An exhibition of picture-story books held at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing on July 6, 2016. (Photo/Asianewsphoto)
Picture-story books, also known as xiaorenshu (little man book) in China, have once been popular among children for decades.
In the past, there was not enough means of entertainment such as television and computer games, and picture-story books were the only pastime for kids.
Popular genres for these types of books included historical figures, idiom stories, folktales and four Chinese great classical novels, including Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. For many children decades ago, picture-story books were more fascinating than fairy tales.
Picture-story books now are, however, no longer popular due to the popularization of television and the internet. Children born after the 1990s are now less impressed about reading picture-story books during their free time.
The values of some picture-story books have increased and have become quite collectable, meaning a book can cost up to a few thousand yuan.
To celebrate International Children's Day on June 1, many adults could choose to gift a picture-story book to their children to help them discover the joy of reading.
