‘Kiki’ is not just going to Corniche – she is really going places. That, in short, is an apt sum up of the recent book launch of ‘Kiki goes to Corniche’, crafted by Elizabeth Davis, and launched by Dr Siham Al Harthy, board member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and chairperson of their tourism committee, at the recently concluded 29th Muscat International Book Fair, which was held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Attained international status
While the book, which according to the press, “invites young readers to discover the charm of Oman through the eyes of Little Kiki, who journeys through the iconic Corniche with her grandmother, fondly known as Ammu,” is a travelogue and chronicles Kiki’s journey, it has already attained regional and international status, having been displayed at the Oman Pavilion at the ITB Berlin, last year and has also been a part of the Oman tourism roadshow in the United Status.
Kiki goes to Dubai Creek
Besides this, “the original of the book is housed in the special collection at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai,” Elizabeth detailed to the Black & White. “They had also commissioned me to do a similar book called, ‘Kiki goes to Dubai Creek’. Five hundred copies were printed by them for the library’s use,” she added.
Appeals to all ages
The book, ‘Kiki goes to Corniche’ is a travelogue for little children. It is illustrated with pen and watercolours, often straying into mixed media like cloth, luban etc., to keep a charming authenticity. It is interactive as it has activity-oriented cut-outs and pop-ups. The book is an easy read as it has only one-liners in each page often with a twist of humour. Even though the book is targeted at children aged five to 10, it appeals to all ages, the author tells us, adding that it “explores Muttrah corniche through the eyes of a little child”.
Excerpts:
‘Kiki goes to Corniche’. What is the book about? What type of book is it? Could you explain how exactly the book works? And, what age group of children are you targeting?
The book is a travelogue for little children. It is illustrated with pen and watercolours, but I have often strayed into mixed media like cloth, luban, etc. to keep a charming authenticity. The book is interactive as it has activity-oriented cut-outs and pop-ups. The book is an easy read as it has only one-liners in each page often with a twist of humour. Even though the book is targeted at children aged five to 10, it appeals to all ages with its simplicity and charm.
What is the theme of this book? Is ‘Kiki’ the main character and what exactly does she do? What does the book explore?
The book is a tour on Muttrah corniche, starting with the fish market and ending near Kalbuh park. It is based on the ‘Name Place Animal Thing’ format and was done as an entry for an exhibition. Kiki is the pet name of my granddaughter Kiara to whom this book is dedicated. At that time, she was three. The book explores Muttrah corniche through the eyes of a little child.
Is it based on a true story?
It is basically a child’s guide to the corniche and not a tale. It incorporates my 30 years of living in Oman and the innumerable visits to the corniche.
Is this the first-ever time you are exploring the world of words and letters? How exactly have you moved from the art world to the world of words? What inspired you to create this book?
Yes, it is my first sketchbook or book for that matter. The world of words and letters is very familiar to me, but from the other side. The crossing over was a very delightful experience. I did not move, but carried my art to the world of words. Honestly, the inspiration was just to take part in the exhibition, but I was hooked from the word go!
Give us a brief about your exploration in the world of art and how you have coalesced both worlds of art and words into book form?
Art has always been an integral part of my life, from a sketching grandma to a stitching mother and arty siblings. But it is only in the last 10 years that it has come to the fore and it has been a very fruitful and satisfying journey since then. What I realised when I was doing this book was that there was a coming together of art, letters and science. A major part of doing the book was in making the rough draft where the positioning of each page and cut out was crucial. I was almost like an engineering draughtsman.
Is this book a long-held desire of yours?
As an avid reader, I would dream of being a famous writer, but that’s where it stopped. This was my first sketchbook and it was done just to take part in the exhibition and to try something new.
How long did you take to start and complete this book project?
Actually, initially, I had decided not to take part, but then they extended the last date, so I thought I would give it a try. I finished the book in less than three weeks. I was all fired up and working non-stop. My head was overflowing with ideas. It still is…
Give us a brief about the book launch?
The book was formally launched in Oman during the 29th Muscat International Book Fair by Dr Siham Al Harthy, board member, OCCI and chairperson of the tourism committee. It was held in front of Al Bhaj book stall where the books are being showcased at the OCEC, in the presence of well-wishers, educators, the press, family and friends. Later on, it was also promoted by the Oman book lovers’ club on Oman FM show.
The first edition of the book was fully sold out and the launch was basically with the second edition.
My book has been displayed in the Oman Pavilion at the ITB Berlin, 2024 and has been a part of the Oman tourism roadshow in the US. The original of the book is housed in the special collection at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai. They had also commissioned me to do a similar book called ‘Kiki goes to Dubai Creek’. Five hundred copies were printed by them for the library’s use.
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