Serving up a treat

The picture book may open up a new series Miao with Xiron Kids, under Xiron Books, would always hope to create: “Strong, relevant and inspiring tales of legendary figures in contemporary China,” as Miao says.

In the 15-years in editing, she tried to maintain creating at least one Chinese original title a year.

And according to A Jia, who witnessed original Chinese picture books to grow more influential in China in recent years, the biographic picture books are a type beginning to emerge, but mainly on scientists.

Wang Lin, senior publishing professional and children’s book critic, says the Li Na book expanded the topic and expression of the Chinese picture books.

While A Jia had hoped that the Li book could be more fun (in terms of being a picture book), he and Miao both agree the secret to accomplish titles under the genre are to “find the children in the protagonists”, and let them being back to children, or as their younger selves.

“And leave aside their achievements, or influences,” Miao adds.