Children Turn Their Fears into Fantasy at SIBF 2016

Fun workshops on shadow creatures and monsters by artist Timothy Young 

Sharjah, UAE, 8 November 2016:  A group of fourth graders from a government school in Sharjah visited the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2016 today, to meet Timothy Young, well-known children’s author and illustrator from the United States. In workshops titled, ‘Terrifying Monsters’ and ‘Shadow Creatures’, Young gave children’s imaginations a big stir by transforming their fear of night creatures and dark shadows on walls into friendly monsters. 

He shared different techniques that children could use to draw up their monsters and shadow creatures. They were drawn most to Young’s technique of creating characters from scribbles, and decided that was the technique they wanted to learn. 

Young walked around with his whiteboard on which the participants scribbled as they pleased. “What do you see?”, Young asked the scribbler, and drew monsters, gorillas, robots, ghosts, bears, puppies and other creatures out of nothing but scribbles. 
    
“This is a great way of creating new characters even if you haven’t thought of what it is you want to make. Your scribbles will give you the outline for your creation. They will lead the way. Let your imagination guide you and see what wonderful things come out of it,” said Young encouraging the children.   

Young has conducted numerous children’s workshops and seminars in the US. This is the first time he is sharing his art and skills with children overseas. Young expressed his excitement in being able to interact with the UAE’s youth, and thanked Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) for the opportunity. 

Timothy Young has been creating illustrations, toy and character designs for over 30 years, and is the founder and Creative Director of Creatures & Characters LLC. He has worked in the toy, animation, television and publishing industries, and is the author/illustrator of 6 children's books including The Angry Little Puffin, I Hate Picture Books, Shadows on My Wall, I’m Looking for a Monster and They’re Coming! 

In its 35th edition this year, SIBF has established itself as the third largest book fair in the world. It is taking place from 2 to 12 November at Expo Centre Sharjah and is organised by SBA.