Dubai: Time is running out for Arab authors to register their work for consideration in the ninth annual edition of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, say organisers.
Organisers have issued an eleventh-hour invitation to authors, illustrators, publishers and digital application developers from across the Arab world to submit their works in an array of categories offered in the Etisalat Award.
Applicants have until August 31 to submit their names for the high-profile award conceived in 2009 to help foster reading and writers’ works in the Arabic children’s literature realm as well as in the Arab cultural sphere.
Launched by Shaikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Patron of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), the Etisalat Award seeks to develop children’s books and to elevate the creativity of those behind them. The award is sponsored by the Etisalat Group.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, said the Etisalat Award has grown to become one of the most prestigious literacy recognitions in the Arab world.
“The Etisalat Award encourages authors, illustrators, publishers and web developers to create high quality children books in terms of design, form and content. It rewards those authors and publishers who have been instrumental in enriching the children’s book industry through successfully attracting children to the world of books and through raising the level of quality of Arabic children’s literature,” Al Aqroubi told Gulf News.
Awards offer a total of Dh1.2 million in prize money spread across six categories.
Children’s Book of the Year is worth Dh300,000, distributed equally between the author, illustrator and publisher, said Al Aqroubi.
Young Adult Book of the Year category is worth Dh200,000, distributed equally between the author and publisher.
Categories Best Text category, Best Illustration, Best Production and Digital Book App of the Year are worth Dh100,000 each. An additional Dh300,000 is dedicated to organising workshops to build Arab people’s capacities in writing and illustration and harvest new talent.
The newest category welcoming new digital book apps is “intended for the most innovative children’s book applications. The prize places a spotlight on the latest trends and developments in children’s digital content, which is thriving in areas of entertainment and education,” she said.
“It is open to all publishers and digital application developers for children up to the age of 18 years. The category encompasses all forms of digital Arabic content available to readers as e-books, enhanced digital books and apps. It aims to highlight the cutting edge of Arabic digital publishing, showcasing creative approaches to design, technology integration and e-reading experiences.”
The digital book app criteria stipulate that the category accepts products for Android, iOS, Kindle and ePub3.
The Etisalat Award is open to all Arabic publishing houses from around the world. Submitted entries should not have previously received any local, Arab or international award, should be original and should not have been translated into Arabic from another language.
Children’s books should be designed for readers up to 12 years and young adults’ books for adolescents aged 13-18 years.
How to register: For more details on how to register, visit www.etisalataward.ae/en/home.aspx
