True to life
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"Children's literature is not limited to children," says Qin Wenjun, author of more than 40 books for children and teens, that have won her not just dozens of domestic awards but also nominations for the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in 2002 and the 2010 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
When Qin read two stories from her new book "Dancing Sunflowers" (Hui Tiaowu de Xiangrikui) in Chinese at this year's Frankfurt Book Fair, she drew a crowd of more than 200 foreigners of different ages.
"Adults too are drawn to such stories as there are some issues that cut across age, education and nationality," says the 55-year-old.
It's when night falls and everything quietens down, that Qin creates her stories. She starts by stopping the clock, rolling up the calendar and displaying the presents sent to her by young fans from around the world.
"Night helps me switch from adult to child," says the honorary editor-in-chief of Juvenile and Children's Publishing House, member of the Chinese Writers' Association and vice-chairman of the Shanghai Writers' Association.
"For a writer of children's literature, the ability to handle double identities is a basic requirement," Qin says. "We need to see the hardships of real life, yet write in a light and colorful language.
"I believe children are born optimistic. There is sympathy and affection in children's heart. If it is not nurtured, it will perish," she adds.
Like many other writers, Qin draws inspiration from her early life. "Dancing Sunflowers" comes from a childhood experience of feeling thrilled seeing sunflowers swaying under the sun.
"As children, we may not be able to express our subtle feelings. Sadly, when we grow up, most of us can't recall those feelings. Children's literature bridges the gap," says Qin, who has been entertaining readers for the past 27 years.
But her stories are not always joyous; she also writes about sorrow. From readers' letters and her interactions with children and teens, Qin knows about their study pressures, grievances over family changes and anxiety over society's dark side.
Her best-known protagonist is Jia Li, a junior high school student of the book, "Schoolboy Jia Li". The book has sold 1.2 million copies in 10 years, which continues to increase by tens of thousands each year.
In "Dancing Sunflowers," one of the characters falls down a building and becomes partially paralyzed. Qin reveals it is the true story of her best friend.
"Children also have their own thoughts and ideas about life. We should be frank in telling our children that the world is not perfect," Qin says.
Born and raised in Shanghai, 17 year-old Qin joined thousands of other "urban youth" for their re-education in the countryside in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. She was assigned to a primary school and put in charge of 50 students.
Forced to keep their attention, she quickly overcame her shock and desolation.
She told them stories and their happiness and laugher motivated her to observe each of her students carefully.
When she came back to Shanghai eight years later, she compiled her notes and stories into "Shining Fireflies," and that kicked off her career as a children's writer.
"When I look back, the experience of being a teacher in the countryside was a great gift," she says.
The 63 stories in "Dancing Sunflowers" are all centered on Xiang Cao, a primary school student, through whom Qin explores issues of love, growth and education.
The German version of "Dancing Sunflowers" is now underway. Ten of her works such as "Schoolboy Jia Li," "Schoolgirl Jia Mei," "No 3 Heaven Street" and "16-year-old Girl" have already been translated into other languages.
She vividly remembers a meeting with some Swedish teenagers who asked about "16-year-old Girl," which tells the story of an urban youth in the countryside during the "culture revolution" (1966-76).
"I was impressed that they know that period well, but their knowledge of a more contemporary China is limited. As a writer, I want to present the Chinese society of a modern era," Qin says.
Qin's daughter Dai Yingniao also writes and has already published three books on campus life.
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