Moosa Latheef launches children's story series "Dhonko"

The experienced writer and journalist Moosa Latheef launched his children's storybook series, "Dhonko," this afternoon.

Moosa's first children's book series in his long career was launched at a ceremony held at Citron Restaurant by Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Chairman of "Haveeru," the newspaper where Moosa worked for many years.

The "Dhonko" series, based on a character created from Moosa's own imagination, includes five books:

1.      Dhonko aa Edhuru Be 

2.      Ketheege Bodhu Thoofaan 

3.      Kamanage Kalhu Lah 

4.      Kandu Vigan 

5.      Eiyakka 

Moosa stated that these stories were written 11 years ago as part of his effort to write books in the Dhivehi language for children, aiming to revitalize the declining use of the language. He noted that this launch marks the beginning of this project.

"My sole purpose is to bring children into the world of the Dhivehi language," said Moosa, who is a recipient of the National Award of Honour in Journalism.

"It shows a fantasy world that children will be interested in. However, every character and every story revolves around the Maldivian environment and Maldivian customs and traditions."

Moosa plans to further develop the "Dhonko" character and release stories aimed at different age groups, including a series specifically for teenagers in the future.

Moosa sought the assistance of renowned Dhivehi language expert and skilled poet Fares Mohamed Amir to ensure the language used in the books is appropriate for children. The illustrations for the books were done by Fathimath Munal Sujau.

Moosa, the former editor of "Haveeru" and "Mihaaru" and current editor of "Dhauru" newspaper, has previously authored four other books: three long fiction novels, Aniya, Adhirifaraaiy, and Ekani and a non-fiction book about a political incident, Hatheh February - The Seventh of February. Moosa has also written scripts for Maldivian films, notably Himeyn Dhuniye.

The children's books are priced at MVR 65 per book. If purchased as a set of five, they are available at a special price of MVR 315.

Those interested in purchasing the books can do so by sending a Viber message to 7335353.