Shanghai Children's Book Fair launches its Comic Week

The 13th edition of the Shanghai International Children's Book Fair (CCBF) kicks off this November 13 with something that hits close to home: the first Shanghai Comic Week. The event, which runs until November 15 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, brings together 501 exhibitors from 37 countries and territories, 152 of them international.

The new Comic Week broadens the fair's focus beyond children. The organization is targeting young readers aged 13 and up and young adults, with a platform that mixes comic publishing, original art exhibitions, animation screenings, and meetings with creators.

Among the guests in the comic area are Chinese authors Ma Yi, Tango, and Ruan Junting, with original works and themed pieces. Also announced is a signing by Zhu Yucheng, founder of Gravity Animation and creator of the Bu Baichi IP, and talks by Li Xiaoshan and Jin Suhang about Shanzhu Dao. Author Da Mianyang BOBO presents her new book Aiya, I Put On the Wrong Shoes!.

The fair is partnering with the Feinaki Animation Festival to screen a selection of animated shorts, including Jingzhe. The "Comic Creators Avenue" space will also display original comics and merchandise to connect authors, publishers, and readers.

Colorful illustration with characters related to comics and creativity.m.sohu.com

The CCBF's international program includes Hans Christian Andersen Award winners such as Cai Gao, Cao Wenxuan, and Roger Mello, and Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award winners Jon Klassen and Bart Moeyaert. Italy is attending with 16 publishers coordinated by the Italian Trade Agency, its largest participation to date.

Inside the fair, the "A Thousand Faces of Pinocchio" exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of Carlo Collodi's birth with works by more than 20 artists, including Lorenzo Mattotti. Another show, "Children's Books +: Fables and Fairy Tales," brings together 200 titles from around the world.

Collection of children's book covers with the fair's new publications.m.sohu.com

On the Chinese publishing side, the fair presents 260 new releases from domestic and international publishers. Among the imprints with a presence are Jieli Publishing House, with the Barbapapa and Monster Master IPs, and Hunan Juvenile & Children's Publishing House, with its "Dreamer," "Toward the Sky," and "Cai Gao's Picture Book World" lines.

The CCBF keeps its "ticket economy" model: the ticket gives access to discounts and activities at museums, bookstores, shopping areas, and cultural spaces in the Pudong area and across the city. With more than 300 professional and reading promotion activities scheduled, the fair cements its place as the big children's and young adult book event in Asia-Pacific.