Japanese expert teaches kids how to make miniature books
MIYAKO AKAI, WINNER OF MINIATURE BOOK COMPETITION IN 2016, CONDUCTS WORKSHOP
Youngsters are learning the Japanese craft of miniature bookmaking at the 37th Sharjah International Book Fair.
Miyako Akai, winner of the prestigious Miniature Book Competition Award in 2016, has brought her wonderful craft of miniature book-making all the way from Japan to teach young visitors at the fair.
On Wednesday, a workshop saw huge participation from children who were eager to learn the craft. The children were given little miniature book kits that contained tiny rectangles of colourful handmade paper, a threaded needle and a book of instructions.
After the instructor presented the demo, workshop participants got to work. They folded the sheets, made a perfect hole in the middle of the spine and stitched it up with the needle and thread. Once the books were ready, they personalised their creations with their favourite designs.
The 37th edition themed ‘Tale of Letters’ is the book fair’s biggest with more than 20 million books on sale and 1,800 activities lined up till November 10. There will be 200 book-signing ceremonies by authors from 19 countries. Authors, intellectuals, bloggers and YouTubers will also be attending the event, including award-winning British author Emma Gannon and physicist Dr Leonard Mlodinow from the US.
The Children’s Programme offers theatrical performances, shows and workshops while the Cookery Corner programme has lined up 60 events with 16 guests from 11 countries such as France, India and Australia.