Marrakech – The Institut Français du Maroc is taking part in the upcoming Salon international du livre enfant et jeunesse (SILEJ) – the international book fair for children and youth –, set to take place from November 8-16, at Anfa Park in Casablanca.
In line with its cultural season “J-Lioum, ici et maintenant,” which celebrates youth and creativity, the institute’s participation promises an experience where books meet imagination, art, and technology.
This 3rd edition of SILEJ pays tribute to “Le Petit Prince,” the timeless masterpiece by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who drew inspiration from his time in Tarfaya, Morocco.
The exhibition highlights the enduring literary and cultural ties between France and Morocco, a friendship built on shared stories and artistic dialogue.
Visitors will be invited into a creative laboratory where reading blends with innovation, through immersive workshops, author meet-and-greets, writing games, augmented reality experiences, and hands-on artistic sessions.
Among the invited Moroccan and French artists and illustrators are Nizar Akkaf, Anne Brugni, Naoual Charif, Mariama Diallo, Younes El Harroussi, Ismail Kass, Latifa Nejjari, Val Reiyel, Sophie Rohrbach, Cécile Roumiguière, Lili Scratchy, and the association Mentor’Elles.
Their workshops will explore caricature, collage, children’s philosophy, manga, and recycl’art, sparking the imagination of young readers.
The Institut will also present “Le Petit Prince: Pliez, rêvez, partagez,” a poetic journey that invites visitors to explore the world of the Little Prince through folding art, multilingual storytelling, and creative workshops in French, Arabic, Darija, and Amazigh.
Another highlight, “Sur le bout de la langue – Comptines et berceuses du monde” by Zeina Abirached, will run from November 5, to January 6, at Anfa Park.
Produced by Bibliocité for the libraries of Paris, the exhibition celebrates global oral traditions through a visual and sound installation featuring 50 lullabies and nursery rhymes collected by Nathalie Soussana and David Doucerain.
