Bangla Academy for children at book fair
One category of books which can be found in almost all stalls of the Amar Ekushey Granthamela-2015 is literature written for children and teenagers.
In fact, the fair's Bangla Academy premises have been dedicated for publishers who bring out only children's books.
This year 32 such publishers along with Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangla Academy have set up stalls there.
However, publications fit for children and teenagers are available at almost all publication houses on the fair's Suhrawardy Udyan portion.
“Books for children sell more,” said Johirul Abedin Jewel, publisher of Ittadi which brought out nine new books for teenagers this year.
“Parents feel that their children should develop the habit of reading as part of the practice for the quest of knowledge so they encourage their children to buy books,” he said, adding that publishers should be wary about spelling mistakes in children's books so that there was no gap in children's learning.
Over 200 new books based on science and other fictions, comics, adventures, detective stories as well as educational tales fit for children and teenagers have arrived at the fair so far. Sharier Khan, creator of the popular comic strip Babu, said many writers in the world became famous after writing for children. He cited examples from Mark Twain to JK Rowling and of Bangladesh's popular science fiction writer Muhammad Zafar Iqbal.
According to Khan, young readers are the true readers and sometimes even adults enjoy reading children's books.
However, very few writers want to identify themselves as creators of literature enjoyed by children. But not Ahmed Riaz.
Awarded for children's literature in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014, Riaz is proud to say that he enjoys writing for children. This year eight of his books were published for the fair.
“I have also written books for children without 'jukto borno' (conjunct letters) which are available at Ittadi,” said the writer who started writing for children in the 80s.
Yesterday Dainik Samakal journalist SM Munna Miah was given an accolade by Utsho Prokashon at the Media Centre on the Bangla Academy premises in the afternoon for the best coverage of the fair.
State Minister for Finance MA Mannan presented the certificate, award and Tk 25,000-worth cheque which Munna dedicated to the memory of Bhorer Kagoj journalist Kishore Kumar who passed away last year.
Meanwhile, 100 new books arrived at the fair and four were launched.
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