Children are a big part of the Shanghai Book Fair, with this year's event featuring over ten thousand children's books by Chinese and foreign authors.
There's an entire hall at this year's fair dedicated to children's books, with works from more than 50 publishers on display. That's the most ever. Many families are choosing books together.
“There are more kinds now than before. My son also wants to find some adventure stories he likes. ” A parent said.
One bookseller says she's selling 100,000 worth of imported picture books a day at the fair - twice as much as last year's sales. And given a choice between Chinese and foreign children's books, many parents say the foreign ones are more appealing - especially the picture books.
"I've bought some foreign children's picture books. They are quite colorful and their stories for teaching kids to be responsible are also inspiring." One parent said.
But one young reader says she prefers the domestic books.
"I still like Chinese children's stories as I find it is much easier to understand their writing styles," said Zhong Aiyuan, a child.
One local editor says Chinese authors are good at writing stories for older children who already know lots of words, and are familiar with the Chinese school environment. But she says it's difficult to develop picture books for smaller kids.
"Here, artists often draw after the writers have finished stories, and that creates a barrier. But in many other countries, many writers can also draw themselves. And they will consider many details of a book including how it feels when it's touched." Zhuo Qing, Chief Edotor of Children's Publishing House, said.
And one children's story writer says that it is not easy to find new authors to succeed famous Chinese writers who are now middle-aged, or even older.
"Good children's story writers should not only have writing skills, but also understand children's thoughts very well. Otherwise they cannot write stories that will attract kids. And some young writers decided to quit after initial trials because they found it is very hard to become famous quickly in this area," said Qin Wenjun, a writer.
And Qin says some publishers are offering more support for young writers of children's books. At this year's book fair, publishers are holding nearly 60 events, including getting both old and young writers together to talk about how to develop children's literature.
