The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the completion of all preparations for the eighth edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) 2016, which will take place from April 20th-30th at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Themed 'Shine Out,’ SCRF 2016 will be held under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

This year's edition of SCRF coincides with the ‘2016-the Year of Reading’ initiative that was declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to open up new horizons for children and enhance their relationship with literature and reading.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman, SBA said: "We are delighted to announce the approved date for the launch of the eighth edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, which has established itself as one of the most important annual events in the region to bring children closer to books. SCRF events are held in line with His Highness Sheikh Khalifa's reading initiative, supported by Sheikh Sultan, who believes in the importance of building human intellect from childhood. Sheikh Sultan recognises the value of inculcating a desire to read among youngsters and their parents as this will help create an educated generation capable of taking the country to new heights."

The 11-day SCRF was conceived to be an interactive platform that encourages children to read. It brings together a significant number of top Arab and international children's authors to discuss the best ways to help stimulate young people to interact with books. Publishers participating in the festival will showcase an array of new titles for the children’s market.

SCRF 2016 will host the fifth edition of the Sharjah Exhibition for Children's Book Illustrations, one of the world's most prominent global exhibitions focused on illustrative artwork for reading material and the only one of its kind in the Arab region. It is expected to see strong competition between illustrators to win its valuable awards.

Al Ameri added: "Arab and international participants in the eighth edition of SCRF will enrich children's libraries and visitors with new titles and outstanding publications characterised by high quality content. The festival’s direction is aimed at attracting children to literature and bringing about a broader interaction that is in line with the Year of Reading initiative."

Source:WAM