Writing for children relives joys of childhood, says SCRF panel

At the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), a dynamic panel “Stories that Unite”, explored how children’s literature serves as a bridge across cultures, generations, and worldviews.

The panel, moderated by Pulse 95 news presenter Aisha Al Maazmi, featured notable voices: Rhonda Roumani, Syrian-American journalist and children’s author; Dr Nizar Al Qamari, scholar of brain aesthetics; Badria Al Shamsi, prominent Emirati author; and Al Hassan Benmouna, award-winning Moroccan author-illustrator.

The conversation delved into the evolving landscape of children’s literature, where young readers are exposed to a wide range of stories at their fingertips.

“Literature is an instrument of empathy,” said Al Maazmi, highlighting its role in connecting people despite geographical and linguistic divides. "It's a bridge that connects us, even as borders and languages divide."

Al Shamsi said, “Writing for children allows us to relive the joys of childhood: imagination, laughter, possibility. It is a way to ensure that even in times of conflict, we are raising generations who can dream of peace.”

The panel also addressed the challenge of tackling sensitive topics. “Children today are exposed to everything through their phones,” noted Roumani.

“Pretending they’re sheltered from the world is a disservice. It’s not about what we tell children, but how we tell it. Stories about war, loss, or upheaval must be truthful, but also carry hope — enough for a child to process without being overwhelmed.” She shared how her novel Tagging Freedom introduces the complexities of the Syrian revolution to young readers while maintaining a sense of hope.

Overlap

Badria Al Shamsi emphasised the growing overlap between childhood stages, where topics like war and loss are no longer off-limits. “The old divisions between childhood stages are dissolving. War, loss, and even death are no longer taboo — these are part of our children’s worlds, whether we like it or not,” she said. “Our duty as writers is to guide children through these realities, always holding onto the value of peace and hope.”

The role of parents in guiding children’s literary journeys was also explored. “Our children learn most by imitation,” said Al Shamsi. “If parents want to raise leaders and empathetic adults, they must model reading and discussion. Don’t use books as tools of control, but as gateways for conversation and discovery.”

Roumani echoed this, reflecting on her experience as both writer and mother in the West: “If we avoid certain subjects at home, children will still encounter them elsewhere. It’s vital to read with our children, even when stories make us uncomfortable. That’s how we ensure our values are part of the conversation.”

Dr Nizar Al Qamari spoke on the unique role of physical books in developing language and empathy, noting that paper stories engage the imagination in ways digital formats cannot. “Through reading, children develop language, logic, and empathy. Even mathematics, he observed, ‘can become a story — a flock of sparrows, a journey, a puzzle for the mind.’”

Al Hassan Benmouna reflected on the universality of storytelling, emphasising that core themes like bravery and fear resonate across cultures. “Writers are part of a chain stretching back to prehistory,” he said. “Every culture has its own versions of the same tales — Layla and the wolf, for instance. These stories travel and evolve, but the core themes of bravery, fear, and wonder remain. Through storytelling, we nurture children’s imagination and help them make sense of a chaotic world.”

Writing for children, the panellists agreed, is both a calling and a privilege. Roumani shared how her own childhood books shaped her writing. “The joy you discover in your first childhood book shapes you forever,” she said. “I started writing for children because I wanted to reconnect with that wonder and to give Arab children, wherever they are, stories that reflect their own worlds — and hopes — back to them.”

As SCRF 2025 continues, the festival remains a global crossroads for storytellers, fostering curiosity and creativity while promoting cross-cultural understanding for the next generation.