It was a good opportunity to introduce Korean books in CCBF with our collective stand featuring 10 Korean publishers.
This year, the fair was especially lively and various visitors, publishers, and illustrators showed interest in Korean books.
I hope that these exchanges through books will continue in the future.
KPIPA.Associate
Ahn Hye-jin (Korea)
We thoroughly enjoyed the book fair and sincerely appreciate the assistance throughout the event. Our publishers had a fantastic experience, Ali Alshaali from Alhudhud Publishing and Hamda Alblooshi from Alamkom Publishing on board. They had productive meetings from the very first hour of the fair, which was a promising start. It was a cozy book fair very fruitful, we loved how different it is with close proximity between all professional stands which helped publishers build more connections.
We were also pleased to see great interest from other publishers in their titles, which is a positive sign for future collaborations.
We look forward to the next edition!
Strategic Communications Manager at the Emirates Publishers Association
Fatima Alnabouda (UAE)
For NuiNui it was the first time in CCBF and we can certainly be satisfied. Excellent meetings and new contacts which were a nice surprise. We imagined we would meet only Chinese publishers but that was not the case. The real plus was organisational, everything was just perfect...
Project Manager of Nuinui
Paolo Biano (Italy)
CCBF is a great opportunity to meet publishers not only from China but also from other Asian countries. Some of the publishers don't visit European fairs so it was the only chance for me to meet e.g. Mongolian publishers and other companies from Asia Pacifico region. CCBF is a good way to start cooperation with new business partners and to develop networking.
Rights Sales Manager of Foksal Publishing Group
Marta Górska (Poland)
It was my first time attending the Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, and I was completely amazed by everything I experienced.
One of the highlights of the fair was the Copyright Zone, a space that fosters the exchange of publishing rights between different markets. It serves as a vital hub for building connections, encouraging collaboration, and enabling stories to reach readers around the world.
The fair as a whole plays a key role in developing new readers, not only in China but globally, thanks to the diversity of international publishers it brings together. I left truly inspired by the opportunities for cultural exchange and the shared passion for children’s books.”
President, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Karine Pensa (Brazil)
First, the fair is growing more and more every year and the enthusiasm I found among the participants to the Survival Corner’s activities is something impressive.
The Commercial category in Golden Pinwheel, introduced one year ago, this year had improved a lot in submissions’ quality and also the jurors were impressed and found the winner and mentions quite easily, it’s something I think will become successful in next years.
Illustrator, designer, Writer and Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Ivan Canu (Italy)
I had an incredible experience at the CCBF - it was hugely inspiring, vibrant and packed with information and creativity. Taking part in a panel with some of the most influential people in the children's book world was a real honour, and I've made lots of new friends and connections. Leading a workshop was another highlight; the participants were so lovely and I found it very exciting to see the brilliant variety of artworks that came out of it. The whole trip has been wonderful and totally unforgettable from start to finish.
Artist, Illustrator, Print Maker
Emily Sutton (UK)
Thank you for this beautiful invitation. It was a joy to discover the CCBF and to meet so many talented artists, and engaged agents and publishers. A special thanks to the organisers and volunteers who made this experience possible and enjoyable!
Illustrator
Maeva Rubli (Switzerland)
The book fair is bursting with energy, and what struck me most during this exchange is how actively everyone is exploring new creative directions. It’s truly inspiring and energizing.
Artist
Xiong Liang (China)
CCBF is an amazing look at the love for books both on an international level and a local city level. You meet artists and publishers from everywhere in the world, but also you get to see families and artists from Shanghai itself, which feels extremely special. I was so grateful to come so far from home and get such a warm and genuine reception.
Author, Illustrator
Jon Klassen (USA)
In this bookfair I met fantastic professionals, and committed students from many different places, sharing the same passion for children's literature. "Creating bonds between cultures, with passion" would be the keywords of this bookfair to me.
I also had the pleasure to meet and discuss with Cai Gao and Xiong Liang, two pivotal artists who have beautiful heart and deep artistic feeling and technicity.
Freelance Mediator; Lecturer, Epigramme & Collegram
Morgane Vasta (France)
I had the honor of serving as a juror for the Commercial category in the 2024 Golden Pinwheel Awards. Despite being a newly added category to this prestigious award, the quantity, quality, and international scope of the works to be evaluated were truly surprising and exciting. There is one aspect I would like to highlight for the illustrators: although some authors may not have won the award, they were noticed with great attention. Who knows if this might lead to future collaboration opportunities with the publishing industry representatives that each juror represents.
Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Giacomo Benelli (Italy)
CCBF for me was a true opening and gift of a new perspectives on Cina, on Asia, on the all planet. The vibrant energy of the venue has been curated in every details from the organizers and was the space and time were new scientific relationships, collaborations and friendship among professionals of the highest level.
As a curator of the exhibition a Fabulous Wardrobe I loved every detail of the work that was devoted by CCBF team for realizing it. I appreciated the location, the set up and the wonderful assistance of the volunteer girls.
Assistant Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies of the Alma Mater - University of Bologna
Marcella Terrusi (Italy)
It was the first experience for me at CCBF, a perfect, well-organised and interesting fair. The spaces dedicated to "A Fabulous Wardrobe" were excellent and the assistance of the girls who helped us with the setup and who followed the visitors was attentive. The setting up of the Marco Polo exhibition is beautiful. The masterclass on the history of illustration was crowded with curious students. The dialogue with international guests and Chinese professionals at the official conference dedicated to the sustainable development of children's reading spaces and bookstores was very interesting.
Professor of History of Illustration, ISIA Urbino
Silvana Sola (Italy)
Congratulations on such good results, this is a lot to be proud of and you all are very happy with it, I hope. I look forward to having this for the readers, and hope you'll have some rest coming to you soon, too -- these events are very draining for those who produce them! Many thanks again for the chance to cover this important event for our readership, and it was certainly a great pleasure to be in Shanghai.
Publishing Perspective
Editor in Chief
Porter Anderson (USA)
