What to Look Out for at the 1st Toot Toot Children’s Book Festival

Between December 3rd and 7th, the first edition of the Toot Toot Children's Book Festival will be held at the French Institute in Mounira. Organised by Hadi Baki Books, Tanmia Publishing House, and Marah Publishing House in partnership with the French Institute of Egypt, the festival is the first of its kind in Egypt’s literary landscape, and has something for children and adults alike.

“We’ve been wanting to make a children’s book festival for a long time,” Khaled Abdelhamid, co-founder of Marah Publishing House, tells CairoScene. “The idea grew with time to encompass many different activities to incorporate all who work in children’s literature, such as writers, illustrators, and storytellers.”

Coinciding with the World Arabic Language Day, which falls in December, the festival aims to celebrate children’s literature within the wider context of Arab culture and language. The festival’s programme will be held entirely in Arabic, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere for children to engage with books.

“In the past we used to love books because they were our only source of fun, but now there are new options for children that are more appealing. So it’s our role as publishers and people interested in children’s literature to provide engaging and attractive books. When we were selecting the books and the programme, we were focused on making sure the books are interesting, engaging, and up to date, so that the children will like them.”

In an effort to make the festival as inclusive as possible, admission has been made free-of-charge. “Our dream is to have a large and diverse audience from all places and backgrounds, and for the festival to reach governorates other than Cairo,” says Abdelhamid. “We want to serve schools and care institutions, and reach every child who comes with an organisation or their family, and convince them to buy or own a book.”

The main book fair will feature a wide selection of recently published Arabic children’s books, as well as some bilingual titles (Arabic and French) and translated books. In addition to the book fair, a large event space will be dedicated to various activities each day and a whole roster of talks and workshops has been programmed for the five-day festival. Children will be able to read, play, listen to interactive storytelling sessions, and take part in creative workshops. There will also be an art exhibition and several performances and short film screenings.

Many of the events are also targeted at adults and professionals looking to learn more about the field from experienced storytellers and illustrators. For instance, renowned author Rania Hussein Amin will hold a children’s book writing workshop, and Lebanese illustrator Maya Fidawi will be co-hosting a discussion titled “Who’s Telling Who?” with Walid Taher.

The festival will open at 6 PM on Wednesday, December 3rd, with an opening ceremony scheduled for 7 PM. Pre-registration is required for the different workshops via Instagram. Here’s a selection of some events to look out for:

Children’s book writing workshop with Rania Hussein Amin | December 4th & 7th, 10 AM -1 PM Renowned author Rania Hussein Amin will lead a workshop for budding children’s storytellers, discussing the essentially of creative writing such as plot development, conflict, and character for participants above the age of 18.

"Who's Telling Who?" Discussion with Maya Fidawi and Walid Taher | December 5th, 5 PM -7 PM
Lebanese illustrator Maya Fidawi will sit with Walid Taher, the author and illustrator behind more than 40 children’s books, for a discussion on their journey in children’s literature and the landscape of this industry in Egypt, Lebanon, and elsewhere.

"Our Dreams in a Short Story” workshop for children with Yomna Khattab | December 5th & 6th, 2 PM - 4:30 PM
This two-day workshop for 10 to 15 year olds aims to teach young writers the basics of short story writing through an interactive session based on dreams.

“You Have to Fix Your Mistake” puppet play with El-Kousha Troupe | December 6th, 12 PM – 1 PM
This free performance is being staged by the El-Kousha Puppet Troupe, who have been bringing joy to crowds of Cairo’s children since 2011.

“Write as if you’re singing” talk with Omar Taher | December 6th, 10 AM – 12 PM
Acclaimed novelist Omar Taher will speak with the audience about his writing journey and how he found the voice and rhythm underpinning his success. Comics workshop from A to Z with Moustafa Hewidy December 4th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM This two-hour workshop, which is aimed at teens and adults, will teach the basics of comic strip composition and design.

“Storigami” workshop with the Arab Origami Center | December 5th, 3 PM – 7 PM, & December 6th, 3 PM – 5 PM
This inventive workshop will focus on creating stories encapsulated within the Japanese art of paper folding, where every fold of the paper reveals—and creates—a new part of the story.

Interactive storytelling session with Haytham Shokry | December 6th, 10 AM
No prior registration is required for this workshop, which will use interactive group games to co-create a story with the audience, whether young or old.

Background illustration workshops with Maya Fidawi | December 4th & 6th, 10 AM – 3 PM
Illustrator Maya Fidawi will host this two-day workshop that will cover the steps and techniques of designing the background illustrations used in cartoons and animations. “

A Journey into my Heart” therapy workshop with Mary Zakaria | December 4th, 4 PM & December 5th & 6th, 3 PM
Psychological counsellor Mary Zakaria brings her background in play therapy to host this workshop, which is aimed at teaching children aged 4-8 how to express and differentiate between different emotions.

“Storytelling Through Play” with Asmaa El Ashry and Ali Azmy December 5th & 6th, 4 PM
Asmaa El Ashry and Ali Azmy from game co-operative Makouk Play will host two sessions of narrative-driven games for children, free of charge.

“That’s the Story” cultural storytelling with Samia Jaheen | December 6th, 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Storyteller and voiceover artist Samia Jaheen will be giving this talk, which will combine stories of Egyptian, Arab, and African heritage. Entrance is free.