On the busy Nile Street in Giza is al-Balsam bookstore, a two-story space filled with colorful books for children, teenagers and young adults.
The ground floor displays a large variety of books in Arabic, some published by the al-Balsam publishing house itself and some by publishing houses from across the Middle-East, with a great selection of books from the Emirates and Lebanon.
A large staircase in wood and iron leads to the first floor, which offers children and young adults' books in English, German and French.
Open for less than a year, this space dedicated to youth literature also organizes many workshops to develop children’s skills in reading, discussing stories, drawing and singing.
Inas Sami, the manager of the bookstore, explains that “through these workshops we are trying to create a permanent connection between the kids and the books.” She insists on the importance of giving a central role to the book, which is a cultural object, and also broadening the concept of reading to other awakening activities. “When a kid comes to the bookshop he may want to buy a book, Sami says, but he will also be able to draw, to sing, and it gives him a rich experience.”
Stepping into the bookstore gives you an immediate feeling of warmth, comfort and ease. Light floods the parqueted room through the huge bay window that overlooks the street and the Nile that flows j ten meters away. A line of miniature wooden chairs are waiting for kids participating in the day's workshop, and balloons and plump cushions are scattered around, encouraging visitors to slow their pace and remain a bit longer in this enchanting atmosphere.
Every month the clown “Nino” animates one of the reading sessions for a handful of lucky and stunned kids. “She is not like any other clowns," Sami says. "She does not perform any acrobatics or tricks. What she does is read a story to the kids, and brings accessories to make the reading lively and interactive.”
Last week, Nino read a story entitled “A Big Bag of Worries”, in which a little girl carries around a big blue bag that hosts all her anxieties and keeps growing with her worries.
According to Sami, “this story is important because it explains to the children that it is very normal and common to feel anxious, and we show them how to get rid of these worries.” The clowns had brought a big blue bag filled with funny-shaped stuffed animals just like the one in the book, and the children grabbed them one by one and explained their own anxieties.
Another workshop entitled “Egypt” helps children learn facts about the country. “Last week," Sami says, "we decided to draw a new flag for Egypt and the children were thrilled.” By doing so, they learned what a symbol is, and how to use symbols to convey an idea clearly. During another workshop, they discussed the Egyptian Constitution with the kids.
To celebrate Mothers Day next Saturday, Al-Balsam is inviting children for a workshop where they will be preparing decorated cards for their mothers. Most workshops, which start at noon, only last an hour because it is difficult to maintain the children’s attention longer.
The bookstore also organizes a book review for children 8 years old and up; participants read a book ahead of the gathering and discuss why they did or did not like it.
Another workshop scheduled for 26 March will explain the stages of creating a book from the author's initial idea to the final printing.
Al-Balsam has a website, but its Facebook page seems regularly updated and lists the monthly schedule of activities.
