A newly-released children’s book from the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) The Firefly is a finalist in the Children’s Picture Book (illustrative 6 years and above) category of the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The book is written by first-time Qatari children’s author, Ameera H Al Naemi.
“We are extremely proud to be able to provide a publishing platform that recognises the literary value and important messages of our books and authors from around the world,” said Bachar Chebaro, Executive Director of HBKU Press. “This type of recognition is sure to increase a book’s visibility and readership internationally and helps HBKU Press participate in cross cultural communications in a global context.”
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. In its fourteenth year of operation, the award was established to honour the most exceptional independently books published each year across 70 different categories. The award is presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group in cooperation with Marilyn Allen of Allen O’Shea Literary Agency.
The Firefly was selected as a finalist because it successfully highlights the selflessness of charity to children, teaching them an important lesson on how to positively contribute, even in the smallest way, to the global community.
Al Naemi was inspired to write this book through her own experience working with many international humanitarian organisations to bring about invaluable change. Her involvement in multicultural environments — whether at an office, orphanage, or a refugee camp — has served to widen her understanding of foreign cultures, and has enabled her to recognise the many similarities that unite people from different backgrounds around the world.
“To me, fireflies have come to represent a small but significant spring of light and hope,” explained Al Naemi when asked about her inspiration for the story. “In The Firefly, they help get Ibraheem’s mission back on track with little more than their own light. My hope is that we, too, can become sources of light in the sense that we can help energize, guide, and lead our communities. Ibraheem’s family values, which revolve around the concept of unity, are central to fostering a sense of community and would enable anyone to find joy in reaching out to others with even the smallest acts of kindness.”
Al Naemi recognises the success of her partnership with HBKU Press and credits the local Qatari publishing house for playing a key role in developing the book.
“The foresight, experience, and guidance that I received from the team at HBKU Press was instrumental in the literary journey of materializing my own appreciation of fireflies. I look forward to working alongside HBKU Press on my next children’s book project, whenever that may be, as the first partnership has proved to be fruitful.”
Nico Yanopulos, the Greek artist behind the book’s illustrations, was instrumental in depicting the powerful text through evocative illustrations.
“Illustrating The Firefly was my first cooperation with HBKU Press and I feel so happy and blessed that it has been recognized for an award,” said Yanopulos upon hearing the news.
The illustrations complement the text in a way that depicts the emotional journey of the protagonist’s personal growth.
The Firefly is perfect for children aged 5-12 and can be purchased in bookstores across Qatar, or through the Snoonu and Rafeeq applications in Qatar and delivered to your door.
It is available as an eBook on Kindle, Overdrive, and the Streetlib platforms.
