Through interactive storytelling and immersive activities inspired by the literary masterpiece
Sharjah, 26 April 2025
House of Wisdom (HoW) takes part in the 16th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), running from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, with a special focus on the timeless fables of Kalila wa Dimna.
Originating in ancient Sanskrit and later translated into Middle Persian, Kalila wa Dimna entered the Arabic literary tradition through the 8th-century translator Abdullah Ibn Al-Muqaffa, a key figure in Abbasid-era literature. The beloved work is now being brought to life for young readers through a series of interactive experiences and storytelling sessions at the HoW booth.
The initiative aims to present the classic tales in a fresh, engaging format that blends play with learning—encouraging critical thinking and helping children explore universal values through symbolic narratives.
Renowned for their moral and philosophical depth, the stories of Kalila wa Dimna have played a significant role in shaping educational and literary traditions across cultures. Their continued relevance today underscores the enduring power of storytelling in cultivating wisdom, empathy, and imagination.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW Executive Director, said: “Kalila wa Dimna is a brilliant example of allegorical storytelling at its finest—timeless wisdom told through animals in a style that is both elegant and accessible. Ibn Al-Muqaffa gave these tales new life in Arabic, enriching them with moral and educational depth.”
She added: “These fables remain a cornerstone of Arabic literature and cultural exchange. Through our participation in the SCRF, we’re reimagining them in a modern, interactive way—inviting children to explore their meaning, reflect, and grow.”
Rare Exhibits and Interactive Encounters
House of Wisdom’s booth features main stations, beginning with a Manuscript Display showcasing two rare digital copies of Kalila wa Dimna from the collection of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The first is a unique illustrated manuscript titled The Hare and the Elephant, dated 1222 CE. Comprising 18 chapters and 89 exquisite miniatures, this edition presents animal-led fables interwoven with proverbs and wisdom in a tone that is both witty and profound.
The second manuscript dates back to the 14th century Mamluk era and is believed to have originated in Egypt or Syria. It features six tales attributed to the sage Bidpai, complete with a decorative index and striking visual elements that reflect the refined artistry of Islamic manuscript tradition.
The second section of the booth, Meet the Characters, invites children on an engaging journey of self-discovery. Through interactive storytelling, young visitors get to know the fable’s most iconic characters—like the clever hare, the brave lion, the cunning fox, the mighty elephant, and the vain tortoise. This experience encourages children to reflect on their own traits and connect them with the values each character embodies, combining fun with thoughtful exploration.
Discover Your Tale through AI
Visitors will then embark on a unique interactive journey powered by AI, where children can discover which Kalila wa Dimna character best reflects their personality. By answering simple, life-inspired questions, young participants are matched with their spirit animal from the tales. A personalised short story then appears on the screen, tailored to the child’s traits and adventures. These stories can be printed or emailed as a meaningful keepsake, inspiring children to create their own tales.
The HoW booth also hosts a range of engaging activities and workshops for children, including the interactive Shadow Theatre. This time-honoured storytelling art revives the classic tales of Kalila wa Dimna, immersing children in exciting performances that highlight the ethical lessons within these stories. The experience concludes with a special gift shop offering a curated selection of books, plush toys, educational games, and artistic merchandise inspired by the Kalila wa Dimna world.
To celebrate the launch of the SCRF, HoW is offering a 10% discount on its Regular, Premium, and Digital memberships throughout the event. This offer provides access to millions of knowledge resources, including books, journals, scientific theses, research papers, and multimedia files, as well as full access to the library’s modern facilities and year-round educational and cultural programmes.
– Ends –