At the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and the Arts, a press conference was held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 which focused on the national book fair 2024 edition which will focus on the theme “ Children’s literature: the world of little devourers of words The 2024 edition of the National Book Fair focuses on children’s literature. This category of readers is subject to profound changes in their relationship to reading.
Indeed, under the influence of new technologies, young people’s reading is experiencing both extraordinary growth and transformations that are shaking up habits. ‹‹ We no longer only read on paper, but also on screen. We no longer read only writings, but mixed ones combining images and texts. We no longer read only to educate ourselves, but also to have fun, to relax, to communicate with virtual universes, to obtain information, to appropriate the cultural heritage of our country, to form a civic conscience. ››, indicated the director general of the Arts and Culture Development Agency, William Codjo. Comic strips, children’s novels and illustrated books continue to fully play their role as companions for young readers. They allow them to stand on the shoulders of the giants that are the authors to discover the world and its splendors. ‹‹ We have the imperative duty to increase opportunities, such as that of the National Book Fair. This not only contributes to developing the size of the market for the benefit of our book chain professionals, but also to working towards the pooling of thoughts and practices aimed at refining and densifying the book offering. ››, suggested the director general of Adac. Keeping young people healthy through regular reading activities is therefore useful to the book economy. For the Minister of Culture, Tourism and the Arts, Jean-Michel Abimbola, this major event, in perfect synergy with the government vision, reminds us that the book, much more than an object, is an instrument of education, innovation and national cohesion.
This edition will bring together in one place all the diversity and richness of the book industry, in order to debate the major questions relating to literature and youth. The general delegate of the show, Florent Couao-Zotti finds that this edition is a unique way of setting up a forum, a space for reflection and exchange so that children’s literature continues to inspire and elevate minds. ‹‹ Serving the little devourers of words is serving humanity, that of hope and freedom ››, he suggested. It is important to specify that renowned writers from Africa, Europe and America are expected for this event. This year’s edition will be characterized by round tables and debates, literary cafés and booth entertainment.
