TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA AS part of its role in encouraging reading and writing in the region, BQFP organised a competition to mark World Book Day in which 1,500 children wrote 1,500 letters to bestselling international author Sally Grindley.

Over the past month, the BQFP has reached out to 30 independent schools in Doha with students taking part in letter writing workshops.

The best letters receiving a personal response from Sally Grindley, author of the World Book Day title ‘Azizi Max’ and an invitation to the public event.

A public event was also held at Aspire Zone recently. Over 300 children gathered to mark Qatar’s 4th annual celebration of Unesco WBD in an event sponsored by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing, Aspire Zone Foundation, Aspire Logistics and Qatar Rail. At the event, the Qatar Rail presented children with book vouchers and certificates.

Qatar joins 100 countries worldwide in marking this annual event which aims to celebrate authors, illustrators, books and reading.

‘Azizi Max’ is an inspiring story that encourages children to write and think, and author Grindley has won a number of awards such as the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Award and the Smarties Gold Award. She has written more than 100 books.

“It’s wonderful to see students enjoy reading this international novel, and writing letters to the author,” Wadha Ali al Marri, reading and writing development department coordinator at BQFP.

BQFP is working with partners Rota and Ruwwad the Arab Foundation for Sustainable Development to extend World Book Day.