Book Boom

The 5th China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair, which took place at the Shanghai Expo Exhibition Center from Nov 17-20, draws children and their parents for such events as book signings, meeting writers and early-education forums.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"Books about ancient Chinese poetry, culture and science education have enjoyed great popularity with Chinese parents in the last few years," says Bi Sheng, head of the sales department at Century Publishing.

These titles have also attracted wide interest from overseas publishers and copyright agencies.

Beijing Dandelion Children's Book House has been a regular participant at the fair.

"Over the past four years, we have made continuing efforts to work on the production of original Chinese picture books," says Yan Xiaoli, chief editor of the private publishing company. Since 2014, Dandelion has been promoting its products to the world. They've been published in the United States, Canada and Japan. One of Dandelion's books, There Are Always Reasons to Eat a Steamed Bun, has won high praise in China and attracted publishers from Japan and the US.

Books featuring Chinese cuisine have proved popular with readers both at home and abroad, she says. "A powerful story travels far beyond borders."

Encouraged by the success and popularity of Chinese food, Dandelion is working on more stories "with a taste of China", Yan says. One title, Grandma Peach Blossom Fish, featuring a kindhearted witch and her secret recipe for cooking fish, was launched at the fair. "There are already foreign publishers expressing interest in the copyright," Yan says.