Authors Simplify Big Ideas for Young Minds at SCRF 2025

Sharjah,:Acclaimed authors Linda Booth Sweeney and Fatima Al Mazrooi captivated audiences on the opening day of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025), sharing how storytelling can help children navigate complex ideas in meaningful ways.
In a lively panel moderated by literary editor Hala Harb, the authors explored how narratives can simplify topics like sustainability, emotional intelligence, and cultural identity. “Children don’t need things simplified—they need them made meaningful,” said American author and systems educator Sweeney, who draws on science and ecology in her work.Emirati author Al Mazrooi emphasized storytelling as a tool for preserving values and encouraging emotional exploration. “Writing for children is not a solitary journey,” she said. “It’s an investment in future generations.”Now in its 16th year, SCRF continues to spotlight literature that empowers young readers, with over 600 interactive sessions featuring global voices in children’s and YA storytelling.