Al Jazeera Children’s Clinches Publishing Deal

DOHA: Al Jazeera Children’s Channel (JCC) is working with Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing (BQFP) to develop books based on programs and characters from its networks, kicking off with a series inspired by the Baraem character Fafa.

The books will be distributed by BQFP in Qatar, across the Arab region and in international markets. The deal is part of JCC’s efforts to expand the Baraem preschool brand, and other deals with Arab and international publishers are in the works.

"We strive to diversify our communication tools with children to achieve the highest and most effective reach," said Mahmoud Bouneb, JCC’s executive general manager. "There is a major readership deficit in the Arab world nowadays. Therefore, we have taken this initiative in order to provide appealing and vivid content for children in their formative years and play a key role in the rise of an avid readers’ generation. We are also hoping to assist parents involved in their children’s reading activities.”

Amira Abed, education program developer at BQFP, added: “Award-winning author Sally Grindley will write this series of books basing her characters on Fafa and her friends and bringing in new adventurous plots that children just love. Illustrator Sirine Matta has created delightful versions of the characters for the printed page. I think fans of Fafa will be delighted with this new series."

The books will be released in Arabic and English later this year.