With writers, translators, judges, and book-loving children in attendance:

The First Flying Turtle Festival Outside the Capital Held at Royan BookCity

The first-ever unveiling ceremony of the Flying Turtle Award lists outside Tehran was held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Royan BookCity, with the presence of a lively gathering of writers, translators, judges, cultural figures, and enthusiastic young readers. The event celebrated the release of the 53rd and 54th Flying Turtle lists, featuring the best children’s and young adult books published in spring and summer 2024.

The celebration opened with a live performance of the Flying Turtle theme music and a warm welcome from Azadeh Fakhari, Director of Royan BookCity. Following that, Formehr Monjezi, a long-time member of the award’s jury, shared insights into the thirteen-year journey of the Flying Turtle Award and praised the jury’s continued commitment to fair and thoughtful evaluation of children’s books.

The event’s special guest was Razi Hirmandi—veteran translator, writer, and recipient of the 2025 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) Honorary Diploma—whose presence drew warm and emotional applause from the audience.

Ali Jafarabadi, CEO of the BookCity Institute, expressed his appreciation for Royan BookCity’s efforts in promoting children’s and young adult literature. He emphasized the institute’s mission to expand cultural programs across the country and ensure that the joy of reading and the spirit of creativity reach children everywhere. In his words, BookCity’s ongoing initiatives are rooted in a belief that books can help build a thoughtful, imaginative, and empathetic generation.

In the following segment, Ramin Molaei, translator, spoke about the challenges and hopes within the field of children’s literature translation, while Tayebeh Ejeyi, head of BookCity’s children and young adult department, thanked the young participants and highlighted the importance of involving children themselves in cultural events designed for them.

The artistic performances became one of the most delightful parts of the evening. The Children’s Theatre Group of Royan BookCity —featuring Aylin Esmaeili, Lavinia Mojtahedzadeh, Ayhan Esmaeili, Delnaz Khodaei, Yata Ahmadian, and Rayan Fakhari—brought color, laughter, and energy to the stage. Later, a musical theatre piece by the “Jabeh Jadooyi” (Magic Box) group (performed by Parvaneh and Pooneh Shabani and Maryam Bahari) enriched the evening’s creative spirit, accompanied by Aref Ghazvini on setar, Pooneh Shabani on tonbak and cajón, and Peyman Shabani on clarinet.

The Flying Turtle Festival at Royan BookCity was not merely a local cultural event—it was a celebration of BookCity’s social and educational mission: to nurture reading as a shared experience between children, families, and educators; to strengthen local cultural networks beyond the capital; and to reaffirm the belief that every child, in every city, deserves access to good books and the joy they bring.

With heartfelt participation from families, the dedication of Royan BookCity’s staff, and the contagious enthusiasm of young readers, the event became one of the most inspiring and memorable moments in the country’s cultural calendar this year.