The ruler of Sharjah inaugurates the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
The 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival commenced on Wednesday in Sharjah, under the slogan “Let the Books Embrace You,” featuring participation from publishing houses specializing in children’s literature from several Arab and foreign countries.
The opening ceremony of this cultural event, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority from April 23 to May 4, saw the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Sharjah.
This year’s edition features the participation of 122 publishing houses from 22 countries and will host 35 discussion sessions that will enrich the attendees’ culture and address the publishing reality in general and children’s literature in particular. It will also explore ways to promote the reading habit and overcome the challenges facing the book industry in the region and the world, in addition to a traveling exhibition, theater performances, and workshops.
The festival this year is rich with a series of interactive workshops presented by a selection of experts and specialists, aiming to develop children’s and youth’s skills and nurture their creative talents while broadening their intellectual and knowledge horizons.
Furthermore, the festival provides attendees with the opportunity to meet international guests who have received top global awards, with works that have topped bestseller lists in the fields of short stories, novels, science fiction, and illustrated books, while also getting to know literary works that have impacted children’s and youth literature worldwide.
The festival will host a number of prominent authors who have made significant contributions to children’s literature, including American author Stephan Pastis, creator of the “Timmy Failure” series, fellow American children’s book author Misako Rocks, and British author Nicola Morgan.
It is also worth noting that the festival provides visitors with the opportunity to meet Canadian author Colleen Nelson, an award-winning writer of children’s and young adult stories known for her book “The Secret Book List,” and her compatriot Rukhsana Khan, a bestselling children’s author who has won numerous awards, including for her book “Big Red Lollipop,” alongside Australian author Andrea Rowe.
