‘UAE is a beautiful country where books unite people’

The Reading Corner at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2025 (SCRF) - that opened at the Sharjah Expo Centre on Wednesday-went abuzz as acclaimed Italian author behind the globally adored Geronimo Stilton series wowed children, parents, and teachers alike with a lively and heartwarming reading session.

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Elisabetta Dami's interaction with her young fans brought a touch of nostalgia for some and wide-eyed wonder for many, as the prolific author — whose books have sold over 180 million copies worldwide — read aloud from one of Geronimo's latest adventures with Geronimo and her sister Thea Stilton dancing in front of an amused audience.

Speaking to young readers about the values at the heart of her beloved character, Dami shared one simple principle she believes every child should live by: respect.

“If there’s one secret to becoming a true hero — like Geronimo — it’s this: respect everybody. “Respect your teachers, your parents, your friends. That's where real courage and kindness begin,” she said,

The 67-year-old from Milan then went on to praise UAE as “a beautiful country where books bring people together,” calling the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival “a magical place where stories come alive and children become the stars.”

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