The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation announced the winners of the top three positions in its 2025 Children’s Literature Award, which focused on the short story genre in travel literature aimed at children aged 9 and above. According to the foundation’s statement, the first place was awarded to writer Ruqayya Abdullah Saeed Al-Badi from the Sultanate of Oman for her work titled “The City of Talking Stones.” The second place went to writer Abdel Hakim Ahmed from Egypt for “Adventure in Moon Valley,” and the third place was awarded to writer Sherine Sami Fahmy Rizk from Egypt for “For the Sake of Paradise.” Valentina Qassisiya, the CEO of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, emphasized the special importance of travel literature, especially when directed at children and adolescents, noting that this type of writing helps expand horizons and knowledge by introducing children to different cultures and peoples around the world.

She pointed out that travel literature takes children on imaginary journeys to new places and breathtaking landscapes, which helps develop their imagination and creativity, contributing to the development of linguistic and expressive skills. It also inspires them to learn from others’ experiences, offers them the opportunity to explore different perspectives, and strengthens their values of empathy and understanding of others. The award’s scientific committee confirmed that including travel literature in children’s libraries not only enriches their imagination but also gives them the chance to discover the world from an enjoyable human perspective carried by the story’s plot. This renews individual questions and discoveries between the child and the text, granting them the courage to be unique and the desire to go beyond the limits of place and perhaps beyond electronic devices and digital communication means.