Tribune News Network
Doha
On the opening day of the Doha International Book Fair, the Cultural Saloon hosted the launch of ‘I Am Majd from Palestine’, a children’s book by Palestinian author Ghada Kofa. The official signing followed on May 9 at the Dar Al Sharq booth. Written in both Arabic and English, the book invites young readers on a vibrant journey through Palestinian culture, values, and belonging.
In an interview, Kofa shared that the book was born from a deep personal longing for a homeland she has never seen but carries in every detail of her life. “I wanted children to see Palestine not only through news headlines but through colors, sounds, food, dances, and stories that speak to their hearts,” she explained.
The story follows Majd, a kind and curious boy whose voice represents a generation of Palestinian children growing up far from their ancestral land. Through Majd’s eyes, young readers encounter traditional dishes, cultural symbols, city names, and the strength of a people deeply rooted in heritage.
For Kofa, writing from a child’s perspective was key: “Children listen to voices that sound like their own. Majd speaks with them, not at them.” The book stands out for weaving heritage into storytelling without didacticism, making it accessible and emotionally resonant.
Kofa emphasized that ‘I Am Majd from Palestine’ is more than a story, it’s a simplified cultural reference for younger generations. “Just as our parents and grandparents passed on stories of Palestine to us, we now pass them on to children who may never see the land but can still carry it in their hearts.”
The book is available at the Dar Al Sharq booth during the book fair and in bookstores across Qatar.