The first adventures of the Smurfs were published in 1958.(Photo: CCTV.com)

The first adventures of the Smurfs were published in 1958. The creator was Belgian Pierre Culliford. He signed his books as Peyo. Peyo died in 1992 but a team of cartoonists continue to publish new Smurfs adventures.

Smurfs may only be as tall as three apples. Maybe they don't do much other than to forage or maybe mend the village dam. But they're doing all right. The Smurfs are a 4 billion dollar enterprise. Annual royalties for the Smurfs range from five to twelve million dollars. They perform around the world in 30 languages.

30 languages? But there is no simplified Chinese version. Not until now, 50 years after Smurfs were born. Veronique Culliford, the daughter of the creator, explained it's just the right moment. She runs the family business- IMPS. He brother however has inherited the artistic talent of his father, Peyo.

After an eight-year of negotiation and preparation the Smurfs' Chinese partner has printed 8 books. But readers who are keen to collect all the Smurfs stories have to wait for the full set. Another 24 books are still on the way. The next installment will be on shelves in 2010. Then Chinese readers can look forward to getting a new book every year.

Fans of yesteryear are grown up. Some are parents today. Will they buy into the Smurfs' movie for old time's sake? Or will they want to take their kids?

Today's children have so many more choices than their parents when it comes to what to read and see on television. So, can the Smurfs stand up tall amid a galaxy of younger fictional heroes? The readers will decide.

(CCTV July 3,2008)