The Launch of International Chess Grandmaster Vesna Mišanović’s Children’s Books in Arabic

Some stories are simply read… and others reshape the way we think.

Ajyaal Publishing is proud to announce the release of newly translated works by renowned author Vesna Mišanović, in a landmark step that places thoughtful storytelling within the reach of every child, and puts the story at the heart of everyday life.

Vesna Mišanović, an International Chess Grandmaster, a researcher in critical thinking, and a mother of three, chose storytelling as a space for reflection, and imagination as a gateway to self-discovery.

From the Chessboard to the Depths of Fear

In Chess Planet, chess pieces come to life as thinking, curious, and questioning characters. Through their unique perspectives, children explore the logic of movement, the virtue of patience, and the meaning of planning, all within a narrative rich in puzzles and insight.

"The author has transformed the game of chess into a world pulsing with curiosity, suspense, and intellectual brilliance. Her unique characters do more than inspire children; they embody universal values we urgently need today. This is a magical story capable of sparking a true passion for this noble game in the hearts of young readers" Dr. Jana Krivec, Assistant Professor of Psychology and International Chess Grandmaster.

In Marvelous World, the story unfolds through a series of interconnected creatures, each fearing the next, in a loop that feels familiar and eerily true. There are no absolute strengths, nor total weaknesses - only a web of emotions and instinct, gently guiding the child toward understanding fear… and eventually transcending it.

"Why is this book so important? In a world like ours, you either have to be completely mad—or incredibly visionary—to title a book ‘Marvelous World.’ And since madness has become fairly common, we prefer to see ourselves as bearers of a rare vision. We believe this book—this one in particular—can serve as a real tool for belief, and for helping others believe, that this harsh world we live in today… might truly become a marvelous one someday" Cinzia Secchamani, Literary Agent.

Behind Every Book… A Story of Its Own

The Author - Vesna Mišanović

An Olympic medalist and recipient of the “Freedom” Award from the International Peace Centre. Chosen as “Woman of the Year” in Bosnia, she also served as a consultant for several governments in the fields of mobility and strategic thinking. Her books have been translated into Bosnian, Italian, German, and English—and now reach Arabic readers with the same passion and purpose: to encourage deeper thinking.

The Illustrator - Nina Mašina (Aleksandra Nina Knježević)

A visual artist from Sarajevo, selected among the Top 200 illustrators worldwide, and known for designing covers of the Harry Potter series. Her playful lines and modern aesthetic earned her the Illustrators’ Award at the 2024 Bologna Children's Book Fair.

Translator of Chess Planet - Noura Al Khoury

An Emirati writer and translator focused on early childhood and motherhood topics. Her works bridge nature, local culture, and child engagement. Her book The Treasure of Shibhana was shortlisted for the Etisalat Award, and her short story The Temptation of Lemons won the Ghanem Ghubash Award.

Translator of Marvelous World - Maitha Al Khayat

A celebrated Emirati author and illustrator, known for her playful blend of global storytelling with Emirati identity. She won the 2024 Etisalat Award for The Pearl Diver’s Daughter and has been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2026, the most prestigious international award in children’s literature.

Why did we translate Mišanović’s works?

• Because her books give children the space to discover meaning on their own

• They respect questions more than answers

• They work for solo or shared reading

• And they redefine reading as an act of thinking—not just a school task

These books don’t pretend to fully understand the child’s world, but they ask honest questions. They don’t offer easy answers, but they equip children with tools for reflection. Most importantly, they leave something behind—something worth pausing for… even after the last page is turned.

Welcome, Vesna, to the Arabic library. And welcome to this kind of story, one we need more than ever in a time like ours.