(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The latest title from Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press), Missing Colours, written and illustrated by Gulnar Hajo, imaginatively and symbolically explores the hardships faced by child labourers in cities around the world.
In Missing Colours, the powerful and evocative narrative takes the reader on journey to reveal the truth of how child labourers survive in cities far away from home.
Despite their adversity, which is represented by their bleak and colourless surroundings, these children are optimistic about their future, and see the few glimpses of colour around them as representative of a better life where they experience all that childhood has to offer.
Their dreams are simple, and their happiness lies in a blue sky and a sweet breeze.
The word childhood itself invokes thoughts of laughter, playing outside on bright summer days, and feeling safe, secure and happy.
The reality of childhood for child labourers around the world today cannot be farther from the idealistic walk down memory lane.
According to the United Nations, it is estimated that around 215mn children work full-time, of which some 168mn are trapped in child labour.
'As a publisher, having a diverse range of books for our audience to choose from is important, explained Arabic editor at HBKU Press, Jameela Sultan Almass Aljassem. 'The subject of child labourers is difficult to discuss with children; however, the author approaches the topic in a way which is intriguing and thought-provoking.
'It really makes a child think and opens the doors to discussion, which is the sign of any good book.
Hajo was born in Damascus, Syria, where she graduated from the College of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus.
She has a passion for writing and illustrating for children, and has been doing so since 2005, with 20 titles to date.
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