Etisalat children's book award participates in BookExpo America

Abu Dhabi, June 7. 2012 (WAM) - The Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature is participating as part of Sharjah's International Book Fair stand in the 2012 BookExpo America, North America's largest gathering of book trade professionals, which is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in New York City. The award, an initiative of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) the national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), will be making use of the opportunity provided by BookExpo America to raise awareness amongst publishers from all over the globe to the vitally important role that the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature is playing in developing and fostering the children's book industry in the Arab region and beyond. Marwa Al Aqroubi, General Coordinator of Etisalat Award for Arabic children's literature spoke about the Launching of the first Etisalat Award which took place in BookExpo America stating, "It is extremely important that the international publishing world is made aware that the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature is not just a regional concern, but that we are dedicated to advancing the cause of children's literature on a global level. For this reason, we were very pleased to launch the first Etisalat Award from BookExpo America, and to be taking part this year in such a major international publishing event as BookExpo America as it is in line with our goal to urge and encourage greater regional and international participation in the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature." Marwa Al Aqroubi added, "Under the wise direction of the Emirates' leadership, the UAE has been able to put into place numerous initiatives to promote the social, cultural, and intellectual development of the youth. The Etisalat Award is just one of many prime examples of UAE's continued commitment to the children of the region and the world." Launched in Book Expo America 2009 with the support of Etisalat, the award aims to encourage innovation and creativity amongst children's authors and illustrators and to urge publishers to develop the Arabic children's book industry. The award is worth Dh1 million, making it the most valuable and one of the most significant awards for children's literature in the Arab world today. – Emirates News Agency, WAM