The inaugural Taiwan International Children and Youth Book Fair opened Sept. 18-21 in Taichung City to promote reading in the young generation, the Ministry of Culture said.
Themed “Crossing Cities, Reading Without Borders,” the event features 127 exhibitors and is attended by authors, illustrators, copyright holders and publishers from 14 countries. Over 200 lectures, do-it-yourself activities and workshops will be held during the exhibition.
One of the fair’s highlights is a city-themed pavilion showcasing over 100 works that draw on Taichung’s culture, ecology, history and religion, along with interactive displays. The Italian pavilion displays children’s and illustrated books, hosts six cultural activities and presents exhibition sections including “From Illustration to Comics—Pencils in Talented Young Hands” from the 2025 Taipei International Book Exhibition.
The MOC noted that the picture book section provides 100 works created by Taiwan illustrators on the concept of realizing dreams and 16 story-telling activities, while the civic engagement section features 15 indie bookstores and amusement rides. The comics section was planned by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency, the ministry said, adding that the literary section showcases over 40 books that aim to raise awareness among young readers of U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
Cultural Minister Li Yuan said that policy enhancing the lives of children and youth has become one of the ministry’s top priorities since he took office. He cited the launch of the Golden Picture Book Awards, the PTS XS kids’ channel and the Preparatory Office of the National Children’s Future Museum as examples.
Taichung was chosen because the MOC has several affiliated institutions based in the central Taiwan city such as the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, Li said. He believes that with resources invested by both the ministry and the Taichung City Government, the event could attract more visitors and become the second largest book fair after the TIBF, he added. (YCH-E)
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