**Building a New World of Children’s Literature**
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.
- Experts emphasized the need for authentic children’s literature that accurately reflects the experiences and perceptions of children.
- They highlighted the importance of involving children in the storytelling process, allowing them to express themselves and their imaginations freely.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) organized a dialogue titled “The aesthetics of Emirati and Moroccan children’s books” as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair.
Expert Insights
Fatima Al Ameri, an Emirati author, shared her experience with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY). She drew on her knowledge of evaluating stories written by children themselves, highlighting the importance of authenticity in children’s literature.
“Young writers often demonstrate a natural affinity for movement, imagination, and sensory detail. When given the freedom to express themselves, children are more than capable of creating intricate and imaginative storylines.”
Al Ameri stressed that children’s literature should avoid over-simplification and instead be informed by a deeper understanding of how children perceive and construct the world around them. She noted that investment in creative and material elements, such as illustrations and paper stock, is essential to stimulate children’s interest and foster a love for reading.
A New Approach to Children’s Literature
Mustafa Al Nahal, a Moroccan writer, identified key challenges facing Arabic children’s literature, most notably the persistence of adult-dominated narratives that fail to centre the child’s perspective.
- Al Nahal criticized the prevailing tendency among publishers to treat children as passive readers, noting the lack of specialized psychological consultants in the production process.
- He highlighted the success of an initiative in Meknes, Morocco, that involved teachers and educators in the content creation process, leading to the development of more resonant and effective children’s stories.
Al Nahal 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 encouraged publishers to allocate part of their output to children’s books, spurring a wave of innovation.
Architectural Aesthetics
Radiating cultural identity and social values, traditional architecture in the UAE and Morocco transcends aesthetic appeal.
| Architectural Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional Emirati Architecture | Emphasizes historical, present, and future contexts, reflecting the deep-rooted relationship between architectural styles and maritime heritage. |
| Architectural Adaptations | Describes solutions that meet local climatic conditions and daily needs, such as flat roofs and ventilation techniques. |
| Architectural Materials | Mentioned indigenous gypsum, palm fronds, East African mangrove wood, stone, coral, clay, and bamboo. |
Researchers and experts have affirmed that traditional architecture in the UAE and Morocco serves as a profound expression of cultural identity and social values.
“Traditional architecture uniquely reflects local environments and documents the progression of societal transformations.”
A Dialogue on Heritage Architecture
A panel discussion titled “The Aesthetics of Emirati and Moroccan Heritage Architecture” was organized by the 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.
Emirati Architectural Heritage
Hamad Bin Sarai detailed essential features of traditional Emirati architecture, emphasizing the importance of 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.
Traditional Moroccan Architecture
Dr.
