Qatar Museums (QM), the body responsible for developing, promoting and sustaining Qatar’s cultural sector under the guidance of its chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, launched a range of new books during the just-concluded 25th Doha International Book Fair.
The publications were What’s in the Sand?, Fatimid Woodwork, and Architecture Development.
QM Family Programmes’ first publication, What’s in the Sand? by Qatari writer Shaikha Alzeyara and Qatari illustrator Mai al-Kubaisi, is a book for young children.
A story of adventure, imagination and a mother’s love and support for her children, What’s in the Sand? is available in both English and Arabic. The book is designed to encourage children’s literacy from an early age and highlight the importance of a mother’s bond with her young children to learn and play together.
To mark the book release, a number of events were organised at the book fair, including story reading, hands-on activities and an author and illustrator signing.
Maram al-Mahmoud, museums co-ordinator-families, QM Family Programmes, recalled that the idea of the book sprang from a workshop for local mothers and young children aged 0-4.
“As it was a great pleasure to work with such an inspiring group, we realised the need for a publication to support family learning. It is an honour to have launched the book at this year’s book fair as it’s important to highlight all the great Qatari cultural content that is on offer, as well as to support Qatari writers and illustrators.”
Shaikha Alzeyara, the author of What’s in the Sand? explained that the story urges mothers to enrich the imagination of their children through play, discovery and sharing moments. She thanked Qatar Museums for their innovative ideas in nurturing children’s culture in modern ways and through interactive programmes.
Illustrator Mai al-Kubaisi said What’s in the Sand? was her first peek into the world of children’s books. “It was exciting to be a part of it and I really felt the lightness, simplicity and joyful nature of the story. It was a unique experience that I will cherish for days to come.”
Fatimid Woodwork and Architecture Development are the latest books of Fatema al-Sulaiti, associate deputy director for collection at QM.
Fatimid Woodwork highlights a unique craft and medium of design in the Fatimid Era. It presents examples of the finest Fatimid woodwork of both Islamic and Coptic origin and aims to show that Fatimid art is a historic style in its own right.
Architecture Development provides insight into how traditional Islamic towns and cities were conceived, organised, and developed over long periods of time, following simple rules that were based on religious and ethical values.
The books are now available for purchase at QM retail outlets located at the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art at Qatar Foundation, Al Zubarah, QM galleries at Al Riwaq and Katara and at Virgin Megastore and WH Smith outlets in Doha.
