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| Fatma Al-Maadoul |
Celebrating a Literary Giant: Fatma Al-Maadoul at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair:
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Heno, the Minister of Culture, announced the selection of the renowned writer Fatma Al-Maadoul as the character of the Children's Book Fair in its new edition. He explained that she is a lover of children and dedicated to serving, educating, and teaching them sincerely, as they represent the future of Egypt and the nation.
According to the committee's report, writer Fatma Al-Maadoul has written and directed many children's plays and authored over 50 literary books for children of all ages. She has also directed various short theatrical and cinematic works, organized and supervised workshops and training courses for those working in children's literature, storytelling arts, children's libraries, and both puppet and human theater. The minister highlighted that she presented the first theater for the disabled in Egypt. Among her works are: "The Girl is Like the Boy," "Hassan Sees Everything," "The Treasure," "The Revolution of the Birds," "Have the Butterflies Flown Away Forever?," "A Job for Mom," "The Freedom Plane," "The Greens and the Violet Flower," "I Want to Play," "The White Balloon," "Sultan Nabhan Asks for Kindness," "Where Should We Build the Nest?," "Salma Knows Her Rights," "Me and My Grandmother," "The Blue Rose," "The Eyes of Basma," "Shadi and Hind at the Market," and "Khudra and the Little Fish."
Who is Fatma Al-Maadoul?
Fatma Al-Maadoul graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in 1970, and she was appointed at the Children's Culture Palace within the General Cultural Organization in 1972. In 1977, she traveled on a scholarship to Hungary to study children's theater. She worked as the director of the Children's Culture Palace in 1978, then became the Director of the Children's Culture Department in the General Cultural Organization in 1980, and later the General Director of the National Theater for Children in 1983. She is set to be honored by the United Media Services Company at the "Nabta Festival for Children" as part of the El-Alamein Festival events.
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| Fatma Al-Maadoul |
Key Contributions of Fatma Al-Maadoul to Children's Literature:
Fatma Al-Maadoul was the first woman to hold the position of General Director of Children's Culture in 1996 and became the head of the National Center for Children's Culture in 1998. She has written and directed many children's plays and authored more than 50 literary books for children across all ages. Fatma created numerous books and stories aimed at educating and raising awareness among children in an enjoyable and simplified manner. Her style focuses on addressing children in a language close to their world. She has also produced various short theatrical and cinematic works, presenting many popular performances, especially those that engage children and encourage them to think and be creative. Furthermore, she organized and supervised workshops and training courses for workers in children's literature, storytelling arts, children's libraries, and both puppet and human theater, as well as many theatrical workshops for both disabled and able-bodied children. She established the first theater for the disabled in Egypt. Fatma was married to the great writer Lenin Al-Ramly, and they have a son, Shadi Al-Ramly, who works as a director. Thanks to her works and contributions, Fatma Al-Maadoul has become one of the most prominent voices in children's literature and theater in the Arab world, and her works continue to inspire new generations of writers and intellectuals committed to raising children properly.
Awards and Recognition:
The Egyptian writer Fatma Al-Maadoul has received several valuable awards, including: the Children’s Literature Award from the Kamal Kilani Award under the Supreme Council of Culture, the General Culture Award for the play "The Last Bunch," the UNESCO Tolerance Prize in 1999 for the book "Lines and Circles," the Honor List of the International Board on Books for Young People in 2006 for the books "Sultan Nabhan Asks for Kindness" and "Sultan Nabhan Disappears from Sandistan," the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival Award for the book "The Eyes of Basma," the International Award at the Cairo International Festival for Children for the film "A Bird Finds a Nest," and a Certificate of Appreciation for the film "Children of the Moon" from the Cairo International Festival for Children. She was also honored at the "Fifth Annual Conference of the Center for Documentation and Research in Children's Literature" during the conference's opening session.
A Lasting Impact on Children's Literature:
In conclusion, Fatma Al-Maadoul's profound impact on children's literature and theater in Egypt is undeniable. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and her innovative approach to storytelling have not only enriched the cultural landscape but also shaped the hearts and imaginations of countless children. As she receives well-deserved recognition, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of writers and artists, guiding them to instill a love of reading and creativity within children. Fatma Al-Maadoul stands as a beacon of hope and creativity, reminding us all of the incredible power of literature in shaping a brighter future for the youth of Egypt and the Arab world.