The UAE News Report
Sharjah: Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, has launched her children’s book The Conference of the Birds at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), introducing young readers to a contemporary retelling of a celebrated work of Persian literature.
Published in Arabic and English by Kalimat, an imprint of Kalimat Group, the illustrated book is aimed at children aged eight to 12. Sheikha Bodour signed copies during the launch event on 8 November, which drew an audience that gathered for more than two hours, according to the publisher.
The new publication takes inspiration from the literary classic of the same name by Farid al-Din Attar of Nishapur. It adapts the story’s symbolic journey to explore courage, perseverance, self-discovery and the importance of working together.
A journey through seven valleys
The story begins beneath the mysterious Waq Waq tree, where birds from around the world gather in response to a call from a wise hoopoe. Their surroundings are under threat: forests are disappearing, while smoke and pollution darken the skies.
The birds decide to search for a way to save their world. Guided by the hoopoe, they travel through seven valleys towards Mount Qaf, where they hope to meet the legendary Simorgh and find answers to the dangers confronting their environment.
As the journey progresses, the birds face fears and personal doubts. The challenges encourage them to leave behind what holds them back and discover the value of perseverance and mutual support.
Their search for the Simorgh gradually becomes a journey of understanding their own abilities. The book presents cooperation and self-belief as central to meeting difficulties, rather than portraying the solutions as something that can only come from an outside figure.
Environmental message for young readers
Illustrated by artist Noushin Sadeghian, The Conference of the Birds adds a modern environmental theme to the older tale. Its images and narrative present a world affected by shrinking forests and polluted skies, asking young readers to consider humanity’s responsibility towards nature.
The story connects environmental protection with collective action. The birds’ effort to save their surroundings offers a way to discuss how individual choices and cooperation can contribute to addressing problems affecting a wider community.
Rather than presenting the book solely as an adventure, Kalimat describes it as an invitation for children to consider the decisions they make, their relationship with the natural world and the difference they can make when they act together.
A literary classic reimagined
Attar’s original work provides the literary foundation for the new publication. The hoopoe, the Simorgh and the seven valleys remain important symbols, but the retelling places them within a narrative intended for contemporary readers aged eight to 12.
The bilingual Arabic-English edition also makes the story accessible to young readers in both languages. Through fantasy and illustration, it introduces elements of a literary tradition while addressing concerns that children may recognise in discussions about the environment.
The launch follows Sheikha Bodour’s recognition at the 2025 BolognaRagazzi Awards, where her book House of Wisdom won the Fiction category. Her latest work continues her focus on bringing stories connected to literary and cultural heritage to younger audiences.
The book was launched during SIBF 2026, giving families and readers attending the fair an opportunity to discover the publication and meet its author.
