Austrian children's books impressed the Chinese specialist audience

2023.12.08

Great children's literature has always inspired people all over the world. Austria, known for its rich tradition of thinkers and writers, has traditionally been fertile ground for the production of children's literature, such as the classic "Bambi". In recent decades, Austrian children's books have become increasingly popular in China.

Excellent response to Austrian children's content in China

More than a hundred works by Austrian children's authors have been translated and published in China, including books by Christine Nöstlinger, Heinz Janisch, Wolf Harranth, Mira Lobe, Felix Salten, Stefan Karch, Marko Simsa and Thomas Brezina, to name but a few. The classic "Die Omama im Apfelbaum" by Mira Lobe (Jungbrunnen Verlag) has sold over two million copies in China and is extremely popular among young readers.

Catalogue exhibition at the CCBF Children's Book Fair in Shanghai

The 10th edition of the CCBF Children's Book Fair took place from 17 to 19 November 2023 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. From 154 exhibitors at the first event in 2013 to nearly 500 exhibitors from 25 countries this year, the Shanghai Children's Book Fair has grown in national and international influence to become the leading trade fair for children's book publishers and content for children aged 0-16 in the Asia-Pacific region.

At this year's CCBF Children's Book Fair, which took place on an exhibition area of 25,000 square metres, numerous publishers and sales organisations presented more than 30,000 new titles/products. In addition, 329 accompanying events were organised, including various specialist discussions, new book launches, reading promotion activities, city partnerships and live online broadcasts. In total, the three-day CCBF Children's Book Fair attracted 42,733 enthusiastic visitors from all over the world, including 19,086 trade visitors.

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA was also represented at the fair with a catalogue exhibition - with a total of five Austrian publishers/cultural institutions/stationery manufacturers - which met with great interest and opened up interesting new business opportunities for the participating companies.

Focus on creative industries in Shanghai

The promotion of the creative industries and the export of Austrian cultural and creative products has been a concern of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Shanghai for many years. Publishers and cultural organisations should be supported in opening up new markets and establishing valuable contacts. In China, there are already successful examples of co-operation projects for Austrian offerings in the area of children's content, but the potential is far from exhausted for Austrian players.