Sharjah: Some of the world’s smallest books, only about the size of your thumbnail, are a big head-turner at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Ironically, the Peruvian company behind the tiny titles goes by a rather large name — The Smallest Books of the World.
The smallest books in its product line are just 2cmx1cm in size. And at just Dh10 a piece, their price tag is equally unimposing.
So what can you cram inside such a small space? Apparently quite a bit. For instance, the Magical World title, which feels almost weightless in the hand, takes readers through the realm of dragons, elves, fairies, wizards and other fantasy creatures.
Another issue in the same size category — called ABC — is a 26-page children’s book on the alphabet, with each page showing an alphabet and an object whose name starts with the letter.
The biggest books in the line-up are still small, measuring a humble 6cmx4cm (not even enough to cover a business card).
On offer is a wide range of genres: classic tales, sayings, aphorisms, self-help, romance, travel, religion — and even a Spanish-to-English dictionary. The prices are varied as well, such as Dh10, Dh18, Dh35 or Dh60.
The small books — all handmade — owe their origin to the company founder who initially made the books by hand to give as gifts to friends, said company sales manager Luis Pereyra.
“A lot of people still buy them as gifts for others. People like these kinds of books. The response at the book fair has been good for us,” he added.
It is the first time the company has set up a booth at the fair (in the corner between Hall 4 and Hall 5).
“It’s good to see lots of children here; it shows they are interested in reading.”
The fair, taking place until November 14, is being held at the Expo Centre.
