A group of children read books at the 2019 China International Children's Book Fair in Shanghai. Photo: IC

As the only book fair in the Asia-Pacific region dedicated to promoting literature for young readers under 16 years old, the China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair (CCBF) will be launched on November 13 with the aim of attracting international exhibitors from more than 20 countries such as Germany, Italy, the US and Australia to participate despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The international book fair is a publication sharing hub featuring more than 60,000 books, one-third of which are from foreign exhibitors. With the theme of "Children's Book+," the 2020 CCBF will focus on showcasing 140 items including illustrated, activity, digital and multimedia books that target readers 0-3 years old. 

Visitors browsing and select books at the 2019 China International Children's Book Fair in Shanghai. Photo: IC

More than 300 children's book publishing houses and related cultural enterprises will join the fair both online and offline in Shanghai. In response to the impact brought by COVID-19, the fair will focus on the issue of digitalizing children's content and design sections such as AR/VR children's books and audio children's books. 

The highlight of the exhibition will be the 63 illustrations created by 21 Italian illustrators to commemorate the great Italian children's literature writer and 1970 Andersen Prize winner Gianni Rodali. 

The book fair is scheduled to end on November 15.