Current Challenges in Children’s Books Discussed at the 56th CIBF

The 56th Cairo International Book Fair provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the evolving challenges and opportunities within the realm of children’s literature. Moderated by Mauro Spagnol, the seminar featured diverse speakers from around the globe who brought unique perspectives shaped by their professional experiences in publishing, education, and cultural exchange.

Simon de Jocas Insights: Bridging Cultures and Experiences

Jocas, a Canadian educator with a career spanning schools and universities, including work with Inuit communities, shared his journey in children’s publishing. 

Having entered the field in 1997 and established his own publishing house in 2013, Jocas emphasized the importance of addressing universal themes such as adaptation, loss, and humor in children’s literature. 

His publishing company prides itself on fostering expression in multiple languages and tackling challenging topics, ensuring that “everything can be introduced to children.”

Jocas also recounted his initial foray into Arabic publishing in 2013, when he collaborated with Egyptian publishers to translate 40 of his titles into Arabic. 

He highlighted cultural sensitivities in illustrations and content adaptation, noting that Egyptian publishers’ attention to cultural nuances aligns closely with his own approach. Simon underlined the economic realities of publishing, emphasizing the need for awareness about what each publisher can realistically achieve.

Laura Peh's Vision: Sustainability and Collaboration

Peh, a multi-faceted professional with a background in musical teaching and publishing, shared her dedication to environmental sustainability and artistic collaboration. Her work includes partnerships with the Ramallah-based Tamer Institute, English translations of Arabic literature, and projects amplifying the voices of women and Asian authors. Having transitioned from music to publishing and currently residing in London, Laura focuses on creating books that celebrate international artists while addressing pressing global issues, such as climate change in Asia.

Peh’s recent experiences at the Jeddah Book Fair and her ongoing collaborations with Egyptian and Arab publishers have enriched her understanding of regional publishing landscapes. She also noted the challenges posed by restrictions in her native Singapore, where politically sensitive topics often face scrutiny.

Guispane Trapani Expertise: Copyright and Digital Futures

Trapani, an Italian publishing professional with extensive experience in copyright management and academic publishing, brought a technical perspective to the discussion. Representing the Oxford Publishing group, which operates in over 50 countries, Trapani spoke about the group’s contributions to educational materials, from children’s books to digital learning resources. 

He highlighted the evolution of children’s reading habits, pointing out a decline in traditional book readership and a growing shift toward digital content and multimedia engagement.

His anecdotes included the enduring legacy of classics like Alice in Wonderland, as well as Oxford’s initiatives in creating non-fiction titles addressing climate change and environmental topics for young readers. He emphasized the importance of integrating social-emotional learning into children’s content to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Confronting Challenges Together

Throughout the seminar, a recurring theme was the need for adaptability in the face of economic, cultural, and technological challenges. The speakers underscored the vital role of collaboration—whether through translation projects, cross-cultural partnerships, or innovative approaches to storytelling—in ensuring that children’s literature remains relevant and impactful.

The seminar served as a testament to the resilience and creativity of children’s publishers and authors worldwide, inspiring attendees to reimagine the future of storytelling in an ever-changing world.