Initiative helps Emirati artists to bring silent books for kids to life

sharjah — As many as 13 UAE-based Emirati artists have participated in a four-day workshop which took them to the intricacies of illustrations in silent books for children.

The workshop was recently held at 1971 Design Space on Sharjah’s Flag Island as part of the 7th edition of ‘Books – Made in UAE’ – an annual cultural collaboration between the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and Goethe-Institut Gulf Region.

Multi-award winning German illustrator Katrin Stangl enabled each artist to complete their storyline and bring the first few scenes to life on two double-pages in full colour.

Stangl said: “My aim was to help the artists bring their silent book ideas to life.”

One of the participants, Khadija Al Mulla, a 26-year-old, said: “I’m here to gain an insight about the mentality of illustrators, to learn about what to have in mind while illustrating for children, what are things that are appealing to them, things one should avoid… what is most appealing to the publishers, let’s say.

“I want more UAE nationals to illustrate for children and I would love to see more authentic children’s literature being produced here. I believe locally made books will be a source of pride and knowledge for children in the UAE, and will definitely enrich our literary landscape.”

Another participant, 32-year-old Asma Enayeh, a mother of two young girls said: “I have been working as a freelance artist in Dubai for six years on custom portraits, and children’s illustrations are my greatest passion. I want to turn this into a full-time profession and, as I am a traditionalist — I like to sketch by hand. Thus, I have been attending workshops that can hone my traditional drawing skills.”

Books – Made in UAE supports the development of a local children’s book industry by training aspiring authors and illustrators in producing children’s books.