Children's literature on its journey to the world

In recent times, Vietnamese children's literature has made an increasingly significant mark at international forums. A prime example is the Bologna Children's Book Fair – a leading global event in the field of children's publishing.

A panel discussion about children's books took place at the International Book Fair.

In recent times, Vietnamese children's literature has made an increasingly significant mark at international forums. A prime example is the Bologna Children's Book Fair – a leading global event in the field of children's publishing. From its initial steps with a few works selected and honored in prestigious categories, the journey of children's books to the "global stage" shows many positive signs.

From international book fairs, domestic children's literature has made an impression in broader spaces. The work "The Garden in Our Hearts" by author-illustrator Pham Quang Phuc, published by Crabit Kidbooks, was featured in the list of 150 Amazing Bookshelf books in the BolognaRagazzi Award 2026; and "Walking with Time" by author Quynh Huong, illustrated by Maru, is included in The White Ravens 2025 catalog of the International Youth Library – these are significant milestones with clear professional implications.

This initial success is the result of a rigorous selection process, based on criteria such as content, aesthetics, visual structure, and accessibility to young readers. Behind this positive outcome lies a remarkable shift in creative thinking and book publishing.

Previously, children's books tended to focus on directly conveying lessons, but today many authors and illustrators pay more attention to artistic merit, prompting discussion, and the right to children's imagination. Storytelling has become more refined, emotionally rich, and closer to the common language of children's literature worldwide. However, when comparing Vietnamese children's literature to developed publishing industries, the gap becomes clear, as its output remains fragmented and lacks a distinct identity.

At the Bologna Children's Book Fair, each country strong in children's publishing showcased a complete ecosystem, from support policies and copyright strategies to cultural image building. The national pavilions were well-invested, clearly directed, and reflected unique identities, making a strong impression.

Meanwhile, Vietnam still primarily participates through individual units, lacking a large-scale national pavilion, resulting in children's books not being recognized as a unified entity. This situation means that even with quality works, it is still not enough to establish a brand for Vietnamese children's literature on the international stage.

In other words, we have had some "bright spots," but we haven't yet formed a "bright area." According to experts in this field, one of the key factors determining the ability of children's literature to reach the "big ocean" is the copyright market.

In countries with developed publishing industries, copyright trading is professionally organized with copyright representatives, market access strategies, and global partner networks. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, this activity still largely depends on the efforts of individual entities. Independent publishers have proactively participated in book fairs, developed catalogs, and connected with partners, but their scale and resources remain limited.

Another persistent problem is translation. For a work to reach an international audience, it needs a high-quality translation that conveys the spirit and cultural nuances. This is a significant shortcoming in domestic literature, requiring long-term investment and the addition of a team of highly specialized translators.

In the context of globalization, children's publishing worldwide is shifting towards a greater emphasis on cultural diversity. International publishers are increasingly interested in stories with unique identities and perspectives from different cultures.

With its rich cultural traditions, abundant folklore, and ever-changing social life, Vietnamese children's literature possesses a wealth of creative material. However, adapting these stories, imbued with national identity, into modern, accessible artistic language that resonates with children worldwide remains a significant challenge.

Many Asian literatures have successfully preserved their identity while simultaneously integrating dynamically. This is suggested by their ability to find unique forms of expression, based on their cultural foundations.

Another issue raised at international publishing forums is the role of artificial intelligence. While technology can assist in many areas, from editing to data management, most publishers agree that creativity, especially in children's literature, must retain its core values.

Children's stories should contribute to shaping the character, emotions, and worldview of future generations. Therefore, authenticity, subtlety, and humanistic depth in their creation are irreplaceable elements.

Children reading books at Nguyen Van Binh book street, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: TU TRUNG)

According to experts, for Vietnamese children's literature to truly reach the world, a systematic strategy is needed. First, a comprehensive support mechanism for creation, publishing, and promotion must be established. Participation in international book fairs should be considered part of a national strategy for developing the cultural industry, rather than just an isolated effort by individual organizations.

Furthermore, investment in training human resources, from authors, illustrators, and editors to translators and copyright experts, is essential. This is the foundation for improving the quality of literary works and their ability to access international markets. More importantly, a long-term vision is needed, aiming to build a "brand" for children's literature based on the core values ​​of national culture, while simultaneously expanding dialogue with the world.

The Vice President of the Vietnam Writers Association , poet Tran Dang Khoa, commented: “The presence of children's literature at international book fairs shows significant efforts in improving the quality of writing, investing in illustrations, and promoting local culture to the world. As soon as possible, we need to move from simply being present and achieving some success to clearly asserting our position. This is a long journey, requiring perseverance and systematic investment. And then, the appearance of children's literature at international events will no longer be unusual, but will become a natural part of the journey of integration and development.”

MAI LU

Source: https://nhandan.vn/van-hoc-thieu-nhi-tren-hanh-trinh-ra-the-gioi-post961349.html