Pearl Diver's Daughter and the Cowrie Necklace

Maitha Al Khayat, a mother of five, is one of the most prolific Emirati children's authors and illustrators. Over the past 14 years, she has published more than 180 books. She has received numerous awards, the latest being the Sharjah Children's Book Award in 2024 for her book "I Will Hunt My Breakfast." Some of her books have been translated into various languages, including English, Turkish, Italian, and Spanish. She has also written comic stories and has worked in television production, contributing to programs such as "Hamdoon" and "Open Sesame," as well as in theater. Maitha is a trainer and inspirer in writing and illustration, and she enjoys spreading the love of stories and tales in the hearts of children and adults as a superhero with her pink cape.

Hessa Al Muhairi is an acclaimed children's author and illustrator. Her story "The Dinoraf" won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in 2018, and in 2019, the translated version was launched in three languages at the Frankfurt International Book Fair. Hessa holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and a Master's degree in Education Management and Policy from Deakin University in Australia. She has recently enrolled at the Academy of Art University in the United States to specialize in children's illustrations, aiming to produce high-quality Emirati stories. Hessa has participated in various literary festivals, conducted numerous reading sessions, and hosted art workshops for children in many schools and libraries.