readers can now enjoy the award-winning tales of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, The Snail and the Whale, and Monkey Puzzle.

Another series now available in Arabic is a collection of illustrated classic childhood favourites like: The Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, The Prince and the Pauper, Black Beauty, Gulliver’s Travels, and Beauty and the Beast.

For adventure-seekers, a new series of six Arabic books that are part of The Royal Palace series will also be available for sale. Titles include: The List of the Blind, The Mystery of the Jar of Olives, The Substitute Minister and the Elephant Effect, The Procession of the Sultan, The Stolen Ring, and The Sultan’s Barley Soup.

The How to Draw series of six books in Arabic combines imagination and learning to ignite the passion of creating beautiful art in the hearts of children.