Why Should I Sleep Early?

Taghreed Najjar, was awarded the 2021 Jordanian State Award for children Literature. She has been a several time nominee for the Astrid Lindgren award and a several-time winner and short listee of the Etisalat Prize for Arabic Children’s Literature. Her YA novel Whose Doll is This? Won the YA book of the year (2019)

With a portfolio spanning 4 decades, Taghreed – a multifaceted author - writes picture books, middle grade and young adult books. Her picture books have become classics that are read and enjoyed by generations. While her YA novels have found great success in addressing difficult subjects reflecting political and cultural realities in the region.
Several of Najjar’s books have been recommended by “White Ravens” and several have been translated to languages including English, Italian, Swedish, Danish, French and Turkish.

About the Illustrator

Lujaina Aseel was born in Damascus. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication and Interior Architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus. She worked in illustration and art direction for Syrian and Arab children's magazines and books. Lujaina conducted lectures and supervised numerous workshops on children's book illustration in Italy, Kuwait, Sharjah, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Syria. She participated in international exhibitions of children's book illustrations in Slovakia, Japan, Iran, Paris, and Italy. She has over 200 paintings acquired by museums or privately. She designed many book covers and advertising campaigns, as well as designed the decor and puppet characters for children's theater. Lujaina has also designed and illustrated over 65 children's books published by publishing houses in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Lajina received a number of international awards. Lujaina passed away on February 29 2024, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.