Taipei, April 25 (CNA) A month-long exhibition of Australian picture books will showcase the creativity of illustrators like Shaun Tan, who is visiting Taiwan, and the diversity of Australian children's literature, the Australian Trade and Industry Office (ACIO) in Taipei announced at a press conference Tuesday.
More than 40 picture books authored by well-known illustrators like Alison Lester, Ron Brooks and Tan will be displayed in nine Eslite Bookstores from April 25 to May 21.
The exhibition provides a good opportunity to understand Australian children's picture book publishing, which is different from British and American picture books, said Evelyn Killick, executive deputy director of ACIO's Economic and Policy Section.
Australia is an incredibly diverse country and it shows in its picture books, with illustrators coming from all walks of life, race
and age, said Tan, who is of Chinese descent.
Tan provided two of his books -- "The Red Tree" and "The Lost Thing" -- in the exhibition and has been giving speeches on various campuses in Taiwan during his tour.
"Australia has long been known for its picture book publishing, " said Sarah Ko, a professor at National Taipei University. "But Taiwan people often mistake Australian picture books for American or British publications."
"The stories and graphics of Australian picture books are not as dramatic and eye-catching as American and British books. They are more tender and subtle, and show a profound power," she claimed.