Empowering budding literary talents

Following the release of "Father and Son's Teasing and Letters" in 2023, Doan Lu Thuy Phuong (born in 2012) has just released another novel, "The Little Mouse in the Golden Cassia Flower Garden" (Kim Dong Publishing House). Thuy Phuong is proof that, with attention and support, young children with a passion for writing can go further.

That's quite an encouragement.

Compared to her debut work, Doan Lu Thuy Phuong has made significant progress with "The Little Mouse in the Golden Cassia Flower Garden." No longer focusing on stories of family life, Thuy Phuong's new work opens up a creative space with a vivid imagination and an engaging, witty storytelling style. Thuy Phuong was also the recipient of the "Jury Award" at the 4th Cricket Children's Award in 2023, when she was just 10 years old.

Speaking about her journey, Thuy Phuong considers herself lucky because many of her friends write very well but don't always have the opportunity to publish immediately. "When the book was printed, I felt it was a huge encouragement, helping me understand that if I write patiently, sincerely, and strive to learn more, my stories can be heard."

A hands-on writing experience in the forest for young writers from the "Book Window" project.

"It's like someone patting you on the shoulder and saying, 'You've done it, keep going!' But I also think I still have a lot to learn. I want to read more books and observe life more so that my future stories will be better and more interesting," Thuy Phuong shared.

Besides publishers that typically focus on children's literature such as Kim Dong, Tre, Phu Nu Viet Nam, and Tong Hop TPHCM, many private publishing houses are also ready to become a support system for young authors. In October 2025, Slowbooks collaborated with Hanoi Publishing House to launch the book "The Cloud-Sucking Devil" by Nguyen Thuan Nhien (born in 2013), marking the beginning of the "Children Writing for Children" project.

"The project is a way to promote the right to express opinions, access information and creativity, as well as to participate in and contribute to the community," said Nguyen Huu Quynh Huong, founder of Slowbooks.

All you need to do is dare to write.

Eight years ago, Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Tam, M.Sc., founded the "Book Window" project as a way to support and instill a love of reading in young children. Initially operating in Ho Chi Minh City, the project moved to Lam Dong in 2020. At the end of 2024, the "Book Window" project transitioned to operating as a book publishing unit. Since then, numerous publications written and illustrated by children have been produced, part of the "When Children Are Authors" book series.

These include: Humorous Stories (written and illustrated by Nguyen Thuan Nhien); You Don't Need to See, Spring Is Still Abundant (written and illustrated by Ha Thuy Tu Uyen); Stories about Dragons and Witches (written and illustrated by Hoang Phuc - Le Khanh)...

According to Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Tam, from the perspective of an educator and creative professional, she always finds something unique and appealing in each manuscript submitted by the children participating in the "Book Window" program. However, investing in publishing these works is not easy. It's not just about believing in children, but also about whether the manuscripts are marketable. Currently, not many publishers dare to invest in this type of book.

“The number of manuscripts we receive from children is increasing every day. Every child is eagerly awaiting the publication of their work. If no one else is doing it, we have to do it ourselves. That's why I decided to establish my own publishing company, to live up to the children's eager expectations, to fulfill my promises, and to encourage children's belief that if they dare to write and draw, adults are willing to publish their work,” Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Tam expressed.

How to sell books is a common problem for many publishing houses, not just the Book Window. However, according to Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Tam, instead of focusing solely on the economic aspect, she and her colleagues at the Book Window have "solved" the problem of how to get books to not only many people but also to the right people who need them.

Accordingly, for every 1,000 copies of a book printed, the "Book Window" will sell 500 copies and donate 500 copies to underprivileged children and children who love reading. The donations will come from the author's fees, the editorial team's fees, and all the profits the company hopes to earn. This initiative has received the support and participation of parents and the children themselves.

HO SON

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tiep-suc-nhung-mam-non-van-chuong-post843766.html