All good things

Bahraini author Nada Fardan’s latest children’s book has hit the shelves this month, highlighting the idea that something good can only be built on strong, noble foundations, writes Melissa Nazareth.

The 25-page Arabic story Manba’a Al-Jood (‘source of bounty’) was unveiled at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, staged at Sharjah Institute for Heritage, from April 23 to May 4.

The cultural event featured workshops, interactive shows, and renowned authors, among other activities, inspiring children and developing their love for reading.

“Manba’a Al-Jood (available on www.alnadaworkshops.com) tells the story of a young farmer who rests beneath the shade of a large tree after a long, tiring day, and as he begins to admire the leaves for the comfort they provide, his father – an old and wise man – initiates a conversation to teach him an important lesson,” the 39-year-old told GulfWeekly.

“This tree would never have grown so strong and beautiful if it hadn’t come from a good seed. Their philosophical exchange reflects the idea that all good things must have strong, virtuous origins,” she added.

Coinciding with the book release, the Sanad resident won the Jury Prize for her 2023 release Shampoo Al-shoor Al-ajeeb (‘the amazing shampoo of feelings’) at the seventh edition of the Sharjah Gulf Women Creativity Awards.

Other titles by the architect-turned-full-time-author include Faris wa drou’oh Al-asher (‘Faris and his 10 Armours’), Faris fi zaman Al-goos (‘Faris in the Pearling Age’), Ebtisamet Shamoosa (‘Sunny Smile’), Hamama Nodi  (‘Nodi the dove’) and, recently, her first English story One Trunk Away.

“I keep my imagination alive – vivid and attuned to what children need in order to grow,” she explained, describing her creative process and how she thinks of ideas for her books.

“Writing for children is a beautiful journey. Often, I feel like a cloud laden with rain, burdened by thoughts and words that must pour forth as stories before I can find peace once more.”