London Book Fair kicks off with strong Chinese publisher presence

People visit the London Book Fair in London, Britain, April 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- London Book Fair, one of the world's largest publishing trade fairs, kicked off here on Tuesday with a strong presence of Chinese publishers.

The book fair, launched in 1971, is scheduled to run until Thursday and boasts the participation of over 1,700 companies from 60 countries and regions.

More than 40 Chinese publishers, supported by the National Press and Publication Administration, are showcasing over 2,300 types of China-themed books.

Speaking to Xinhua at a signing ceremony for cooperation in the international publishing of China-themed books, Hu Kaimin, president of the Foreign Languages Press, said such books, published in foreign languages, are expected to enhance people's understanding of China, a country that is committed to openness and peace.

"The Visible Sounds," a children's picture book illustrated by British Chinese illustrator Yu Rong, was shortlisted for The Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2023. It made a splash during a panel discussion at Olympia London, a massive exhibition center in west London where the book fair is being held.

The book, based on the true story of Chinese dancer Tai Lihua, portrays the uplifting journey of a young child grappling with the challenges of hearing loss.

"What stood out for me for this book was its passion, the way through the words and the illustration, the story was told. It's about showing that level of authenticity, that belief in your stories and characters, and using that to promote ideas of empathy and understanding," Janet Noble, chair of Judges for The Yoto Carnegies 2023, told Xinhua.

A man walks past a poster at the London Book Fair in London, Britain, April 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A man walks past a poster at the London Book Fair in London, Britain, April 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A logo is pictured at the London Book Fair in London, Britain, April 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A woman is pictured at the London Book Fair in London, Britain, April 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying)