His Highness Message:
“Those of us who enjoy reading in the emirate of Sharjah are very keen to create a reading community and promote the benefits of reading among children. For that reason we provide the best, most suitable books for all the family. We believe that books must be available to all and from this concept we turn book fairs into an oasis of knowledge and enlightenment.”
– H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah)
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) was established in 1982 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and the ruler of Sharjah. He founded it to realize his vision of fostering a nation of readers.
Over four decades, SIBF has built a rich legacy, promoting cultural and intellectual growth and facilitating global exchanges. This 12-day cultural and literary event attracts book lovers who can browse millions of books and purchase them at competitive prices. SIBF also connects authors and publishers worldwide, hosting meetings to discuss industry trends and collaborative opportunities.
The 2024 edition of SIBF achieved $50 million in sales and welcomed 1.82 million visitors from over 200 countries. Hosted from November 6 to 17 under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” the event brought together over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries. It maintained its status as the world’s leading book fair for publishing rights transactions for the fourth consecutive year, registering 3,000 meetings in just 48 hours.
SIBF’s impact transcends Sharjah’s borders, creating a platform for international authors and speakers to engage with diverse audiences. Its global presence enables it to explore and celebrate various literary traditions and perspectives.
Today, SIBF stands as the third-largest book fair in the world and the most prestigious literary event in the Arab world. It serves as a hub for exciting literary events, attracting top talent in publishing and related industries to the Middle East. SIBF has been recognized internationally, earning membership in organizations such as the Afro-Asian Publishers’ Association and the GCC Book Committee and being honored by the International Publishers’ Association.
In a dynamic environment that brings together diverse voices, SIBF offers numerous opportunities, including captivating events, author signings, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. Its initiatives inspire readers and drive innovation in publishing. These include the Publishers Conference, Emirati Book Awards (Emirati Novel Award, Best Emirati Creative Literature Book, Best Emirati Academic Book, and Best Emirati First Novel Award), Best Arabic Novel Award, and Best International Book Awards (Best International Non-Fiction Book and Best International Fiction Book).
ARPress, in partnership with professional authors, participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024. Dedicated to fostering literary connections between authors and readers, ARPress showcased remarkable works at the event, reinforcing its commitment to promoting literature worldwide.
One of the featured works was “Bigfoot: Monster of the Ice” by Michele Wallace Campanelli, which has gained recognition at renowned events and publications. It was displayed at the 2023 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), and featured in Publishers Weekly Magazine.
About Michele Wallace Campanelli
Michele Wallace Campanelli is a national bestselling American author, singer, and Florida celebrity. In the early 1990s, she was the lead singer of Black Widow, one of Florida’s first all-female heavy metal bands.
After her music career, Michele transitioned to writing professionally, crafting short stories and fiction novels. Nine of her works have appeared on bestseller lists, including two that reached #1 in the New York Times. Her short stories have been featured in over 30 internationally best-selling anthologies.
Michele has also authored numerous novels, magazine articles, and newspaper pieces, both fiction and non-fiction. Her works have been published by notable names such as Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, Fireside Books, and Florida Today Newspaper, among others.
With over 57 million readers worldwide, Michele’s influence spans the globe. In 1998, she married Louis V. Campanelli III at St. Mark’s UMC in Indialantic, Florida. She currently resides in Brevard, Florida, with her husband and their dog, Champ.
When Michele isn’t writing, she serves as CEO of Regal Entertainment Services LLC, organizing concerts across Florida. A professional singer, writer, and actor, Michele is a devoted Christian who uses her talents to glorify God and bring joy to others through her music and books. To learn more about Michele and her works, visit her website: https://michelecampanelli.com.
About “Bigfoot: Monster of the Ice”
“Bigfoot: Monster of the Ice” masterfully blends science fiction, adventure, and thriller elements into a gripping story. While it incorporates horror and suspense, it also explores deeply human themes such as love for family, grief, free will, and the internal battle against greed.
The characters are relatable and compelling. Bret’s journey resonates with readers, while Adam’s struggles to become a better father evoke genuine emotion. The narrative’s complexity makes it a versatile story suitable for all ages when adapted into a movie.
This masterpiece demonstrates Michele Wallace Campanelli’s storytelling prowess and her ability to captivate diverse audiences.
To see a glimpse of the world of Bigfoot, watch the video trailer:
