SHARJAH, UAE- Stories took on a new form at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), where 23 young participants transformed their words into illuminated artworks during the ‘Turn a Story Into a Lamp’ workshop at the Arts and Expression District.
Led by Sarah Mizher, the workshop taught children to make story lanterns using four pieces of paper and small wooden squares. Participants wrote stories and expressions on the paper, then assembled the pieces into box-shaped lanterns, with a small light illuminating the words displayed on each side.
“Storytelling and crafting are two sides of the same coin. When we tell a story, we craft with words, and the work of art tells a story,” Mizher said, explaining the relationship between literary expression and creative making.
The activity encouraged children to approach storytelling not only through reading and writing but also through the process of turning their ideas into physical creations.
Mizher said workshops combining writing and craft can help foster children’s interest in literature and visual expression.
“These activities matter for children because they nurture a love of writing and, necessarily, reading stories to write, as well as an artistic eye for putting the story together,” she said.
School supervisor Amani Shaukat highlighted how SIBF’s activities complement classroom education by giving children opportunities to learn through creative experiences.
“We do not miss SIBF and the activities it offers. Workshops such as storytelling and lantern-making are part of the learning process and extend what they learn in school. We bring them to SIBF to nurture their curiosity, an important part of learning,” she said.
By combining storytelling with hands-on crafts, the workshop offered children an opportunity to explore how their words and ideas could become artworks they could see and share.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic events designed to engage readers of all ages.
