Children's books do good business at Muscat book fair 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Children's and educational books besides works on Arabic literature are flying off the shelves at the 18th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair. Arabic translations of popular English children's titles have been a hit with young readers while educational and learning aides, and books on parenting  have turned out to be other popular picks. 

Many students come asking for popular folk stories and adventure books. Audio-video gadgets with edutainment content and children's stories are also in demand,'' said Abdul Rahma Daar al Hafiz, a book seller from Syria.

Omar al Naabi from Al Maif Book Shop in Saham said, ''I have a collection of children's story books starting at 200bz. They are selling well.''

Al Bhaj Trading, which deals mainly in Indian books and literature in the sultanate, is offering discounts. ''There is a good demand for them. We have also received bulk orders from educational institutions,'' said P M Shouckath Ali from the firm.

Abder Rahmane, who owns Tourath Books Shop in Algeria, and Eng Hassan Adnan from Al Fursan Book Shop in Jordan said that many visitors to the fair come looking for books on Arabic literature and history. ''There is a good demand for Islamic literature, too. The sale this year has been better compared to last year,'' said Rahmane.

Not all stalls are doing good business, though. Sameer Abdul Hameed, from the National Egyptian Book Organisation, said that sale at his stall selling books on art has been dull. Of the 459 stalls at the fair, Egypt has the highest with 111. The fair will conclude on March