The Case of the Exploding Loo

Written by Brit Rachel Hamilton, this comic kids’ book about “an exploding toilet, a wacky scientist and a little girl who’s too clever for her own good” earned Rachel second place in the prestigious Montegrappa Writing Prize – and landed her a two-book deal. The follow-up, The Case of the Exploding Brains has proved similarly popular…

Um Hailan

The latest in a series of children’s tales exploring UAE mythology, Um Hailan, by Emirati author

Dubai Abulhoul, is a modern-day fable for kids, exploring themes around identity, jealousy and community. It’s part of a series of five tales of Emirati jinn, aimed at keeping the country’s traditional folktales alive.

kalimatgroup.ae/en/ um-hailan

ABC to Sheikh Z

This beautiful board book, illustrated in eye-catching bubble gum hues, contains a broad and enlightening series of tales, facts, quotes and reflections on UAE culture past and present. Written by an unnamed “journalist, mother of mixed heritage and advocate of child education” the book aims to help both adults and kids celebrate the messages of diversity and progress that the UAE prides itself on.

I Know You

The winner of the inaugural Montegrappa Writing Prize with her first novel, Coming Home, British journalist and writer Annabel Kantaria dubs her writing style ‘domestic noir’. Since that debut in 2013, she’s written three further novels from her home in the Emirates – The Disappearance, The One That Got Away and her latest, I Know You, a mystery centred, very currently, around an Instagram obsession.

13 Amazing Women of Arabia

Written by 13-yearold Dana Alblooshi, this book for older kids celebrates 13 of the region’s most enterprising and inspiring women, telling tales of how they made their mark on the world. From ballerinas to politicians, aviators to sportswomen, it features a series of beautiful illustrations by female Arab artists, aimed at encouraging youngsters across the country to dream big.

booksarabia.com/13amazing-women-ofarabiaa