Iran Unveils Exciting Nominees for the 2023 Biennial of Illustrations in Bratislava!

Iran is set to showcase its rich literary talent at the 30th Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava (BIB), which will be held from October 3 to January 10, 2026, at the historic Bratislava Castle in Slovakia. A selection of 12 remarkable books has been made to represent the nation’s artistic and literary prowess, as announced by the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon).

The chosen nominees are the result of careful consideration by a jury made up of experts from Kanoon, the Children’s Book Council of Iran, and the Iranian Illustrators Society. Here are some of the standout titles:

• The Da’al’s Daughter, illustrated by Noushin Sadeghian and written by Ahmad Akbarpour
• Bahram and the Tale of Seven Domes, illustrated by Narges Mohammadi and written by Zahra Nematollahi
• The Marvelous Zippy Whiz Cubs Academy, illustrated by Ghazaleh Bigdelou and written by Payam Ebrahimi
• The Unexpected Guest, illustrated by Maryam Tahmasbi and written by Ghazal Mousavi
• Dad Is Right Here, written and illustrated by Mahshid Raghemi
• Milloo’s Mind, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi
• Imagine a Garden, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi
• Sweet Salt, illustrated by Negar Orang
• It’s All Mine, illustrated by Pedram Kazerooni
• I Saw It Myself, illustrated by Pedram Kazerooni
• A Sun in the Turkmen Sahra, illustrated by Najla Mahdavi
• Lion King, illustrated by Amir Shabanipour

Among the nominees, The Da’al’s Daughter stands out with its captivating folk tale narrative. The story revolves around a girl raised by a vulture named Da’al. The plot thickens when the king’s son falls in love with her, leading to a series of deceptive twists involving an old woman who ties the real Da’al’s Daughter to a tree. Ultimately, this tale explores themes of love, deception, and the quest for truth.

Bahram and the Tale of Seven Domes offers a modern twist on Nizami Ganjavi’s classic fable, “The Seven Portraits.” The story follows King Bahram, an enthusiastic hunter who mysteriously vanishes while chasing his prey. Upon his return, he finds his kingdom transformed. His devoted princesses urge him to embark on a mission to protect endangered species and their habitats, addressing contemporary environmental issues.

The Marvelous Zippy Whiz Cubs Academy presents a vibrant tale set in a dynamic jungle. Parents of various animal species are eager for their children to receive certificates, yet they struggle to grasp the true meaning of these accolades. At the academy, the headmaster imposes a standardized curriculum that raises critical questions about individual abilities—can a fish learn to fly, or can a turtle run fast?

Further enriching the selection are:

• The Unexpected Guest: A charming story about a mysterious guest named O, who inspires creativity and imagination by transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary creations.
• Dad Is Right Here: This touching narrative revolves around a little girl celebrating her birthday, reflecting on her emotional bond with her father as she makes a heartfelt wish.
• Milloo’s Mind: A biography of Maryam Faruqi, a pioneering advocate for girls’ education in Pakistan, highlighting her challenges and triumphs in creating a welcoming learning environment.
• Imagine a Garden: A poetic collection of real-life stories showcasing the resilience and courage of individuals who positively impacted their communities despite facing adversity.

The remaining nominees include Sweet Salt, It’s All Mine, I Saw It Myself, A Sun in the Turkmen Sahra, and Lion King, each contributing to the diverse tapestry of Iranian literature and illustration.

All selected works will be included in the exhibition catalog at Bratislava, where they will undergo international evaluation during the final judging phase to determine the winners. This prestigious competition is organized biennially under the auspices of UNESCO, in collaboration with the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), and with support from the Slovak Republic’s Ministry of Culture.

Moreover, Fatemeh (Parisa) Behabadi has been chosen to participate in the symposium, and Melika Jamali will represent Iran in the illustration workshop, further highlighting the nation’s commitment to nurturing talent in literature and illustration.

The competition encompasses a range of awards, including a grand prize of $3,000, five golden apples worth $1,500 each, and five special medals valued at $1,000. Additionally, the first-place winner will have the unique opportunity to exhibit their work independently at the next exhibition, solidifying their place in the global literary community.

As Iran prepares to make its mark at the 30th Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava, the selected works not only showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage but also emphasize the importance of storytelling and illustration in the modern world.