Bologna Children's Book Fair Photo: Courtesy of Kang Qinxin

Including To Abei,MKsports a children's novel inspired by China's Li ethnic traditions, more than 2,500 Chinese children's books are on display at the ongoing 62nd Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy.   

These books were brought to the event by a Chinese delegation consisting of more than 40 domestic publishers. Instead of global book IPs or purely imagined characters, what makes the Chinese delegation's offerings unique is that they "are children's book IPs that stem from the diverse aspects of Chinese culture," Han Yi, a publishing expert at BCBF, told the Global Times.

China's "ethnic cultures" are a highlight of the event. Much like how To Abeiunravels the Li ethnic people's brocade-making heritage, The Birchbark Canoe, a children's novel inspired by China's Oroqen ethnic boat-making, has intrigued overseas publishers at the BCBF. 

Followed by a copyright signing ceremony on site, Xue Tao, the book's author, told the Global Times that The Birchbark Canoewill "soon debut its new Italian and Spanish versions." 

"I hope to use the innocent storytelling of children's books to introduce young overseas readers to a genuine understanding of the country," said Xue, adding that he has a deep affection for the regional ethnic cultures in northern China.

Xue Tao, author of The Birchbark CanoePhoto: Courtesy of Xue Tao

Other than ethnic culture, the Chinese publishing delegation is also showcasing books about "Chinese ecological civilization," "people-­nature relationship" and "rural wisdom," which have become major trending topics in children's books at BCBF. 

Take author Ye Guangling's Xiongmao Xiaosi, also known as Panda Xiaosi, as an example. Ye follows a child's connection with Panda Xiaosito depict the deep love and devotion of Chinese children toward nature. Another book collection Wild China Picture Bookscontains several different stories depicting how Chinese farmers, herders, fishermen and mountain villagers developed the wisdom to survive across varied environments. 

Noting the themes of these stories "were once considered profound for children's books," Han told the Global Times that the Chinese industry now embraces a shifting paradigm. It no longer simplistically defines children's literature as books for kids, but rather as "profound stories with ­universal significance told through narratives accessible to young readers." 

"The Chinese publishing industry has already realized that books for children should carry cultural depth, and can be seen as a conduit for sharing the country's stories globally," Han remarked. 

At BCBF, the book Let's Retrace the Silk Roadsreveals how Chinese children's books do not just take aim at promoting domestic cultures, but also value exchanges between different cultures. 

The book tells the story of a Chinese boy, an Italian girl and a magical kitten on their adventure along the ancient Silk Road and the ancient Maritime Silk Road. They explore many sites like Venice in Italy, and Dunhuang and Quanzhou in China. These cities were vital hubs of the maritime and overland Silk Roads. Through their journey, these two ­children from different cultures gradually learn about each other's traditions.

Noting the book is published by Chinese Press with the support from UNESCO, Kang Qinxin, the translator of the book's Chinese version, told the Global Times that she hopes young readers can feel the convergence of Chinese and Western cultures after turning each page, and also realize that "the world's civilizations are connected despite geographical distances."

"I see that many local Italian publishers are curious about this book and rate it highly," Kang noted, adding that prior to promoting it at BCBF, Let's Retrace the Silk Roadshas already been translated into Arabic, English and other languages. 

Other than stellar books, the Chinese delegation at BCBF has organized events such as a forum discussing the promotion of Chinese book IPs overseas. 

Key speakers like Gvantsa Jobava, president of the International Publishers Association, shared her opinions on how Chinese children's books offer innovative pathways for cross-cultural exchanges between China and the world. 

The 62th BCBF is scheduled to end on April 3. It has so far attracted more than 1,500 exhibitors from more than 90 countries and regions worldwide, with an estimated 20,000 visitors. In 2018, China participated as the Guest of Honor Country at BCBF, and it has continually been involved in the event to today.