Authors urge more child-centred storytelling in Arabic kids' lit

RABAT: Literary experts from the UAE and Morocco have urged a move away from adult-centric perspectives in the creation of children’s books, calling instead for storytelling rooted in an understanding of children’s emotional and psychological worlds.

This was the central message of a dialogue titled “The aesthetics of Emirati and Moroccan children's books”, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair.

The session featured Emirati author Fatima Al Ameri and Moroccan writer Mustafa Al Nahal, and was moderated by Emirati poet, Sheikha Al Mutairi.

Fatima Al Ameri, drawing on her experience with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), shared insights from evaluating stories written by children themselves.

She noted that young writers often demonstrate a natural affinity for movement, imagination and sensory detail, referencing one story where a child envisioned a hand turning into an octopus.

Al Ameri stressed that authentic children’s literature must avoid over-simplification and instead be informed by a deeper understanding of how children perceive and construct the world around them. She argued that when given the freedom to express themselves, children are more than capable of creating intricate and imaginative storylines.

She also spoke about the production hurdles facing the children’s book industry, particularly the high costs associated with illustrations, paper stock and cover design. She affirmed that investment in these creative and material elements is essential to stimulate children’s interest and foster a love for reading.

Addressing the session, Al Nahal identified key challenges facing Arabic children’s literature, most notably the persistence of adult-dominated narratives that fail to centre the child’s perspective. He criticised the prevailing tendency among publishers to treat children as passive readers, noting the lack of specialised psychological consultants in the production process who could ensure developmentally appropriate content.

Al Nahal cited a leading initiative in Meknes, Morocco, that has involved teachers and educators in the content creation process – an approach that has since gained traction and led to the development of more resonant and effective children’s stories.

He also offered a historical overview of Morocco’s publishing efforts in this field, highlighting the role of author Mohamed Al Ashari during his tenure as Minister of Culture. Al Ashari had encouraged publishers to allocate part of their output to children’s books, spurring a wave of innovation including the simultaneous release of colour and black-and-white editions to tackle cost-related accessibility challenges.

Aesthetics of Emirati and Moroccan heritage architecture

Researchers and experts have affirmed that traditional architecture in the UAE and Morocco transcends aesthetic appeal, serving as a profound expression of cultural identity and social values. Architecture in both countries uniquely reflects local environments and documents the progression of societal transformations.

These insights emerged during a panel discussion titled "The Aesthetics of Emirati and Moroccan Heritage Architecture," organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair.

The session featured Emirati researcher Hamad Bin Sarai and Moroccan researcher Dr. Zhour Karam, with writer Sheikha Al Mutairi moderating.

Sarai detailed essential features of traditional Emirati architecture, emphasising that its true beauty emerges through understanding historical, present, and future contexts.

He highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between architectural styles and maritime heritage, illustrating how cultural identity and environmental conditions have shaped design elements.

He further described the architectural adaptations across desert, mountainous, and coastal regions, emphasising solutions that meet local climatic conditions and daily needs. Traditional ventilation techniques such as flat roofs suitable for areas with low rainfall, Barajeel (wind towers) for natural cooling, and privacy-oriented window designs were discussed extensively.

Sarai also explored the diverse materials employed in Emirati architecture, including indigenous gypsum, palm fronds, East African mangrove wood, stone, coral, clay, and bamboo. Architectural embellishments like intricate details on doors, arches, and ceilings, along with aesthetic features such as sunscreens and pointed arches exemplified by historical sites like Al Bidya Mosque, were highlighted. He noted the distinctive absence of minarets in early Emirati religious architecture.

Dr. Zhour Karam presented traditional Moroccan architecture as profoundly harmonising form and essence, evident in contemporary structures that embody Moroccan identity and cultural continuity. She drew significant parallels between Moroccan and Emirati architectural traditions, particularly their shared Islamic design roots, characterised by geometric patterns and symbolic motifs rather than representations of living beings.

She underscored the unique Moroccan zellige (decorative tiles) as a symbol of intricate craftsmanship and national identity.