This year, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) celebrated World Book Day with the launch of the latest book written by Qatari author Dr Jabr Al Noaimi titled Min Fa’ir Ila Maarid (The Mouse that Saved Me). Students at Qatar Academy – Msheireb were treated to an animated book reading by the author. They also received special, complimentary editions of the book.

HBKU Press is committed to serving the greater community by providing opportunities for students and youth to connect with authors and engage in activities that help promote and establish a love of reading and literacy at a young age, explained Muneera Saad Al Romaihi, Community Outreach Officer at HBKU Press.

Min Fa’ir ila Maarid (The Mouse that Saved Me) tells the story of Hamad, a boy constantly bullied at school and who was taught by a mouse that one needs to face problems instead of avoiding confrontation. The book was loosely based on the author’s personal experiences.

According to Al Romaihi, in addition to being a great book, the theme of overcoming bullying and confronting problems, Min Fa’ir ila Maarid (The Mouse that Saved Me), carries a universal theme that children around the world can relate to.

By choosing this particular story for World Book Day, HBKU Press aims to showcase the local Qatari narrative about a relatable topic, which allows us to contribute to cross-cultural communication, dialogue and understanding.’

As an educator himself, Dr Al Noaimi commends HBKU Press on their commitment to providing opportunities for students to connect with authors as a way to promote literacy.

The work (that) HBKU Press does within the community to promote literacy is essential in order to help raise a generation of readers and writers. By linking literacy to an international campaign like World Book Day, HBKU Press is showing our aspiring writers that their voice matters on a global stage.’

Min Fa’ir ila Maarid (The Mouse that Saved Me) is Dr Al Noaimi’s second book to be published by HBKU Press. His first book, Ashgar Al Hawaa (Wind Tree), was published also by HBKU Press in 2017 as part of the ‘Books – Made in Qatar’ workshop held in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region and Qatar National Library, under the official Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture programme. World Book Day is an annual event initiated by UNESCO in 1995.

All books from HBKU Press are available online through Amazon Kindle and in local bookstores in Qatar. For more information visit press.hbku.edu.qa.