'Shishu Prohor' at Amar Ekushey Book Fair delights young readers

The Amar Ekushey Bookfair, a cherished annual event for book lovers, witnessed a special celebration on its seventh day as the first "Shishu Prohor" (Children�s Hour) unfolded at Suhrawardy Udyan. 

Dedicated to young readers, the day transformed the fairgrounds into a vibrant world of stories, colours, and laughter, captivating children and their families.  

By 4 PM, the area near the Ramna Kali Mandir gate, specially designed for children, buzzed with excitement. Bright decorations, cheerful banners, and playful arrangements welcomed young visitors into a literary wonderland. Parents, grandparents, and siblings accompanied eager children as they explored stalls filled with books, toys, and snacks.  

The children's section featured stalls from renowned publishers like Gazi Prokashoni, Mayurpankhi, and Shishu Prokash, offering a wide range of books�from illustrated fairy tales to educational titles on space, science, and history. Ten-year-old Rafid, a detective story enthusiast, was thrilled to find the latest book in his favourite series. "I found the new 'Daniar Pakhi O Goyendagiri' book. I can't wait to read it tonight," he exclaimed, holding his new treasure.  

"The enthusiasm from children today is wonderful," said Mahbub Alam, a seller at Mayurpankhi Publications. "We always bring a variety of books for young readers, but this year�s demand is even higher. It�s heartwarming to see kids so engaged in reading."  

The fair also offered more than just books. A storytelling corner captivated young listeners like seven-year-old Bushra, who sat cross-legged, engrossed in vivid narrations. "The stories were so much fun! I also got a book about animals that I will read with Nana and Nani," she shared, clutching her new book.  

Nearby, vendors sold traditional toys like clay dolls, wooden flutes, and tin rickshaws, adding to the fair�s charm. Children blew bubbles into the air, watched cotton candy being spun, and enjoyed hot samosas and spicy fuchkas. The atmosphere was filled with joy and wonder, as parents encouraged their children to explore and indulge in the magic of books.  

Nine-year-old Mufrad, a dinosaur enthusiast, was overjoyed to find an encyclopaedia filled with prehistoric creatures. "I love dinosaurs. This book has so many cool pictures and facts!" he said, flipping through the pages with excitement. His sister, who accompanied him, smiled, knowing she had helped him pick something he would cherish.  

Farzana Haque, a mother from Uttar Badda, praised the initiative. "Shishu Prohor gives children the freedom to explore, and that�s exactly what we need to build a strong reading culture," she said.  

As the sun set, five-year-old Nafia clutched a storybook filled with fairy tales, eagerly anticipating bedtime. "I can't wait to hear these new stories," she said, smiling up at her parents.  

The first Shishu Prohor was a resounding success, with sellers like Md. Sohail Uddin reporting brisk sales. "We sold over a hundred children's books today alone. It�s clear that the next generation of book lovers is growing fast," he said.  

With more Shishu Prohor sessions scheduled for every Friday and Saturday, the Amar Ekushey Bookfair promises to continue inspiring young minds, fostering a love for literature, and creating unforgettable memories for children and their families.