President Maia Sandu pleasantly surprised children who came to the Bookfest International Book Fair by reading a fragment from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece “The Little Prince” and by having discussions with children fond of reading, IPN reports.

I a message published on her Facebook page, President Sandu said that many of the children told her that they are impatiently waiting for the start of the new school year. Among them were authentic reading champions – winners of the Reading Marathon staged by the National Children’s Library “Ion Creangă” – and also children who only learn to read, but are eager to listen to tales.

Maia Sandu said she was glad to see many good books and people fond of reading at Bookfest. ‘This year’s edition seems to be even more impressive – about 30,000 volumes, 30 important publishing houses of the Republic of Moldova and Romania, a multitude of launches and discussions between valuable writers from both sides of the Prut, a lot of very nice books for children and adolescents,” wrote the official.

President Sandu urged everyone to find time to get to Bookfest and discover beloved authors, fascinating books, publishing houses that promote the Romanian language with limitless love and devotion.

Chisinau hosts the sixth Bookfest International Book Fair during August 30 – September 3, 2023. The event is held under the patronage of the Presidents of the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Over 90 book launches will be mounted in the period, while the visitors will be able to meet authors face to face.