Readers to leaders: SCRF raises next generation of leaders through books

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) along with the 2nd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC), underway till May 12 at Sharjah Expo Centre, is seeing the participation of Al Qasimi Publications.

It was established in 2019 by an Emiri Decree issued by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Mariam Jassim Sajwani who was in the stall of the publisher, said that one of the newest books in its repertoire was a children’s volume written by Italian author, Maria Ana Morena. Titled The Brave Kingfisher, it is a story of Ali, the little-big kingfisher, who saves birds in their sanctuary in Kalba, Sharjah emirate.

“The author visited Kalba before she wrote this story,” Sajwani said. “Maria loved Kalba so much, she wanted to express it in words. The book is the result.” It is a slim volume, but is a roller coaster ride, as Ali takes his fellow birds — and the readers — in search of an environmentalist who is known for nature preservation.

Tharushika Veeraman (left) and Jahanzaib Karim of Haspex Books.

The book talks about the beauty of Kalba and also about the birds which make their home there. The Arab Children’s Book Publisher Forum is also present at the event. Its aim is to upgrade the children’s book publishing industry; reinforce the mission of Arab children’s book publishers; upgrade the Arab children’s book industry in form and in content and expand areas of cooperation and joint action between Arabs working in the children’s book industry.

The goal of Sharjah-based Haspex Books is to fulfill the needs of all children, irrespective of age. It brings out Curriculum books (Arabic & English, from KG to G12); English books (fiction and non-fiction); Arabic books (fiction and non-fiction); Educational Resources (Flash Cards, Puzzles, etc.); provide Online Resources (App Reading); Educational Soft Toys; Indoor and Outdoor Play items; Stationery and Arts and Crafts material.

One of their children’s books offerings is the Unicorn Magic series by Daisy Meadows. Daisy Meadows is the pseudonym for a small collective of writers of the Rainbow Magic children’s series. Rainbow Magic features differing groups of fairies as main characters, including the Jewel fairies, Weather fairies, Pet fairies, Petal fairies, and Sporty fairies.

 Characters at SCRF.

It is a secret world full of magic, unicorns and friendship! Jahanzaib Karim and Tharushika Veeraman are holding fort at Haspex. The brand is owned by Jahanzaib’s brother, Tariq, and is located in Business Centre, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. Situated in Rolla, Sharjah, Alpha Bookshop LLC is 35 years old in the business, point out Jitin and Surendran, who are looking after its interests at SCRF. “Books are key to your imagination,” says the Alpha bookmarker.

The store offers an extensive and diverse collection of books that cater to various interests and age groups. “From bestsellers and classics to academic textbooks and children’s literature, its shelves are filled with a wide range of reading treasures,” the bookshop points out.

Emilia from the Philippines is in charge of the Kiddos Publishing booth at SCRF. Kiddos is of course focused on offering reading and playing material for children.

Annually, the exhibition calls upon professional illustrators from all over the world to participate and compete with each other under neutral rules and principles and display their artwork to the public, and eventually receive awards. Apart from its main role as an art exhibition, the exhibition also aims to promote the illustrators’ works and provides a communications platform for them and authors, publishers and children.

Surendran (right) and Jitin at Alpha Book Shop.

Providing contact details of illustrators, it introduces them to the public in order to strengthen exchanges and reinforce creative work. Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of Fairs and Festivals, said that “without needing any words, drawings narrate our dreams, thoughts, history, and future. With their beauty and creativity, they play a starring role in every story we read or watch, transforming imagination and ideas into a visual world that is close to reality.

The exhibition’s goals remain clear, embodied in advancing the industry of children’s book illustrations, and opening a broad horizon for new generations to appreciate creativity, celebrate imagination, and make their reading experience a fascinating and enjoyable world, in which words accompany drawing, and form, line, and colour and become a language for raising awareness, acquiring knowledge, and celebrating beauty.”

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority which leads on several cultural projects and events in the UAE including SCRF, said that the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustrators Exhibition “every year represents an opportunity to appreciate the creators who craft paintings that carry stories, meanings and noble messages, and celebrates their work and what they have added to this important field in the children’s book industry sector.

Our message to illustrators, publishers and authors, especially those specialising in children’s books, is that your efforts are greatly appreciated. You are active contributors to shaping the future of societies, and your visions shape the next generation of leaders, creators, and all inspiring personalities.”