Amid waves of challenge and storms of trials, The Pearl Diver's Daughter sails with pride, wielding a spirit of determination that illuminates her path to victory with the Cowrie Necklace. We are thrilled to announce that this book has won the Etisalat Award for Children’s Books in the Young Adults category, a prestigious recognition honoring its literary and artistic value and its inspiring impact on young readers. This achievement goes beyond a single moment of triumph; it is a testament to the power of perseverance and imagination, carrying with it a beacon of hope for future generations and sending a profound message about the importance of heritage and culture in shaping our modern literary identity.
This book is the result of a collaborative team effort, creating an exceptional work that inspires young adults. Author Mithaa Al Khayat crafted a unique literary vision that draws from the rich heritage of the Gulf, blending tradition with modernity to create an inspiring and culturally resonant story. Illustrator Hessa Al Mehairi brought this story to life with her remarkable artistic touches, making each page a vivid scene that immerses the reader in delightful and captivating details. Poet Dr. Rahaf Al Mubarak added profound beauty to the text with her evocative poetry, while Youssef Al Ba’ini meticulously edited the text, ensuring linguistic precision and quality. The Ajyaal Editorial Team oversaw the content with dedication to present the book with the highest standards of literary and artistic excellence.
Significantly, this achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of The Sondooq Alwatan, which played a vital role in providing resources and opportunities that empowered the team on its journey to bring this remarkable book to life. Their commitment to supporting culture and advancing Arabic literature is invaluable.
In a special statement from Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Co-founder and creative director of Ajyaal Publishing House, regarding this award, he said, “This award is not only a tribute to the hard work of our team but also a message of pride that reflects our deep commitment to elevating Arabic literature and offering content that meets the expectations of our young readers. At Ajyaal, we strive to present stories that strengthen the reader’s bond with their heritage and cultural history, while sparking imagination and planting seeds of hope. The Pearl Diver's Daughter represents the kind of work we aspire to create continually, where creativity and culture come together to reach the hearts and minds of the new generation."
With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our thanks to our beloved readers, who have always been a part of this success and our journey. Your trust and support are the true fuel that drives us to bring even more inspiring stories to life, for you always deserve the very best. We promise that what lies ahead is filled with more creativity and inspiration, remaining true to our mission of delivering stories that elevate children’s and young adults’ literature to new horizons.