Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) will hold a series of events with Qatari children’s author, Muneera Saad al-Romaihi, in Doha to celebrate Unesco World Book Day 2016 marked on April 23. A celebration with the book’s illustrator, Gulnar Hajo, will be held in Istanbul too.  
HBKU Press has chosen al-Romaihi’s heartwarming children’s book, Manal’s World, as its 2016 title for World Book Day. To encourage reading, 4,000 bilingual Arabic and English copies of the book will be gifted to schools and children across Qatar. 
In partnership with Qatar Foundation International (QFI), copies of the book will also be distributed to students at QFI-funded Arabic language programmes across the United States.  
Manal’s World is a touching story about a young girl, Manal, who helps a lonely friend come out of her shell. Unhindered by her own physical disabilities, Manal’s generosity, kindness, and creativity are an inspiration to both the friend and the reader. 
As part of World Book Day, al-Romaihi will participate in reading circles with grade three students at schools across Qatar. Furthermore, in partnership with Maktaba Qatar, the author will conduct bilingual reading sessions and writing activities with young students and their parents on April 16 at Maktaba Qatar from 1pm to 3pm. 
“Good reading starts early and children who share books with others are more likely to develop language skills and advanced reading levels,” commented al-Romaihi. “I am very excited that Manal’s World was chosen as this year’s book. I hope that the story will encourage children to embrace reading and storytelling.” 
HBKU Press will also be distributing copies of Manal’s World to children in refugee camps across the Middle East. 
Furthermore, al-Romaihi will be joining the book’s illustrator on Gulnar Hajo, in Istanbul for a celebration at her bookstore on April 23 and 24. The events will include two days of illustration workshops and reading circles with young Syrian children.