Sharjah, 20 May 2022:  Two attention grabbing, towering tree mascots with twisting branches crowned with a canopy of leaves are wandering the halls of the Sharjah Expo Centre where the 13th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) is taking place until May 22. Crowds of children and families are seen trailing behind these otherworldly creatures, while some children are brave enough to walk up to them seeking a friendly handshake. 

With their human-like appearance, the walking trees seek to inspire empathy and respect for nature and the environment in children, in order to raise awareness about their importance to the future of our planet.