On 18th November, the New Book Launch of Award-winning Books of Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava（BIB）in Shanghai was held by Shandong Education Press. Six picture books---Surprise (la Surprise), Snow White knit Monsters (Sneeuwwitje breit een monster), A Drift Bottle from Ocean (Agar man Shahrdar boodam), Me and Yellow (Ore to kiiro), Horse Racing (Run run Toto!) and Go to Sleep at Night (La nuit quand je dors…) are published at the first time in domestic, which definitely attract readers and publishers’ attention.

First held in 1967, Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB) is a prestigious international exhibition of original illustrations of children’s picture books. The BIB committee presents 11 awards and a grand prize for unique and outstanding illustrations: 1 Grand Prix, 5 Golden Apples, 5 Plaques and 1 Honorary Mention Certificate to Publisher. Since 1967, the BIB has been held 25 times, over the course of which 40,000 artworks by 5,000 illustrators from over 100 countries worldwide have been exhibited. Because of its long history, the BIB has become an indispensable and significant international illustration exhibition of children’s picture books.

The Award-winning Books of BIB are representing the world’s highest level of picture books today. Also, it is the first time that domestic publishing house had got authorization from BIB. Zuzana Jarošová, General Commissioner BIB and Chairman of BIB International Committee, Professor Fang Weiping of Zhe Jiang Normal University were invited as counselors for this series of books. Chairman Liu Haiqi as editor in general for the series of books.

All of these boutique picture books have a distinctive feature, which could be read and appreciated for many times. The significance of publishing those picture books is profound and lasting. It will not only promote the level of Chinese illustrations, but also encourage the creation of original publishing.

Hai Fei, Chairman of the IBBY China, spoke highly of these Award-winning Books. He said that this time, Shandong Education Press is introducing the most wonderful and high-quality picture books into China, which will absolutely make a great influence on the creation and publishing of Chinese picture books.

Zuzana Jarošová, General Commissioner BIB, Chairman of BIB International Committee, Professor Fang Weiping of Zhe Jiang Normal University, Liu Haiqi of Children’s literature Association of China Writers Association, President Yang Peizhong of Greenland Creative Co., LTD.，Lin Dan from Yourbaby Library, President Liu Dongjie of Shandong Education Press and other 60 famous reading promotion person and marketing experts attended this event.

At the beginning of the New Book Launch, President Liu Dongjie expressed gratitude to all the guests here. He said that this was the first time Shandong Education Press won the authorization for publishing the Award-winning books. It is of milestone significance for exchanging of Chinese and overseas culture. As one of the excellent domestic education presses, Shandong Education Press focuses on introducing the best illustrations of the world to Chinese children.

Zuzana Jarošová, General Commissioner BIB, Chairman of BIB International Committee, expressed that “every child has the right to appreciate the high-quality books”. It is also a great demonstration of understanding and support of the quality arts for children in China. Good seeds of BIB golden apples will bring good fruit, rich harvest. She expected this ambitious and splendid project of Shandong Education Press will be also a big inspiration for others countries.

Professor Fang Weiping expressed it is a miracle that a small city like Bratislava could held such a big event to attract illustrators from all over the world to create fabulous illustrations for children’s picture book.

Some domestic outstanding illustrators attended this event and had a discussion on the Awarded Books and Chinese original picture books.

Fei Jia and Wang Zumin commended Award-winning Books that Shandong Education Press introduced in this time. They said it is lucky for young Chinese illustrators to see those picture books. They will be encouraged to walk towards international illustration field and to show their works to the whole world.

Xiong Liang, famous writer and illustrator, said that no matter BIB or Shandong Education Press, of which intentions are non-profit. For the feature of Award-wining Books is artistic.

Shandong Education Press plans to hold “BIB Illustrations Exhibition” each year at local art museum, library and school in domestic. Besides, our press will concentrate on bringing books that adapt to Chinese children’s favor in. At the same time, Story of BIB will be published soon. At last, Shandong Education Press will hand in glove with the experts from home and abroad to make combinations of Chinese story with fabulous illustrations. We will provide the world-class picture books to Chinese children. Let children grow up by reading the classics.