Category Archives: Sharjah Children Reading Festival

Exclusive workshop with Disney’s Tony Bancroft unlocks the secrets of animated comedy at SAC 2025

Bancroft explores running gags, freeze-frames, and the universal language of laughter during Sharjah Animation Conference masterclass

Sharjah, May 2, 2025

The Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 (SAC 2025) has commenced on its opening day with a resounding response, as Disney legend Tony Bancroft; the animator behind iconic characters like The Lion King’s ‘Pumbaa’ and the hilarious parrot, ‘Iago’ from Aladdin; led an exclusive workshop titled “Animating Comedy: Mastering Character Posing & Timing.”

Continue reading Exclusive workshop with Disney’s Tony Bancroft unlocks the secrets of animated comedy at SAC 2025

Disney legend Tom Bancroft draws in crowds at Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 with masterclass on character design

The visionary behind beloved characters like Mushu and Simba teaches aspiring artists how strong design begins with simple shapes and purposeful storytelling

Sharjah, May 2, 2025

The 3rd annual Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) opened at Expo Center Sharjah on Thursday with celebrated Disney animator Tom Bancroft leading a masterclass on ‘Master Character Design’.

“Every great character begins with a great personality. So, before you even put pencil to paper, you need to understand who your character truly is,” the animator behind iconic characters from Mulan, The Lion King, and Aladdin told the packed hall, as he walked them through the process of building characters that are not only visually appealing but emotionally resonant.

Continue reading Disney legend Tom Bancroft draws in crowds at Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 with masterclass on character design

SBA and Invest Bank partner to bring financial literacy to children through creative storytelling

In collaboration with Onshur, the initiative will develop a storybook for children aged eight and above, launching at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair

Sharjah, May 2, 2025

As part of its continued efforts to promote cultural awareness among young people, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest Bank to develop a children’s storybook focused on financial literacy. The initiative is a collaboration with the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), a key SBA programme that supports sustainable publishing in the UAE.

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A wild trip of Mexican flavours with Chef Karla Zazueta at SCRF 2025

Prawn and cheese tacos is an easy and flavourful snack that children helped prepare at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival


Sharjah, May 1, 2025

Food lovers waiting to experience an exotic trip to Mexico were not disappointed as the “Spice and Soul: Mexican Cooking with Karla Zazueta” got under way at the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025).

Continue reading A wild trip of Mexican flavours with Chef Karla Zazueta at SCRF 2025

Young artists shine under the guidance of award-winningMexican illustrator Luis San Vicente at SCRF 2025

He  inspires children to find joy in self-expression through art at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival’s vibrant illustration workshops

Sharjah, May 1, 2025

This year, the Sharjah Exhibition For Children’s Book Illustrations at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) has hosted world-renowned illustrators from different parts of the world everyday. These artists have opened wide for young artists a window into creativity and self-expression in ways they haven’t experienced before.

Continue reading Young artists shine under the guidance of award-winningMexican illustrator Luis San Vicente at SCRF 2025