Experts in children’s literature and culture have highlighted that today’s children possess vastly different interests compared to those of past generations, particularly when it comes to reading habits. The literature suitable for yesterday’s youth no longer resonates with today’s kids, primarily due to the rapid changes brought about by the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence.
This insight emerged during a seminar titled “Choosing the Right Book for Your Little One,” held as part of the cultural events at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival. The discussion featured contributions from Canadian author Colin Nielsen, Indian writer Samina Mishra, Moroccan scholar Dr. Ahlam Nuywar, and Emirati author Nadia Al-Najjar, with the session moderated by Dr. Lamia Toufiq.
Colin Nielsen began by stating, “Children’s reading interests evolve as they grow older. My experience as a librarian and a teacher for students aged 4 to 14 has helped me understand their preferences, allowing me to guide them toward books that align with their interests.”
Indian author Samina Mishra emphasized, “Children go through various stages in life that require different types of thinking and behavior. It is essential to give children the right to choose what they read. I have incorporated this principle into several of my works, as I believe that children have the capability to express themselves and make their own choices, armed with enough intelligence to select what resonates with them.”
Dr. Ahlam Nuywar pointed out the benefits of allowing children the freedom to choose their reading material, which can ignite a passion for books. “To support this, we must ensure that traditional folktales and fairy tales are adapted to meet contemporary changes, yielding positive and remarkable results,” she remarked.
Nadia Al-Najjar concluded the seminar by underscoring the need for modern retellings of folktales. “While we guide young children to develop their reading skills, publishers must also play a significant role in making books appealing and enticing. This requires continuous engagement with studies and research related to children’s literature,” she stated.