Conference 2025 Reading for Pleasure | Top Benefits of Reading for Pleasure Top Benefits of Reading for Pleasure

Friends of Reading for Pleasure

"Friends of Reading for Pleasure” brings together individuals and organisations from around the world who have made, or are making, a meaningful impact in promoting this vital area. Through their support, collaboration, and advocacy, these valued friends help strengthen our message about the profound and long-lasting benefits that reading can have on a child’s life while fostering imagination, improving literacy, and nurturing emotional well-being. Together, we are building a global community united by a shared commitment to inspiring every child to discover the life-long love of reading

Professor Kathy Rastle

Kathy Rastle is a Professor of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London who has published over 100 articles on the mechanisms that underpin skilled reading and learning to read. Rastle's research has received over 20 years of continuous funding and has won a series of major prizes. She is very interested in using research to improve reading outcomes for children and recently won the ESRC's "Celebrating Impact" Prize recognizing the global impact of her work. She is a past President of the Experimental Psychology Society of the United Kingdom and is a Fellow of the Academia Europaea.

Professor Teresa Cremin

Professor Teresa Cremin is Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University, UK, and co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre. An ex-teacher and teacher trainer, Teresa’s research focuses on volitional reading and writing, and teachers’ and children’s literate identities. A Fellow of the EA, AcSS and RSA, Teresa is a Trustee of UKLA and advises the DfE on reading for pleasure. She has published over 35 books on teaching literacy, most recently Reading for Pleasure: International Perspectives, Reading and Writing for Pleasure: An Evidence-informed Framework for Practice (both 2025) and Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure (2022) with colleagues.

Isabel Thomas

Isabel Thomas is an award-winning science writer, presenter and educator. She has an MSc Human Sciences from the University of Oxford and MPhil Education Research from the University of Cambridge. Isabel has written more than 300 books for young audiences, published internationally in 25 languages. She is a two-time winner of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (2020 and 2023). Isabel also writes science features for outlets including BBC Bitesize, and has designed outreach projects for a wide range of organisations, inspiring children from diverse backgrounds to pursue science and arts education and careers.

Dr. Sabine Little

Dr Sabine Little is Senior Lecturer in Languages Education and Director of ducation at the University of Sheffield. Her work has informed the National Literacy Trust (UK), the International Baccalaureate Association, and World Book Day. Her research on multilingual children's libraries has won the international Brenda Eastwood Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr Little's work focuses on the intersectionality between multilingualism, identity, and belonging, using literacy, technology, and multimodality as common topics. She frequently works and published with children and young people as co-researchers, and is committed to participatory research.

Annie Ho

Annie Ho is a board governor of the Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award and past board chairperson of Bring Me A Book Hong Kong. A former lawyer, Annie is also a former columnist for Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, where she wrote about children’s books, reading for pleasure and her personal parenting experience. She devotes much of her time to promoting family literacy in the Greater China region, and finds much joy in reading both silently and aloud.

Professor Kevin Paterson

Professor Kevin B. Paterson is a leading figure in psycholinguistics with a PhD from the University of Glasgow. Currently, he serves as the head of the School of Psychology and Vision Sciences at the University of Leicester, where he conducts critical research into the cognitive mechanisms that underlie the process of reading, how reading ability changes with age, and how reading varies across different languages. His innovative use of eye-tracking and EEG co-registration has significantly advanced the field. He has gained international recognition and was honored with the Haihe Friendship Award for his outstanding contributions to the development of Tianjin’s economy (in China) and society. His work, funded by well-known agencies, impacts a wide range of languages and ages. Professor Paterson's influence is also seen in his editorial work with major journals such as the Journal of Research in Reading, Journal of Eye Movement Research, Psychology and Aging, and The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, indicating his key role in guiding academic conversation in psycholinguistics. His previous editorial positions with Frontiers in Psychology and PLOS ONE also highlight his sustained influence in the field.

Charles Hulme

Charles Hulme is a psychologist and academic known for his influential research in the fields of language development, reading, and learning disabilities. He has held professorial positions at leading institutions, including the University of Oxford, where he served as Professor of Psychology and Education. Hulme’s work has significantly advanced understanding of the cognitive and linguistic foundations of reading and language disorders, particularly dyslexia. He has co-authored numerous scholarly books and articles, often collaborating with other prominent researchers, and has contributed to shaping educational practices and interventions for children with learning difficulties.

Eli Ghazel

Eli Ghazel has dedicated his career to innovation from the very beginning, striving to improve existing norms and systems. His numerous accomplishments in this field reflect hisunwavering dedication. In his capacity as an author and editor of textbooks covering subjectssuch as English as a second language, Science, and Health, he collaborates with publishers and Ministries of Education. Eli has designed curricula and worked with numerous educators for Ministries of Education in the Middle East and Gulf. A lifelong learner himself, Eli Ghazel is committed to inspiring high-quality learning to enrich the future of students.

Ali Al-Shaali

Ali Al-Shaali is a poet, novelist, and publisher.He is an alumnus of both the renowned International Writing Program at the University of Iowa and the Frankfurt Book Fair Fellowship Program, he holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management. He has published five poetry anthologies and a novel, along with a collection of cultural essays on publishing and writing titled Chambers with Windows, and a short story collection, Lives in Pomegranates. His work has been widely acclaimed by critics and readers alike. His debut novel was longlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and went on to win the prestigious Al Owais Award for Creativity. In 2024, he was named Poet of the Year at the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival. His poetry collection The Earth Has But One Soul has been published in Spanish, Turkish, and Greek, and translated into Italian, Korean, and English. Beyond his literary achievements, Ali is deeply engaged in the regional cultural scene as both an author and a publisher. In 2011, he founded the Al Hudhud Group for Publishing and Distribution, which includes Al Hudhud for children and young adults, Alloha for adults, and Flamingo e-bookshop.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hussain

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hussain holds a PhD in Early Childhood Education and is widely recognized as an expert in Excellence in Education . His contributions to international initiatives are notable, particularly through his collaborations with organizations such as UNICEF and UNESCO. Among his most impactful projects are The Child-Friendly School and the Reading and Education Initiative across the Arab world—both designed to elevate educational standards and expand access for children. Dr. Al-Hussain’s work centers on the vital connection between quality education, happiness, and a lifelong love of learning rooted in harmony with nature and the earth. He currently serves as an advisor at the UNESCO Center for Educational Quality.

Dr. Ali Abdelkader‌

Dr. Ali Abdelkader is an academic, researcher, and author with a PhD in Children's Literature. His work spans the creation of reading series, instructional guides, and document-based educational books. He leads training programs in various Arabic language skills and develops initiatives aimed at advancing Arabic language education.A passionate advocate for reading, Dr. Abdelkader launched a seven-year national reading campaign that culminated in receiving the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Award for the Arabic Language. His most renowned publication is the Children’s Literature Encyclopedia. He writes extensively in the field of children’s literature—both creatively and critically—and has published a wide array of works, including reading series, stories, and educational games. Several of his titles have earned distinguished literary awards across the Arab world.Dr. Abdelkader has also recorded radio and television segments for media programs dedicated to the Arabic language

Maha Zaki

Maha Zaki is a prominent specialist in the field of child education and development. She currently serves as Senior Specialist at the Children’s Library of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Renowned for her passion in nurturing young minds, she designs and delivers creative, holistic programs that foster reading, learning, and self-expression.Maha holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, and has also completed a diploma in Digital Marketing. Her previous experience includes teaching at schools and universities, as well as organizing and coordinating events—reflecting an integrated approach that bridges education with community engagement

Nermen Badr

Nermen Badr is a writer, editor, and trainer specializing in children's literature, dedicated to cultivating a culture of reading for pleasure across the Arab world. She is the founder of Tannoon, an initiative that promotes read-aloud practices, and has led workshops for educators and parents on storytelling techniques and selecting age-appropriate books for children.With extensive experience in editing children’s books and publishing illustrated stories, Nermen also runs interactive teen reading clubs that blend literature with engaging activities. Her professional journey began as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Pharmacy before she fully embraced the world of children’s literature.She is currently preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, and holds a certificate in Child Mental Health from Stanford University.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Hinai

Dr. Abdullah Al-Hinai is the Director of the Medical Library at Sultan Qaboos University and serves as Chair of the Committee for Arab Library and Information Associations within the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information. He is also a board member of the Omani Research Repository (Shuaa).Holding a Master’s degree in Information Studies, Dr. Al-Hinai is a certified trainer in medical databases and a dedicated researcher in the fields of libraries and information institutions—particularly those aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its emerging domains.He has presented numerous scholarly papers at local and regional conferences and has led a wide range of training programs in information studies. In recognition of his academic excellence, Dr. Al-Hinai was awarded the Naseej Prize for Best Scientific Paper at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Special Libraries Association – Arabian Gulf Chapter

Sahar Naja

Sahar Naja is a Beirut-born, mother of 3 and living in the UAE for many years. Lebanese author for children and Youth. She found in the Arabic language the beauty, expressiveness and flexibility that bring a story alive. Participated in many exhibitions and Literature Festivals. Worked as Content Manager for Pearson Education Arabic Curriculum. Founder and coordinator of a group of female writers based in UAE called HUNNA since 2013.The year 2021 was the beginning of a new journey, as she found her own publishing house called Kiwi Stories.Among her stories: My mom’s scent, Searching for Something, and Forest of Colors.

Dr. Nuzha Al Yaman

Dr. Nuzha Al-Yemeni is the founder and director of Ida’at Al-Fikr for Speed Reading. A specialist in speed reading and cognitive skills training, she has dedicated her career to promoting a culture of effective reading. Dr. Al-Yemeni has developed specialized training programs designed to enhance reading speed and comprehension among children, youth, and educators alike. With extensive experience in designing and delivering courses that help learners read faster without losing understanding—while improving focus and memory—she has made a lasting impact in the field. Through her institution, she has led workshops and educational initiatives across several Arab countries, inspiring readers to view reading as both an enjoyable habit and an essential life skill.

Anna Boni

Anna is an education expert and practitioner with over 30 years of global experience across the UK, Europe, MENA, South Asia, and Africa. She has worked as a teacher, principal educational psychologist, and school inspector, specializing in literacy, numeracy, pedagogy, school leadership, initial teacher education and curriculum reform. As a former senior education specialist at the World Bank and His Majesty’s Inspector of Education, she has led large-scale education system reforms, supporting policy development and implementation. Her expertise spans classroom practice to national strategy. Anna holds degrees in Biological Sciences, Educational Psychology, and an MBA, integrating research and education transformation.

Dr. Lamya Tawfik

Dr. Lamya Tawfik, is a certified Parenting and Kids Life Coach, creative arts facilities and performing artist (storyteller and actress). She holds a PhD in Childhood Studies (Children's Media and Culture) from the Institute Postgraduate Childhood Studies at Ain Shams University in Cairo. Her journey as a performing artist started in 2009. Since then, she has performed in English, Arabic, and Italian with several theater groups in Dubai. As a storyteller, she has performed in many children's events, storytelling festivals, and book fairs.

Mai Farouk

Mai Farouk is the Development Manager for the Middle East with Room to Read, where she leads fundraising and partnership development efforts to advance literacy and girls’ education across the region. Since joining the organization in 2023, she has focused on building strategic relationships to expand access to foundational life skills for children. Prior to Room to Read, Mai spent four years at Save the Children, where she specialized in developing partnerships with foundations and institutional donors across the Gulf region. Earlier in her career, Mai worked in academia, building partnerships with industry and schools to enrich students’ educational experiences. She is a computer science graduate with a strong interest in data, evidence, and how insights are used to measure impact and inform decision-making in the social sector.Based in Dubai for the past 17 years, Mai is an active volunteer and community leader, including her engagement with her Alma Mater, the American University in Cairo, Alumni Chapter in Dubai. She is deeply passionate about wellbeing, mental health, and creating meaningful social impact. A lifelong reader, Mai enjoys books in both Arabic and English, across fiction and non-fiction, and believes strongly in the power of reading to transform lives.

Ebtisam Al-Beiti‌

Ebtisam Al-Beiti is a Senior Specialist in Quality Improvement at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, where she works closely with the Early Years sector to strengthen standards, support self-review, and embed continuous improvement practices across ECCs in Dubai. Her work focuses on building sustainable quality frameworks and ensuring that young learners remain at the heart of every improvement journey. Alongside her role in education policy and quality enhancement, Ebtisam is an established Emirati children’s author and passionate literacy advocate. She has published four books: Can I Go Out Now?, Citrus the Smoothie Sloth, A Dragon Called Blue, and her latest book, Fly Red Fly, published in January 2026. Through her storytelling, school visits, and literary events, she champions the joy of reading and the power of language to nurture confidence, imagination, and lifelong learning habits in children. Ebtisam’s work bridges the worlds of education leadership and children’s literature, always with a focus on nurturing curious, empowered and confident young learners.