Back from a busy week at the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair.It was my first visit to China and I was very honoured to talk at the Book Fair itself and also to get the chance to meet publishers, editors, translators along with Chinese writers and readers. Ireland Literature Exchange had a stand at the Book Fair and Sinead MacAodha certainly flew the flag for Irish writing and books. She also very kindly introduced my event at the Fair.
Along with some great Chinese children’s writers I was asked to read at a packed evening event at Changning District Library. It was lovely to meet so many young readers who had come along with their parents.
Visiting a busy Shanghai School in a city of 20 million people was a highlight. Being given the chance to tour the school and meet and talk to some of their students about my books and writing was very special. I had a wonderful translator Fei who ensured that there was no problem with communicating over the few days.
I have learned so much about China and found its people open and welcoming and interested in books and writing and most of all imagination…