SHARJAH — It is all about books at the 37th Sharjah International Book Fair, and the fair’s guest of honour Japan, is taking the excitement a step further from reading to engaging children in actually handcrafting miniature versions of them.
Miyako Akai, winner of the prestigious Miniature Book Competition Award in 2006 and again in 2016, has brought her wonderful craft of miniature book-making all the way from Japan to young visitors in Sharjah and the UAE. A workshop packed with children on the first day of the fair (Wednesday) were given little miniature book kits that contained tiny rectangles of colourful handmade paper, a threaded needle and a book of instructions.
After the instructor presented the demo, workshop participants got to work. They folded the sheets, made a perfect hole in the middle of the spine and stitched it up with the needle and thread. Once the books were ready, they personalised their creations with their favourite designs.
The Sharjah International Book Fair is held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The 37th edition has over 20 million books on sale; 1,800 cultural and entertainment activities; 470 authors, poets and artists from all over the world; 1,874 publishing houses from 77 countries worldwide; and 200 book-signing ceremonies by authors. It runs until next Saturday, November 10, at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the theme ‘Tale of Letters’. SIBF 2018’s calendar of events spans across several themes, including the cultural programme, Japanese programmes, kids’ activities, social media activities, and the cookery corner.
