The vibrant world of children’s literature is set to come alive at the Selangor Children’s Book Fair from July 24 to July 28 at the PKNS Shah Alam Complex, thanks to a significant partnership between the Malaysia Board on Books for Young People (MBBY) and Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS).

At the helm of this exciting collaboration is Dato’ Ahmad Redza Ahmad Khairuddin, President of MBBY, who shared insights into the organization’s pivotal role in the event.

“Every child has their right. We must support children, we must engage them. We must instill Malaysian culture. We must understand their mindset and see from their perspective,” Ahmad Redza emphasized, underscoring the central philosophy driving MBBY’s initiatives.

The 59-year old scholarly Ahmad Redza passionately advocates for every child’s right to read, highlighting the transformative power of books. 

“Every child has a right to read, and read the right book. Books can breach the cultural and racial divide. We want the best for children,” he stated. This vision aligns seamlessly with the book fair’s objectives, aiming to bring children closer to their roots while broadening their horizons.

One of MBBY’s core missions is to celebrate Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through literature. 

Ahmad Redza pointed out the necessity of prioritizing local content.

“We have our colourful history and culture. Don’t just rely on books from the West. We can look at local books and local content to look for similarities between communities.” 

This perspective is vital in fostering a sense of identity and unity among young readers, said Ahmad Redza who has been involved in MBBY since 2004.

While MBBY has always been a part of the Selangor Children’s Book Fair, this year marks a significant milestone. 

“This year we are playing a bigger role as a main partner,” Ahmad Redza revealed. This expanded involvement reflects MBBY’s commitment to fostering a reading culture and promoting Malaysian authors and illustrators.

Celebrating illustrators

Illustrators play a crucial role in the world of children’s books, and Ahmad Redza is keen to shine a spotlight on them. 

“We must celebrate our illustrators; they are our local heroes who can connect with our children through their work,” he asserted. 

Recognizing the impact of illustrations and comics in developing higher-order thinking skills among children, he added, “Children get higher order thinking skills through illustrations and comics. It’s a good way to educate them on our stories.”

The upcoming fair promises a dynamic lineup of events. 

“We are bringing in authors and illustrators to talk about their books and work and current trends. There will be new talents and old hands,” Ahmad Redza shared. 

These sessions aim to provide valuable insights and foster a deeper connection between the creators and their young audience.

At its core, MBBY’s participation in the Selangor Children’s Book Fair aims to achieve several key objectives: inculcating cultural values in children, bridging divides, nurturing understanding and building confidence. 

“Adults must listen and understand children. We should not be set on our own rigidness. We have to help children come out of their shells,” Ahmad Redza remarked, highlighting the importance of empathy and flexibility in guiding the younger generation.

Praising PPAS, Ahmad Redza described it as an “exemplary institution”. He highlighted the library’s role in the book fair, noting, “They have agreed to give space to celebrate our illustrators and comic artists so that we can understand and appreciate their work and the thought process behind them.” 

This initiative will allow attendees to delve into the creative minds of local talents, enriching their appreciation for homegrown artistry.

The Selangor Children’s Book Fair is poised to be a celebration of literature, culture and creativity. With MBBY’s dedicated involvement, it promises to be an enriching experience for all, bringing together the best of Malaysian children’s literature and fostering a love for reading that transcends boundaries.

About MBBY

MBBY is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and a love for reading among young people in Malaysia. It aims to provide children and young adults with access to quality literature and to foster a reading culture in the country. It serves as the Malaysian national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)

One of the key roles of MBBY is to create awareness about the importance of reading and the value of children’s literature. The organization works with educators, librarians and parents to advocate for the inclusion of diverse and culturally relevant books in school curricula and libraries. 

MBBY also organizes events such as book fairs, storytelling sessions and workshops to engage young readers and encourage them to explore the world of literature.

ENDS