Educating and entertaining children through literature is no mean feat. While some are more than happy to bury their heads in books all day and every day, others are bored and frustrated very quickly.
Balsem Amura knows only too well the challenges posed by youngsters who do not engage with language and literature. Her response is documented in her first book published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) and showcased at the Doha International Book Fair 2020.
The book, My Happy Language, tells the story of Ahmed, a young boy who is bored by his Arabic language books and what to him are uninteresting stories. Ahmed’s mother soon picks up on this lack of enthusiasm and resolves to change her son’s mind. As the title of the book suggests, Ahmed is shown that Arabic is indeed a happy language that brings his mother immense joy. That is because each word and letter play musical tunes that bring her closer to her hopes and dreams.
Amura was one of several writers to visit the booth of HBKU Press during the Doha International Book Fair 2020. On her visits, she read extracts and signed copies of her book for an eager audience. Some of those present were parents who readily identified with her struggles to maintain their children’s interest in the Arabic language.
According to the author, she had a great experience working with HBKU Press.
They were constructive, professional and helpful in bringing my story to life. I look forward to collaborating with HBKU Press once again to publish other unique works that enrich reading for children and that cover topics that are relevant to today’s youth and parents.’
My Happy Language by Balsem Amura is published in Arabic and available from the HBKU Press bookstore.