Sharjah24: A marvellous opportunity to delve into the wonders of astronomy by exploring the fascinating realm of telescopes was given to young children at the “Star Explorers” creative workshop during the ongoing 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF).

The largest celebration of knowledge, creativity, art and innovation of its kind in the region, SCRF 2024 is taking place in Expo Centre Sharjah from May 1 to 12, and carries the slogan ‘Once Upon a Hero’.

Trainer Mariam Mustafa Ahmed prepared the children for an exhilarating journey through the cosmos by immersing them in the captivating tale of Curious George Discovers the Stars by H.A. Rey. “George loved stars and wanted to count them. So his friend Bill helped him to make his own telescope so that he could count them really fast before he fell asleep. Like George, we will make a telescope to look at the stars,” she told them.

The storytelling experience was an inspiration for the under-12 group to engage in the hands-on activity of constructing a telescope. After rolling and stapling colour paper in the form of a cylinder, the children peeled and stuck astronomy-related tiny stickers all around it. 

Another rolled paper with its edges cut went inside to fortify the outer tube and a small plastic glass covered in coloured paper fit neatly into it giving it the appearance of a lens. A sticker of Saturn with its rings was stuck around the neck of the colourful telescope, suggestive of the planet that was being studied by the prospective astronomers.

More than 1,500 cultural, artistic, and edutainment activities by 190 guests from 25 countries have set the stage for boundless explorations and creative expression along with 470 publishers from 75 countries at SCRF 2024, which will come to a close on May 12.