Selected in dPICTUS 100 outstanding picturebooks 2023 & 2024

Summary

The series of 3 books consists of minimalistic illustrations that all work in pairs, and readers have to do just two things: breathe un, and breathe out.  Through this breathing process, children and readers of all ages will feel  　– blowing out candles on a birthday cake, watching fireworks, a rabbit hop, and other small (or not so small) activities in their daily lives.  

This is a very unique wordless picture book that is ingeniously simple and therapeutic. 

Author

Hu Yifan is a picture book artist and visual designer. He earned a MA in picture book design from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Breathe In, Breathe Out was awarded the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) Graduate Creative Excellence Award; Best Picture Book at the 35th Chen Bochui International Children's Literature Award; The Beauty of Books in China Award; and was selected for the dPICTUS World’s 100 Outstanding Picture Books 2023 & 2024.

Summary

This story is about a six-year-old human girl's adventure in a magical forest as she searches for her younger brother. Along her journey, she meets enchanting creatures like the Multi-eyed Dog Sun, Meteor Cat Ika, and Pink Dolphin Philo, who become her friends and help her in the quest.

As the girl delves deeper into the Raven Forest, she encounters the strange little creatures that inhabit this fantastical realm. Each encounter leads her closer to her brother, and she learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and determination.

Finally, after a series of exciting and heartwarming adventures, the girl Luhua and her newfound friends locate her brother Lucao. With a joyful reunion, the children realize the magical forest has taught them unforgettable memories and has left an everlasting mark on their hearts.

However, leaving the forest was not as simple as it seemed. Finally, with the assistance of their companions, the human children departed from the enchanting Raven Forest.

Author: Lu Yizhou

Illustrator: An Bu Lu Ma

Summary

Once upon a time, a child was born with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony: the princess Snow White. She is the representation of beauty and innocence…

BUT,

What would the acclaimed artist Tian Ziqian create when subverting the classic visual image of “Snow White”? What would happen if the “Princess” figure is freed from the societal definition of femininity?

These are exactly the questions the artist wished to explore through the book The Hundred Faces of Snow White, a story of a girl possessing boundless vitality and potential, and because of her uniqueness and courage, SHE IS A PRINCESS!

Rights Sold: Japan, Singapore, France

Author and illustrator

Tian Ziqian, a picture book artist who is from Chongqing, China. She graduated from the Picture Book Creative Studio at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2020. In 2021, she was admitted to the Illustration Department of Tama Art University in Japan for postgraduate studies.

Color is synonymous with her. In her daily life, she enjoys wearing clothes of various colors; in her artistic creations, she likes to use a vibrant palette. Through the bold use of color, she conveys optimism and passion for life to everyone.

Description

Stay here, with nature; Stay here, with everyone; Stay here, with you and me!

The author describes the public area in three separate scenes: the lawn, the ski resort, and the walking path, providing readers with a series of fascinating images of human life. This collection of books introduces children to public spaces and helps them develop public awareness.

Author and illustrator

Tian Ziqian graduated from the Picture Book Studio program at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2020. She then continued her studies at Tama Art University, one of the top art universities in Japan. Her picture book “Mr. Sun's Shop” was shortlisted for the Xinyi Picture Book Award in 2020, and also won an Excellence Award at the Japan Children's Illustration Award in 2022