TEHRAN- The Children’s Book Council of Iran has nominated eight books by Iranian writers for listing in the 2025 Collection for Young People with Disabilities, which is compiled biennially by the International Board on Books for Young People.

The children's book awards for children with special needs section of the Children’s Book Council selected eight works in March to introduce to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), ISNA reported on Saturday. 

Included in the selection are titles such as "The Legend of Namaki," "Auntie Knit, I Wear," and "The Fox and The Crow."

"The Legend of Namaki," based on a folktale from Hamedan, has been crafted by Setareh Eqtedari for visually impaired children, incorporating elements of Iranian architecture and traditional tools to engage readers with low vision or blindness.

Designed and implemented by Sevda Azadi, “Auntie Knit, I Wear” is written by Naser Moradi in Braille. The book features the story narrated by a blind child. Various textures and volumes are used in the making of this work, creating an attractive execution and diversity in textures for visually impaired children.
 
“The Fox and The Crow” is designed and implemented by Samaneh Nadri. The book is a sensory reimagination of a classic tale, utilizing different textures to depict characters and settings, with interactive features to engage the reader.

The submissions also include audio versions of “I’m A Scarecrow, But I'm Afraid” by Ahmad Akbarpur, “You Are an Explorer” by Shahrzad Shahrjerdi and “A Smiling Banana” by Hamidreza Shahabadi. 

These audio adaptations incorporate music and sound effects alongside the text to create a multi-sensory experience for visually impaired listeners, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story through sound.

Illustrated by Maryam Tahmasebi, "I'm A Scarecrow, But I'm Afraid" tells the story of a farmer who sets out to create the most hideous scarecrow. Placed atop a small hill in his farm, the scarecrow, though reluctant to scare anyone, ends up sending people running at the sight of him. Despite being a source of fear for others, the scarecrow himself is plagued by various fears such as darkness, rustling sounds, and loneliness. Desperate for companionship, the scarecrow embarks on a quest to find a friend, but faces the challenge of his own appearance.

In "You Are an Explorer," illustrated by Ghazal Fathollahi, themes of camaraderie, creativity, teamwork, and self-improvement are juxtaposed against the backdrop of war's devastation. Through the bond between two brothers and their imaginative adventures, author Shahrzad Shahrjerdi prompts readers to contemplate the struggles endured by those fleeing conflict in search of a better life.

"A Smiling Banana," crafted from a concept by Hassan Musavi, not only features Musavi as the illustrator but also explores the transformative power of friendship. The narrative follows a cheerful banana who befriends a gorilla, guiding him towards a different way of life. Facing backlash from others for their friendship, the duo eventually seek solace elsewhere in the jungle. There, they encounter another gorilla with a smiling apple companion, underscoring the central message of acceptance, change, and the potential for positive growth in all aspects of life.

In the category of books featuring characters with disabilities, Iran has put forward "The World Is Mine" by Tahmineh Haddadi and "What's the Scariest Thing You've Ever Done?" by Solmaz Khajehvand as nominees.

Illustrated by Haleh Ghorbani, "The World Is Mine" follows a father and son on an extraordinary journey utilizing various modes of transportation, from cars to boats and camels. As they traverse unknown territories, facing obstacles and adjusting their course, they learn the importance of determination and steadfast hope in the face of challenges. Together, they embrace surprises and setbacks, steadfast in their pursuit of exploring the world and realizing their aspirations.

"The World is Mine" emphasizes the concepts of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It aims to inspire children, especially those with disabilities, to see beyond their limitations by leveraging their imagination. The book underscores the transformative power of hope and creativity in propelling individuals forward, regardless of their circumstances.

Illustrated by Marjan Vafaeian, "What's the Scariest Thing You've Ever Done?" introduces a character that defies stereotypes, fostering acceptance of disabilities and addressing the fears associated with sight impairments.

The story centers on a blind boy accompanying his mother to the doctor, navigating his surroundings based on the familiar rhythm of his steps. Faced with the prospect of unveiling the bandages covering his eyes post a corneal transplant surgery, the boy grapples with the mixed emotions of anticipation and trepidation as he contemplates the possibility of regaining his sight. Ultimately, the narrative delves into the boy's internal struggle as he confronts the prospect of transitioning from a world of darkness to one filled with newfound visual stimuli.

Every two years experts collaborating with the IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities meticulously curate remarkable titles catering to children and young adults with disabilities worldwide. Situated in Basel, Switzerland, the IBBY headquarters serves as a hub for this specialized literary endeavor.

Acknowledging that many individuals with disabilities face barriers in accessing or finding books that resonate with them, IBBY emphasizes the importance of tailored publications. These specially crafted books, or thoughtfully selected high-quality works, address the unique requirements of individuals with disabilities, encompassing aspects like design, language, narrative structure, and illustrations.

Located within the Toronto Public Library, the IBBY collection houses an expansive array of international titles designed for, and depicting the experiences of, young people with disabilities. This diverse selection caters to a global audience, offering stories that reflect the diverse lived experiences of those with special needs.

With the objective of fostering inclusivity and expanding literary opportunities for children with disabilities, IBBY biennially unveils a comprehensive list of recommended titles to inspire publishers to develop more inclusive products. These chosen works, featured in the "Books for Children with Special Needs" biennial list, will be highlighted at the prestigious Bologna Children's Book Fair in 2025, shedding light on the importance of representation and accessibility in children's literature.

SAB/