At an insightful panel discussion at the ongoing Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) 2025, Chloe Savage, Beth Ferry, Shayma’ Nasser Al-Qalaf, and Khalid Al Khawaar – all passionate advocates of visual storytelling – asserted that illustrations not only enhance narratives but also bridge cultural divides and leave lasting impressions on young readers.
“What draws me to children’s literature is the search for magic – the kind that lets a child step into an entirely different world, filled with wonder and astonishment,” said Abu Dhabi-based Emirati writer, filmmaker and artist Al Khawaar.
“My travels around the world have shown me that curiosity is universal. Something as ordinary as a date palm tree to us can feel extraordinary to someone unfamiliar with the Arab world. That’s the beauty of picture books — they turn the familiar into something fascinating”, he added.
Building on Al Khawaar’s idea of transporting children into magical worlds, Savage, author-illustrator of her popular debut picture book The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish, emphasised the role of picture books in sparking curiosity with a ‘purpose’. “Children are the future, and they care deeply about the world around them.
If we can encourage that awareness early, through stories that reflect the environment or touch on something like climate change, it becomes powerful. Picture books can serve as immersive windows into worlds they haven’t seen yet, helping them relate, reflect, and imagine how they can make a difference.”
When asked what sparks her creative process, Ferry – who wrote Stick and Stone that made the New York Times Best Seller List 2015 – said: “What I love about ideas is that they can come from absolutely anywhere. Sometimes it’s a single word – I’ll hear it, turn it around in my head, and start to play with it.
Other times, it’s something as ordinary as watching my dog chewing on a stick, and suddenly, a story begins to form. Often, it’s when you’re not even looking that the best ideas appear – like little gifts waiting to be unwrapped.”
Meanwhile, speaking about the delicate balance between “creativity, education, and engaging young readers”, Al-Qalaf explained her approach: “For me, art, writing, and education aren’t separate disciplines – they’re like ingredients in a recipe.
I’m always asking: how can I combine them to create something truly delicious for children? I’ve learned so much just by spending time with them, observing how they think and respond. Today’s children are very different from the past; they’re surrounded by temptations that pull them away from books. So, I try to understand their mentality and craft something beautiful that captures their curiosity and pulls them in.”
