Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children’s Literature

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation invites Arab writers to submit original Arabic literary works for children aged 6–8, focusing on early school experiences such as embarrassment and bullying. Winners receive publication, prize money, and recognition, promoting high-quality children’s literature that supports imagination, emotional development, and cultural identity.

Overview

The award encourages the creation of rich Arabic literary content that:

• Reflects children’s psychological and cultural needs

• Stimulates imagination and creativity

• Supports emotional and intellectual development

• Builds a lasting relationship with books

This year’s theme targets experiences related to embarrassment and bullying during early school years, helping children understand emotions and social interactions through engaging stories.

Eligible Literary Forms

• Stories: Nurture imagination and introduce children to literature

• Poetry: Connects rhythm and emotions, expanding emotional vocabulary

• Novels: Explore reality and imagination, fostering critical thinking

• Play scripts: Combine literature with performance for immersive experiences

Award Details

• First place: 10,000 Jordanian Dinars + honorary trophy + certificate + 50 copies of the published work

• Second place: 5,000 Jordanian Dinars + trophy + certificate + 50 copies

• Third place: 3,000 Jordanian Dinars + trophy + certificate + 50 copies

• Publication: First edition printed for one year; digital and audio versions available for five years

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be Arab or of Arab origin

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Works must be in standard, clear Arabic

• Original, unpublished, untranslated, and not submitted elsewhere

• Must comply with the current theme and word count

• Previous winners cannot resubmit the same work

• Works cannot be modified after submission

• Submitted works will not be returned and feedback is not provided for ineligible submissions

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet age and nationality requirements

2. Prepare your manuscript: Must align with the theme and age group

3. Check originality: Work must be unpublished and not submitted elsewhere

4. Submit your entry: Follow the foundation’s submission guidelines and deadlines

5. Await results: Winners will be published, awarded prize money, and receive recognition

Tips for a Strong Submission

• Align the story with the theme of embarrassment or bullying

• Use clear, standard Arabic suitable for children aged 6–8

• Focus on emotional and imaginative engagement

• Ensure the work is original and unpublished

• Consider the literary form that best conveys your message: story, poetry, novel, or play

FAQs

1. Who can apply?
Arab writers or those of Arab origin, aged 18 or older.

2. What literary forms are accepted?
Stories, poetry, novels, and play scripts.

3. What is this year’s theme?
Children aged 6–8, focusing on embarrassment and bullying during early school years.

4. Are submitted works returned?
No, all submissions remain with the foundation.

5. Can previous submissions or award-winning works be entered?
No, submissions must be original, unpublished, and not previously awarded.

6. What do winners receive?
Publication, prize money (first: 10,000 JOD, second: 5,000 JOD, third: 3,000 JOD), an honorary trophy, a certificate, and 50 copies of their published work.

7. Are digital or audio formats included?
Yes, published works are available in digital and audio formats for five years.

Conclusion

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children’s Literature supports the development of high-quality Arabic literature for children, fostering imagination, emotional intelligence, and cultural identity. Writers have the opportunity to gain recognition, publish their work, and contribute meaningfully to children’s literary experiences in the Arab world.

For more information, visit Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.