TEHRAN – The Tabriz Branch of the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) honored children’s book writer Abdolmajid Najafi for his lifetime achievements on Wednesday.

The honoring ceremony took place in Tabriz, East Azarbaijan and was attended by large numbers of authors and poets, IIDCYA announced in a press release published on Friday.

Author Mohsen Hejri chose Najafi’s book “A Girl Named Paria” to review at the meeting and said that Najafi in his books does not narrate a history, he rather narrates a story that tells a history.

“This book has a good potential to be turned into a play and has also been selected as one of the tops by the Children’s Book Council,” he added.

Author and translator Hadyeh Sharifi called Najafi a literary figure who has read a large number of books, so he is not only a writer but also an active researcher who has preserved the real position of literature in his works, which are inspired by the cultural roots of his birthplace.

On the culture of each region, author Mehdi Hejvani said that books by Najafi are sensory encyclopedia of Tabriz, in which famous historical sites of the region are introduced.

“It is good that we get to know the history and culture through stories and Najafi has given us this opportunity,” he remarked.

For his part Najafi also expressed thanks to the authors and the organizer of the ceremony, and said that his being honored started when he began to write for children.

“Wool Coat”, “Magic Birds” and “My Mothers’ Eyes” are among Najafi’s books.

RM/YAW