When it comes to children's books, a picture really can say a thousand words! In another example of China-Italy cooperation, Beijing's National Museum of Classic Books is now hosting the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition. Featuring the works of 70 international illustrators, it's the exhibition's first appearance outside of Italy. We pay a visit now.

 Cao Wenxuan

There's a certain magic about a beautifully illustrated children’s book, something that can set your child’s imagination soaring and set up a lifetime of reading.

And that's the sacred art now venerated at the National Museum of Classic Books.

"I've never seen such an exhibition in China before, and there are a great many genres."

"An illustrator really helps children understand a story better; it's more visual than words."

The exhibition includes "Feather", written by Chinese writer Cao Wenxuan and illustrated by Roger Mello from Brazil.

"In the western children's book industry, the work of an illustrator is vital, especially for children at a very young age. They are basically absorbing what the illustrator has drawn instead of reading the text. With more international exchange and cooperation, China's publishing industry is entering a new era," said children's book writer Cao Wenxuan.

 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition

The Bologna Illustrators Exhibition was initiated at the 3rd Bologna Children's Book Fair and is considered the world's leading event of its kind.

"China and Italy have cooperated many times in the children's book industry. The Chinese and the Italians share many qualities, and the children make friends with each other quite easily," said cultural counsellor Stefania Stafutti, Embassy of Italy in China.

The exhibition runs until May the 22nd before touring to five other cities in China, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.