Arabic translations of two books by one of Italy's best-loved children's authors, Gianni Rodari, were set to be launched at the 31st Doha International Book Fair in Qatar on Monday.
The Arabic editions of Rodari's books 'A Pie in the Sky' and 'Fables Long as a Smile' are a joint project by Italy's embassy and Qatar's culture ministry, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Italy's booth is devoted to children's books and is exhibiting the work of 21 illustrators, including Rodari, who won the 1970 Hans Christian Andersen Award – considered the Nobel Prize for children’s literature.
“We are especially proud of our stand...we decided to dedicate it to the youngest, who even more than adults are going through some tough times in the pandemic," said ambassador Alessandro Prunas.
"For Italy as for Qatar, children's education, developing their full potential and championing their rights are now more important than ever," Prunas said.
It is the first time the embassy has taken part in the fair, which runs from 13-22 January.
