Taiwan illustrator Page Tsou has won widespread acclaim for his first book, released March 20 at the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair in the northern Italian city.
The success of “The Tin Soldier,” produced by major Spanish publisher Fundacion SM, continues Tsou’s run of luck at the event that saw him win the International Award for Illustration 12 months ago, according to Taipei Book Fair Foundation.
At the time, the jury described his work as having “great pictorial vision and an ability to tell stories, capture atmospheres and reveal human emotions.” It added that his artwork “creates a dreamlike world that clearly reflects his particular vision.”
Su Ali, another Taiwan illustrator, joins Tsou as one of 72 exceptional artists featured at the book fair. Her series “Cycle,” comprising five colorful drawings, was inspired by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan in March last year.
Tsou and Su are just two of the many homegrown artists featured at the fair’s fun adventure-themed Taiwan Pavilion. Others in the lineup include Chen Chih-yuan, Jimmy Liao and Sean Chuang.
Focusing on copyright promotion and international marketing, the pavilion showcases 255 offerings from 45 Taiwan publishers, highlighting the island’s creativity and innovation in the publishing sector.
Billed as the most important international event dedicated to children’s publishing and the multimedia industry, the four-day book fair boasts over 1,200 publishers from 66 countries, and is expected to attract more than 5,000 professional trade representatives.
The 49th edition of the book fair wraps up March 22.
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw