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Simmons University Children's Literature Research Center (CSCL) assists “"The East Wind Blows in February: A Tour of Original Chinese Picture Books in the United States"”The collaborative lineup welcomes a new member, following their partnership...R. Michelson Gallery, a renowned American gallery, presents a live offline touring exhibition.Following this, the event recently received significant support from the academic community, with plans to open a dedicated exhibition area for original Chinese picture books in its iconic "Book Nook" space in September 2026.
One of the event's initiators, Li Huan, a Master of Children's Literature from Simmons University, will personally bring the outstanding original Chinese picture books collected to the center to explain the creative characteristics and cultural connotations of Chinese picture books to the center's teachers and students, and promote exchanges between Chinese and American children's literature.
Simmons University Children's Literature Research Center: A benchmark academic institution for global children's literature studies
As a pioneer in the field of American children's literature studiesSimons University Center for Children's Literature Studies (CSCL)In 1977The National Endowment for the HumanitiesEstablished with funding, it has always taken "supporting and promoting research in children's and young people's literature" as its core mission since its inception, and has now grown into a highly influential academic institution in the field of children's literature worldwide.
Core exhibition space Book Nook
The iconic "Book Nook" space at Simmons University's Center for Children's Literature Studies permanently displays approximately 5,000 newly published children's and young adult books. It serves not only as an important place for faculty and students to browse and appreciate books, but also as a key platform connecting literary creation, academic research, and educational practice. This event will provide a professional exhibition space for the overseas promotion of original Chinese picture books.
High-profile industry projects deepen industry influence
In addition to its regular book exhibitions, CSCL also deepens its industry influence through a series of high-profile projects:
• hold"“Children's Literature Summer School”(Summer Institute in Children's Literature) invites renowned authors, illustrators and scholars from around the world to participate in the seminar;
• Hosting the highly prestigious "“Boston Globe-Horn Book Award”(Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards) ceremony, the award is hailed as...A trendsetter in children's literature“one;
• Initiated the "The Horn Book at Simmons" academic seminar, analyzing the value of the award-winning work from multiple dimensions, including publishing, education, library services, and popular culture;
• As "“Boston Children's Book Union”As a founding member of (Children's Books Boston, CBB), he has been continuously promoting communication and collaboration within the Boston area's children's literature community.
Pioneering the first Master of Arts degree program in children's literature in the United States
In its nearly half-century of development, CSCL also pioneered the first Master of Arts degree program in children's literature in the United States. It has now formed—"“Master of Arts in Children's Literature(MA)”Master of Arts in Children's Literature(MFA) and "”Dual Master's Degrees in Children's Literature and Children's Library ServicesA diversified training system including MA/MS degrees. Many alumni are among the graduates.The Wizard of OzsequelWickedThe author Gregory Maguire,Newbery MedalThe judges and other industry leaders are renowned worldwide for their academic strength and industry recognition.
Event initiator Li Huan: A professional promoter deeply involved in Sino-foreign children's literature exchange
Li Huan, one of the key promoters of this "Chinese Original Picture Books Entering CSCL" event, is a 2023 graduate student in Children's Literature at Simmons University. Upon admission, she received the university's "Lee & Low and Friends Scholarship" special scholarship, and upon graduation, she received the "Director's Award in Children's Literature" honorary title.
Cathryn Mercier
Education and professional experience
She received her Master of Journalism degree from Renmin University of China in 2012 and previously worked at China Children's Press & Publication Group as a children's book editor.
From 2018 to 2019, I studied at Teachers College, Columbia University in the United States, and later worked at the China Institute, a century-old Sino-American cultural exchange organization in New York.
Deeply cultivating the promotion of children's literature
As the administrator of the children's literature exchange platform "789 Children's Literature Talk", he has long been committed to the exchange of children's literature between China and foreign countries.
Since 2022, I have planned and continuously hosted a series of online exchange activities, such as "Public Reading of Chinese Classic Children's Literature" and "My Picture Book Publishing Journey".
In 2023, I participated as a key creator in the Children's Education sub-forum of the "Harvard China Education Forum," inviting Chinese and American experts to discuss picture books and education.
In 2025, we will lead outstanding Chinese children's literature authors to visit, exchange ideas with, and learn from American universities, publishing houses, and museums.
The original intention of this event
We hope that through CSCL's "Book Nook" platform, American children's literature professionals can directly experience the artistic charm of original Chinese picture books. Whether it's stories with traditional cultural themes or creations closely related to contemporary children's lives, they can all serve as a bridge for communication across language barriers. During the exhibition, we plan to organize small sharing sessions to interpret the creative concepts and cultural symbols of Chinese picture books.
Submission method
Contact person: Huanzi
WeChat: Chinaliyaze
Email: huanliedu@gmail.com
Mailing address: Please add us on WeChat to obtain.
We welcome submissions from Chinese picture book creators and organizations to help spread Chinese culture overseas!
—For more information, please visit”"789 Children's Literature Talk" WeChat Official Account
