Emirati publisher and author Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has achieved a major milestone in global children’s literature.
She became the first woman from the GCC to win the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction.
The award recognized her children’s book House of Wisdom, honored during a ceremony at Bologna’s historic Farnese Chapel.
Notably, this event took place at the Palazzo d’Accursio, a landmark of cultural significance in Italy.
While receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour highlighted the importance of inclusive storytelling in today’s global climate.
She said, “This award shows a positive shift in children’s publishing toward more inclusive narratives.”
Furthermore, she explained that House of Wisdom promotes unity, understanding, and progress through cross-cultural dialogue.
She added, “The original House of Wisdom reflected how knowledge and collaboration build strong, lasting connections.”
“The loss of that library in 1258 remains a powerful reminder of intellectual freedom’s fragility,” she emphasized.
The book has been praised for encouraging critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and compassion among young readers.
As a result, House of Wisdom represents growing global recognition of Middle Eastern contributions to children’s literature.
Moreover, the book’s illustrations by Majid Zakeri Younesi have received high acclaim for their emotional depth and vibrancy.
Although he could not attend the event, Younesi shared his gratitude and artistic inspiration in a statement.
He said, “Creating this artwork let me express humanity’s endless pursuit of knowledge and cultural understanding.”
The day after the award, Sheikha Bodour joined a panel with other BolognaRagazzi winners.
She also attended a reception at the Kalimat Group stand, where she shared insights behind her award-winning book.
During the event, she discussed storytelling’s power to preserve culture and bridge gaps between global communities.
She also emphasized Sharjah’s commitment to knowledge, including its House of Wisdom cultural center.
Earlier that day, Sheikha Bodour visited Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookshop to sign copies of her book.
Importantly, she had supported the bookstore’s restoration after a fire in 2022 with funds from Sharjah World Book Capital.
Through this achievement, Sheikha Bodour continues to champion literature, education, and cultural preservation worldwide.
