Shanghai Children's Book Fair

It will come as no surprise if I say that in 2021 the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair did not take place because the world was still in the midst of the COVID pandemic, but just a few days ago, this year’s dates were announced – July 22-24, 2022.

I am fully aware that dreaming of visiting this exhibition is a very long shot (as they say), but why not talk about it, take a peek behind the scenes, look at some photos, and dream together.

The fair opened its doors in 2013 and although it is one of the young international forums, in its sixth year it began to work hard with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Here I will remind you that China was the guest of honor in Bologna in 2018, when the bilateral cooperation between the two fairs was also announced.

It was this new beginning that took place in 2018 that gave many small and large European publishers, authors and artists the opportunity to look at the endless possibilities of the East and open doors to new communications. The 2018 exhibition, which covers an area of ​​20 thousand square meters, featured 367 major exhibitors from 25 countries, 194 international representatives and 11 national pavilions. Australia, Hong Kong, Russia and Spain were presented at the fair for the first time in front of a total of 33,796 visitors from 48 countries. Yes, the numbers are unique, aren't they? And this is just the beginning. The following year, the numbers grow along with the area of ​​25 thousand square meters and 40,978 visitors. 2020 was a tough year for everyone, as you know, Bologna, Leipzig, Frankfurt and London postponed their events and managed to hold only online meetings. The Shanghai fair, however, managed to open its doors and welcome the most dedicated booksellers and merchants.

One of the countries that is attracting more and more international participants is definitely The Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition. The competition was launched in 2015, and it aims to showcase and stimulate a wide range of illustrators and their works. The regulations are very simple and straightforward. Artists must be between 18 and 39 years old (inclusive), submit 5 works on the same theme online, along with a summary. The illustrations can be both already published works (must have an ISBN) and personal projects that have not yet seen the world. In 2021, a total of 2,426 artists applied.

In September, a jury consisting of Debbie Bibo (USA/Italy), Huang Li (China), Ken Niimura (Spain/Japan), Martin Salisbury (United Kingdom), Zhu Ziqiang (China), announced the 50 shortlisted candidates for the grand prize. And here are the winners and their illustrations:

Yu Chongjing (China, 1989) wins the Golden Pinwheel Grand Award (China). Anna & Varvara Kendel (Russia, 1992) win the Golden Pinwheel Grand Award (International), and Golden Pinwheel Special Mentions go to Diane Li (China, 1992), Alexandra Mirzac (Romania, 1988) and Roozeboos (Netherlands, 1994). The Audience Choice is Zong Minghao (China, 1992).

This year (2022) the Shanghai Children's Book Fair is scheduled for July 22-24, I hope it will take place, despite the complicated global situation, and I hope to see it with my own eyes one day and personally tell you about my experience.

Text: Milena Radeva

Photos: CCBF