*Latest Event* 55-Word Writing Workshops
We're wild about writing... 55-word stories
Feb 2024 - Who knew so many people were into micro-fiction?
Luqoom founder and author of '55 slightly sinister stories', Racha Mourtada, conducted two fully-booked 55-word writing workshops at the cozy Aaliya's Books in Gemmayze, Beirut, this February.
Participants learned about retaining all the elements of good storytelling in such a constrained format; analyzed a few sinister stories; and tackled topics that ranged from family secrets and AI-assisted crimes to life-changing events and current affairs. And of course there were some rose loukoums to nibble on for energy!
Thanks to everyone who came for being so engaged and rolling up their sleeves to write some great stories, including a couple in Arabic.
For more pictures and examples of stories by our talented participants, check our Photos page :)
*NEW BOOK* - I'll Love You from Afar (AR) - سأحبّك أينما كنت
سأحبّك أينما كنت كتاب يعرض الطرق الرائعة والمبتكرة التي تساعدنا على التواصل مع أحبائنا أينما كانوا، ربما بمساعدة حيتان تغني أحلى الألحان أو عبر رسائل تكتب بين النجوم! قد يكون أحباؤنا على بعد أو تصعب زيارتهم، ولكنّ ذلك لن يقلّل من محبّتنا تجاههم. يذكّرنا هذا الكتاب بأنه يمكننا أن نحبّ بعضنا البعض رغم المسافات بيننا.
We all feel like we’ve missed out on our fair share of hugs and physical affection these past couple of years because of the coronavirus. “I’ll Love You from Afar” is an ode to all the wonderful and imaginative ways we can still love each other while we’re apart–like using singing whales and writing notes in the stars! And it's now available in Arabic!
سأحبّك أينما كنت
Written by: Racha Mourtada, Illustrated by: Sasha Haddad
Release Date: Aug. 2023
Hardcover/32 pp/26x26 cm
Ages: 7 and above
ISBN Hardcover: 978-9953-9033-7-8
- Available in Beirut bookstores, including Antoine, Virgin, Halabi Bookshop, Cookie Dough Boutique and The Little Bookshop
- Coming to UAE and Saudi bookstores soon, including Kinokuniya, Virgin and Jashanmal. We’ll keep you posted!
- Online purchase and worldwide delivery from Amazon UK, Halabi Bookshop and Cookie Dough Boutique.
* Take a sneak peek on our Photos page!
Founding Luqoom - Interview with Ebtedy.com
Ebtedy.com, Oct 12, 2022 - It is said that we (adults) all have an inner child dormant within us. Some choose to tame it at all times, wearing the maturity suit as dictated by society; others choose to release it on special occasions or within contexts they deem appropriate; only a few recognize its right to fully exist in our adult life.
After a career as a biomedical engineer, UN researcher, and public policy analyst in Dubai, Racha Mourtada decided that it was time to honour her inner child by unleashing her passion for writing and reviving her life-long love for children's books. [cont'd...]
Our Story
We have a sweet tooth for books
Founded by Racha Mourtada in 2018, Luqoom is a boutique publisher of pretty picture books in Arabic and English, based in Beirut. We believe books are treats to be savoured. They should be held, pored over, snuggled with and shared.
At Luqoom, we know that the combination of spare prose and beautiful imagery can create something magical. We strive to make luscious books that are captivating and visually rich, inviting kids (and the young at heart) into a world where they can let their curiosity and imagination run free.
We pride ourselves on using sustainably sourced materials and local talent.
We are particularly partial to science, silliness and good storytelling.