UAEBBY music video celebrates International Children’s Book Day 2015

SHARJAH, 26th April 2015 (WAM) - The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) has released a music video in celebration of the 2015 International Children’s Book Day (ICBD), during its participation in the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, which will continue until May 2nd at Expo Centre Sharjah. The song was produced specifically to coincide with the celebration of the International Children’s Book Day, an annual global event held on or around the birthday of the late literary giant Hans Christian Andersen on April 2nd, which aims to inspire a love of reading among children and to call attention to children's books. Inspired by the 2015 ICBD’s meaningful message written by Marwa Obeid Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, to the children of the world, Jordanian musician Tareq Al Nasser composed the lyrics of the song. Al Nasser is one of the most prominent composers in the Arab World. He became famous during the early 1990s when he composed the soundtrack for several Arabic TV drama series. He also composed a number of children’s songs, most notably "Oh Child of Son", written by Bahraini Poet Qassim Haddad. Al Nasser won several appreciation awards from Arab and international music festivals. Resonating the fitting theme, Al Nasser’s selection of this song reflects his deep belief in the importance of reading and the need to encourage children to read. Speaking about the ICBD song, Marwa Al Aqroubi, said: "We are very excited to launch this song during the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, corresponding with the International Children’s Book Day, which is held this year under the theme "Many Cultures - One Story"-a theme that mirrors the UAE’s rich multi-cultural society." She added: "Together, through the power of literacy, we can break the boundaries that make our stories seem different or irrelevant, that make our cultures seem foreign or hostile. Through education come understanding, tolerance, and peace." Al Aqroubi pointed out that the UAEBBY has organised a variety of events and activities as part of its participation in the 7th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, including workshops for children and teachers, reading sessions and other activities that will take place at the UAEBBY Stand. The UAEBBY will announce opening entry to publishers from various Arab countries who want to participate in the 7th edition of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. Children were elated by the ICBD video and enjoyed watching and listening to it together with their siblings and friends throughout the festival’s days. They admired the beautiful lyrics and fantastic musical composition of the song. Each year a different national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is given the opportunity to sponsor International Children’s Book Day, where a writer from the sponsoring country is invited to write a message to the children of the world, and an illustrator from the same country is also invited to produce the official ICBD poster, which is used to promote International Children’s Book Day across the globe. The 2015 ICBD poster was designed by talented children’s book illustrator and art instructor, Nasim Abaeian, and reflects a universal message that highlights similarities between members of the international community based on the common morals and values found in literature. The UAEBBY celebrates ICBD annually by organising a diverse range of literary activities and events for children, including story readings throughout the month of April, with help from its distinguished members. As part of the annual celebration, discounts and promotions are offered by bookstores across the UAE. The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is the national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which has branches in 77 countries across the world. Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953, IBBY represents an international network of organisations and people from all over the world who are committed to encouraging a culture of reading and bringing books and children together. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395279706569.html