Amplifying Algerian Voices in Children's Literature
Picture Book Projects
We develop and publish picture books rooted in Algerian lives and experiences. We work with authors and illustrators who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge and imagination to each book.
The stories
Our creative approach makes space for:
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Everyday life and joy, family, friendship and belonging.
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Characters who shape their own stories, with emotional depth, humour, curiosity and strengths.
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The richness of Algerian experiences, across regions, languages and backgrounds.
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Cultural details that belong naturally to the story.
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Play and discovery that encourage confidence and imagination.
Stories of hardship have a place in our work, while our focus is on making more room for everyday life, joy and adventure in stories about Algerian childhood.
Words, images and language
We develop words and illustrations together, giving both room to tell the story.
Our projects can include languages such as English, Algerian Darija, Modern Standard Arabic and Tamazight. Each book’s languages and format are shaped around its story and readers.
How we work
Before a commission begins, we agree the creative brief, scope of work, commission terms and timetable with collaborators. Each creative brief includes the intended age range for the book.
Each project may begin with an idea, an existing text or a storyboard that we invite an author, an illustrator or both to develop. We collaborate through research, drafts, creative reviews, editing and design to prepare the book for publication.
We also aim to offer online professional development tailored to each project, helping creators develop their craft.
For authors and illustrators
We’d love to hear from authors, illustrators and author-illustrators, particularly Algerian creators, wherever you live. Whether you’re new to picture books or have experience creating them, you’re welcome to introduce yourself.
We value cultural understanding, thoughtful storytelling and a collaborative approach.
Introduce yourself through our expression of interest form. An expression of interest does not guarantee a commission.
For publishing specialists
We’d also love to hear from:
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Translators working in English, Algerian Darija, Modern Standard Arabic and Tamazight.
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Book designers with an interest in picture books, multilingual design and right-to-left typesetting.
Tell us about yourself and your work through our separate specialist form.
For enquiries or collaborations: info@darkiared.org
