Gold of Arab Heritage

Muhannad Thabet Al-Aqous is a Syrian Arab writer who has published approximately 400 books in various branches of children's literature. His works have received numerous awards and have been translated into many languages. He produces radio and television programs and manages several projects focused on children's literature.

Omar Lafi is an illustrator of children’s books, animator, and graphic designer. He worked as an illustrator and animator for Rubicon Company in Jordan from 2008 to 2018, and previously lectured at Al-Quds College from 2004 to 2006. He also worked as a graphic designer at Adworks Company in 2002-2003. His book "The Red Snake", published by Noon Books, won the Best Children’s Book at the Arab Forum for Children’s Books Award in 2020, and "The Bird’s Logic" is a candidate for the same award. "The Fisherman," published by Dar Al Yasmine, was shortlisted for the Etisalat Award. He was a finalist for the Mahmoud Kahil Award in Children’s Book Illustration for three consecutive years. "Could the Stars Stay Bright?" by Basma Alkhatib, illustrated by Omar Lafi, received Honorable Mentions in the Best Illustrations category at the 2023 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.