The eagerly awaited Big Bad Wolf Book Fair is all set to make its grand entrance in Sharjah, offering book enthusiasts an enchanting literary experience.
The top-rated book fair, known for its vast collection of discount books, will be held from December 19 to January 7, with its doors open from 10 am to 12 am (midnight) at Expo Center Sharjah.
Andrew Yap, co-founder and managing director of Big Bad Wolf, shares his insight into the origins of the fair and expectations for the Sharjah edition.
“We want to change the world through books, which we can easily do by selling children’s books. It’s important to have a name that people remember, so that kids want to attend book fairs, so ‘Big Bad Wolf,'” begins Yap, introducing the world through books. Expressing the organization’s vision for change, especially by involving children, he emphasized the importance of creating an exciting environment that entices children to attend book fairs, as it is essential to make reading fun and engaging.
Asked about the range of discounts available at the book fair, Yap revealed that visitors can expect discounts starting at 85 percent, with some books priced as low as D2. The median range of discounts is about 75 percent. After entering the fair, attendees will find a wide variety of books at affordable prices, making it a paradise for book lovers on a budget.
“The moment you walk in you will find everything affordable,” Yap confidently told Khaleej Times.
The book fair will showcase an interesting selection of genres including fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. With a staggering 50,000 titles to explore, visitors will have plenty of choice, although Yap admits it will take several days to fully appreciate the extensive selection.
This is the first time the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair will be held in Sharjah, a city famous for its libraries, Islamic museums and cultural centers. Yap expressed his excitement about bringing the fair to Sharjah, acknowledging the city’s vibrant readers and students who are passionate about books. In the past, many Sharjah residents traveled to Dubai to attend Big Bad Wolf events, highlighting the high demand for such literary gatherings in the emirate.
Reflecting on the overall Big Bad Wolf experience in the UAE, Yap praised the continued support received from the government. She emphasizes the importance of giving children access to affordable books because they are often expensive, and children benefit from reading at least one book per week.
Yap advocated a balance between bookstores and restaurants, and spoke of the need to feed both body and mind. “The ratio of bookstores should be the same as restaurants, as you feed your stomach, you feed your brain,” he added.
Looking to the future, Yap revealed that Big Bad Wolf plans to expand its exhibition to other emirates. While the fair is traditionally held in Dubai, there have been inquiries about bringing the event to Abu Dhabi. Yap emphasized the need for media support to make such expansion possible, acknowledging that collaboration is essential for success.
