.jpg "The cover of a copy of “If Only I Were a Bit Older” written by Akbar Sahraii")
TEHRAN -- Iran’s Elmi Farhangi Publishing Company plans to offer two children’s books narrating stories about the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, which is known in Iran as the Sacred Defense, at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair.
“If Only I Were a Bit Older” written by Akbar Sahraii and “If I Were a Pilot” authored by Ahmad Akbarpur, both have been translated into English by Sofia Koutlaki, author of “Among the Iranians”, the publisher announced in press release on Sunday.
In addition, the novels were named the Sacred Defense Book of the Year in the children’s book category in 2007 and 2008. “If Only I Were a Bit Older” had also received an award at a festival organized by the Qom Seminary.
Koutlaki is an independent researcher and writer, born in Athens, but equally at home in Iran, Britain and Greece.
She has written “Among the Iranians” about Iran’s culture and customs based on a mix of personal observation and intercultural theory. The book was released by Nicholas Brealey Publishing in April 2010.
Iran will also utilize the Frankfurt Book Fair to express its anger over “Innocence of Muslims”, an amateurish film which was produced in the United States and was insulting to Prophet Muhammad (S).
Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance plans to set up a section at the book fair to offer books on Prophet Muhammad (S) in a response to the film.
The world’s largest trade fair for books, the Frankfurt Book Fair will be held from October 10 to 14.
MMS/YAW
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