News & Reviews

Shanghai Children’s Book Fair to promote copyright trading

The inaugural China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF), to be held at the ShanghaiMart Exhibition Centre from November 7 – 9, 2013, will be ‘trade only’ for the first two days. Day 3 will be open to the public. Managed by Reed Exhibitions and supported by the General Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film & Television, this event is dedicated to the copyright trading, publishing, printing and distribution of content/books aimed at 0 to 16 year-olds.

Home to more than 230 million people under the age of 16, China boasts a flourishing children’s publishing sector that is currently valued at USD $5 billion, of which USD $340 million comes from licensing. These figures illustrate why children’s books are the most dynamic, competitive and fastest growing sector in China’s publishing industry. Between 2011 and 2012 the number of children’s publications grew by 35 percent, with 20 percent of total rights sales in China’s book industry coming from this segment.

As per Randy Wang, senior project manager at Reed Exhibitions, “Driven by the theme of ‘Content Without Borders’, CCBF is focused on facilitating closer interaction between local and international industry practitioners. We will be that bridge that connects publishers with copyright traders; authors and their fans. Exhibitors and visitors will, through this platform, discover a huge range of original printed and digital content—books, e-books, educational software and other edutainment products. Our hope is that they will go away wanting more and looking forward to the next CCBF.

“Having this event in Shanghai makes perfect sense. This is one of China’s busiest publishing hubs and cultural centers, as well as its innovation and financial core. The timing is particularly appropriate too, with Disneyland Shanghai opening in 2015. This will cement Shanghai’s position as China’s capital of children’s culture and entertainment.”

Asia-Pacific’s active copyright trading accounts for 20 percent of the global children’s book market. The launch of CCBF will do much to better serve and upgrade children’s content copyright trading in the region.

A comprehensive collection of on-site events will run concurrent to the fair. These will include The International Children’s Book Publishing Summit, The Best Children’s Book Award, The International Children’s Publication Copyright Trade Summit, The International Children’s Book Promotion Events, the International Promotion of Chinese Children’s Literature Author Workshops and more. These collocated events and activities will do more than simply enhance the Fair’s influence over children’s reading culture, the children’s publication industry and the market. They will also provide participants with rich opportunities to significantly boost their business; amplify their brand to the market; network and source accurate information.

Singapore International Storytelling Festival (SISF) 2013

The eighth annual SISF will be held from September 2-8, 2013, which includes the one-day Asian Congress of Storytellers on September 6, 2013. SISF 2013 will present a medley of performances and workshops by Singaporean and international storytellers – weaving words, connecting cultures.

This year, the Asian Congress of Storytellers reinforces the use of stories and storytelling techniques in our workplace and our lives. The workshops will explore the diverse use of stories and demonstrate the different ways to use them.

For more info, visit www.bookcouncil.sg/sisf.

Get more fun with Purple Turtle on the Android Apps

The cute little character and the kids luxury brand ‘Purple Turtle’ is now closer to its followers through apps on android. The app will keep the followers updated on the latest happenings in the ‘Purple Turtle’s’ world. The Android users can download these apps for free on an operating system of 2.3 and above. The apps are launched under the Books & reference category.

The features in the mobile app will help in socializing the experience, deepening the engagement with fans and personalize the interface for each individual user. NK Krishnanand, national sales manager, Purple Turtle, says, “Consumer expectations are ever evolving and we need to keep in pace with them. Launching the apps on Android is such a step towards fulfilling these evolving expectations. The apps will feature the Purple Turtle’s wonderful world, where everyone can meet him and his friends and can learn with this great group.”

Purple Turtle is a cute character to help children learn in a fun way. Their books and apps have been licensed to USA, UK, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Estonia, and Latvia. They also have a preschool, which provides personalized education and care towards a child. Purple Turtle believes that children are capable and innovative and believes that books play a major role in developing a child brain which leads to overall development of the child.

Scholastic Asian Book Award 2014 call for entries

The Scholastic Asian Book Award is presented biennially for an unpublished manuscript targeted at children aged 6 to 18 years, written by authors of Asian descent, living in Asia, who are 18 years of age and above. The Scholastic Asian Book Award 2014 offers a prize of S$10,000 and will be presented during the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in May 2014.

The closing date for the submission is October 21, 2013.