The Children's Reading Festival was a very large event sponsored by the Sheikh of Sharjah to benefit children and families of the UAE. Many international authors were invited. The fair had several workshops for children that were held simultaneously.
I enjoyed seeing all the school children who came. The event was free and available to families to visit, as well.
Many books were available for purchase, including a few of mine.
I loved the humor of this couple (and faux baby) who walked around escorted by a few people, and fun music announcing their arrival.
Many activities like art, cooking demonstrations, and science projects were taking place throughout the halls.
The author's lounge entrance is in the background.
Annie and I got a picture in the Author's Lounge with Maimuna, who helped coordinate all our events.
I did a couple interviews in the lounge. One was with an international journalist; the other was for local broadcasting.
It was a very large and busy event that brought in several busloads of children as well as many international visitors. It had a lofty goal of encouraging children of the UAE to develop a love of learning, and I think it was very successful. :)
