Among the eight new authors to have joined the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Press family over the past year is Dalal Ghanim al-Romaihi, whose work is showcased at the ongoing Doha International Book Fair (DIBF).
The 14-year-old Qatar Academy student’s first foray into the world of literature - Where Is My Teacher? - is a delightfully inventive tale that is inspired by her own love of reading.
The premise is simple: Dalal’s teacher is missing and the possibilities of where she could be are endless. What follows is a wildly imaginative journey that takes readers on a literary adventure where they are immersed in a new world on every page. Her mission is vividly brought to life by Nikos Yanopulos, a Greek illustrator with an already-impressive background in literary animation.
Dalal's mother Muneera Saad al-Romaihi is a best-selling HBKU Press children’s author. Her previous works include Manal’s World, Angry Majid, I Look Like the Moon, Monsters Are Afraid of Mama, and her latest title, Child of My Heart. The mother is rightly proud of her daughter’s first book, as well as her creativity, drive to succeed and determination to realise her dreams.
“As an author, I’m inspired that there are many children like Dalal whose love for literature is evident. I’m also grateful that HBKU Press so nobly nurtures these young talents,” Muneera said.
HBKU Press hosted Dalal at its booth at the book fair, where she read extracts and signed copies of Where Is My Teacher? Published in English, the book and can be purchased from the HBKU Press Bookstore in the College of Islamic Studies building in Education City, FNAC bookstores across Qatar, and is available on Amazon Kindle as an eBook.
DIBF is taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre until January 18. The exhibition is open from 9am until 9pm, except on Friday when it is 3pm to 10pm and Thursday from 9am to 10pm.