'Bajaja Baq Biq' is best Arab children's book

Beirut: Rania Zabib Daher's book Bajaja Baq Biq, illustrated by Joelle Achkar, has been announced as the Best Childrens' Book for 2009, at the Beirut Arab and International Book Fair. The title is published by Sharjah-based Kalimat, which is participating in the event being held from December 11-24.

This is the latest in Kalimat's series of participations in important international events, the most recent of which was the Sharjah International Book Fair. The publishing house is looking to build on the tremendous success it achieved at SIBF, where the response to its books from parents and children alike overwhelmingly positive, resulting in a 100 percent increase in sales compared to last year's event. Kalimat was also named Best Publisher in the UAE — 2009 at the Fair.

Kalimat's stand at the event will be home to numerous activities, including signing copies of a number of its recently launched titles, which cover a variety of exciting topics.

Speaking of the importance of this participation, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat, said, "Kalimat's participation in the Beirut Arab and International Book Fair is important, as the event will provide us with an excellent platform to network with key players and to exchange experience with renowned experts in this leading Arab market in the publishing and distribution industry, which will, in turn, enable us to improve our work and production in the field of children's literature".

This year, with Beirut serving as the World Book Capital for 2009, the schedule of the 14 day Beirut Arab and International Book Fair will be filled with literature and publishing-oriented activities, including symposia, poetry readings and book signings.

With a portfolio of internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators, Kalimat's extensive range of books highlights traditional Arabic culture alongside the modern challenges faced by today's children.

As the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing high-quality Arabic books for children aged 0 to 16 years, Kalimat aims to encourage a love of reading and Arabic literature among Arab children and has published over 40 titles, including picture books, baby books, concept books and fables.