News

Here at the Hindawi Foundation, we know that fantastic illustrations are key to capturing a child's imagination. That is why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership between our free digital children's book platform, Booktime, and Birmingham City University (BCU).

We are working with undergraduates in BCU's Illustration course, giving these emerging artists the chance to see their artwork published online and enjoyed by children across the globe.

From Brief to Publication

As part of their Live Projects module, BCU students are participating in a new assignment, From Brief to Publication. The project gives students the opportunity to illustrate a manuscript, taking it from an initial brief all the way through to a fully illustrated, published book.

• "We're building a library of original stories in many languages, and fantastic illustrations are key. Working with students brings new ideas and perspectives, and we're always excited to see what emerging illustrators can do."
• — Dr. Ahmed Hindawi, Co-founder of the Hindawi Foundation

Students begin by selecting a manuscript and bringing it to life with their own character designs and sample illustrations. Guided by Booktime's editorial team, they then create a set of black-and-white and color artworks, which are assessed for both artistic quality and narrative impact.

Creators whose work stands out may be officially commissioned to complete the illustrations, with their finished book published as part of Booktime's expanding digital library.

Real-World Industry Experience

The partnership is about more than just drawing; it provides students with a real insight into how the publishing industry works.

• "There is nothing more transformative than watching emerging illustrators step into a live brief, responding to the same pressures, expectations, and standards that shape our industry. When there is the real possibility of a commission at the end of the module, the stakes shift — the work becomes far more considered and resolved, building portfolios and professional identity and helping participants see themselves as practicing illustrators whose work can reach audiences worldwide."
• — Helen Wheeler, Course Director for BCU's Illustration Course

A Global Audience

Since we launched Booktime in 2024, our not-for-profit platform has grown at a fast pace. We currently reach around 250,000 readers around the world per month.

With new original books with beautiful illustrations released every month, the Booktime app and website currently offer books in 9 languages, with plans to expand our catalog to 15 languages by 2027.

What's Next?

We are incredibly impressed by the talent at Birmingham City University, and we aren't stopping here. The Hindawi Foundation is set to roll out the From Brief to Publication assignment across the country, with students at Westminster University in London next in line to take part.

We cannot wait to share the brilliant work these students create for our young readers around the world!