ArtDayME: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder of Kalimat Group, has led a reading session for her new book, ‘The House of Wisdom’, aimed at young readers aged nine and above, and received the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award in the fiction category as part of the Bologna Children Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy.

The BolognaRagazzi Award recognises books distinguished by their high-quality content and artistic design. It celebrates innovation in children's literature, helping to promote meaningful storytelling and foster a culture of reading among younger generations.

Al Qasimi’s latest work takes readers on a journey through the history of the House of Wisdom also known as the Grand Library of Baghdad.

This engaging narrative, illustrated by Majid Zakeri, emphasises knowledge's pivotal role in shaping societies, highlighting its power to build futures. The book encourages young readers to think critically, explore scientific concepts, and recognise their potential to contribute to the advancement of humanity.

Reflecting on the award, Sheikha Bodour said, “The House of Wisdom invites readers on a profound journey into the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, shining a light on a rich legacy that continues to inspire and guide future generations. Through this book, we aim to celebrate the intellectual achievements of Arabs and Muslims, whose contributions laid the foundation for a global renaissance.”

She continued, “In today’s world, it is easy to overlook the origins of progress, yet every innovation has roots in the vision and efforts of pioneers who sowed the seeds of discovery. Our youth must understand their heritage, drawing strength from it to shape a brighter future. We envision the House of Wisdom in Sharjah as a modern-day embodiment of its Baghdad predecessor - a beacon of knowledge that will ignite curiosity and passion for learning among our younger generations.”

Celebrating the award, Kalimat Group organised a reading session with children and youth, where Sheikha Bodour drew attention to the House of Wisdom’s contributions in Baghdad to key fields like medicine, engineering, and astronomy. She highlighted the institution’s inclusive nature, welcoming scholars of all backgrounds, languages, and faiths - spanning Arabic, Persian, Aramaic and Hebrew.

The book aims to enhance reading skills and foster critical thinking, encouraging young readers to explore history and the invaluable contributions made by Arab scholars. It will be available for purchase in both Arabic and English at the House of Wisdom bookstore and Kalimat Group website.