Wonderful picture books related to Taiwan (Wenjin, 2023)

Welcome to #TaiwanKidLitMonth, an enchanting celebration of stories, culture, and creativity! In collaboration with international school librarians and book advocates across Taiwan, we are thrilled to embark on a journey through the captivating evolution of Taiwanese literature, showcasing the rich diversity and imagination that define this vibrant literary landscape.

As we dive into the magical world of Taiwanese literature, prepare to be transported to realms filled with wonder, adventure, and discovery. Throughout the month, we’ll be featuring a curated selection of picture books, fiction, graphic novels, general literature, and even a small portion of untranslated gems, ensuring there’s something for readers of all ages to enjoy.

But what sets #TaiwanKidLitMonth apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Each book featured is either written or illustrated by Taiwanese or overseas Taiwanese authors or artists, offering a unique perspective on Taiwanese culture, identity, and heritage. Through these diverse voices and narratives, we hope to foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of shared experience.

Every weekend, we’ll be sharing posts that shine a spotlight on a diverse array of Taiwanese authors and illustrators, providing insights into their creative processes, inspirations, and the magic behind their storytelling. From award-winning masters to wonder creators, our lineup showcases the breadth and depth of talent within the Taiwanese literary community.

Beitou Library, an eco-friendly green building where many of my childhood memories took place (Taipei City Government, 2020).

The Evolution of Taiwanese Literature

Taiwanese literature, especially children’s books, has a rich history that has evolved significantly over the years. Historically, it was heavily influenced by traditional folk tales and moralistic storytelling. These tales, passed down through generations, were not just sources of entertainment but also means of imparting important values and life lessons to young readers.

During the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), Taiwanese literature saw a transformation with the introduction of Japanese-language publications. Japanese folk tales and fairy tales were translated and adapted, broadening the horizons of Taiwanese readers and introducing new storytelling techniques and themes (Tu, 1997).

The post-war era marked a period of cultural renaissance in Taiwan, characterised by a flourishing of artistic expression and creative freedom. Influential authors and illustrators began to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, experimenting with new genres, styles, and themes. 

The democratization of Taiwan in the late 20th century further fueled the expansion of children’s literature, with an influx of diverse voices and western perspectives entering the literary scene (Wilhelm, 2023). Authors and illustrators began to explore a wider range of topics, from social issues and environmental concerns to identity, diversity, and inclusivity. 

Today, Taiwanese literature continues to evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The rise of digital media and technology has opened up new avenues for storytelling, allowing authors and illustrators to reach audiences beyond traditional print formats. Moreover, the growing influence of multiculturalism and globalisation has led to greater diversity in the themes, characters, and settings depicted in children’s books and general literature.

An example of a typical children’s book in Taiwan: The unique “bo po mo fo” (phonic system in Taiwan) next to the traditional Chinese characters to help children read. (Zheng, n.d.)

Picture books serve as the gateway to imagination, captivating young readers with vibrant illustrations and engaging stories. Renowned illustrators like Jimmy Liao and Liu Hsu-Kung transport readers to whimsical worlds filled with wonder and enchantment, while also imparting timeless lessons about family, friendship, and the beauty of everyday life. Through their artistry and storytelling, they offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Taiwanese culture.

Middle grade fiction opens doors to fantastical realms and epic adventures, drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s rich folklore, mythology, and history. Overseas Taiwanese authors like Grace Lin and other notable names weave tales of bravery, friendship, and magic, inviting readers to embark on thrilling journeys through time and space. Whether it’s battling mythical creatures or solving mysteries, these novels ignite the imagination and instill a sense of wonder in readers of all ages.

Notable Works and Cultural Impact

Taiwan’s uniqueness in literature has seen significant growth and diversification, especially in the representation of Taiwanese culture and heritage. The early 21st century marked a critical turning point for diversity in children’s literature, with notable works like Want by Cindy Pon in 2017, a sci-fi dystopian novel set in Taipei. This novel, along with other works by overseas Taiwanese authors like Gloria Chao, Emily X.R. Pan, and Judy I. Lin, contributed to a surge in Taiwanese representation in children’s literature. Gloria Chao, for instance, has published several books featuring Taiwanese-American main characters, such as American Panda, Our Wayward Fate, and Rent a Boyfriend. Emily X.R. Pan‘s The Astonishing Color of After also added to this representation.

Additionally, the emergence of fantasy series inspired by Taiwanese geography, history, and culture, like Henry Lien‘s Peasprout Chen trilogy, further enriched children’s literature with a hint of Taiwanese inspiration. The landscape of Taiwanese literature has evolved to include a variety of genres and themes, reflecting the cultural richness and diversity of Taiwan. Works like Mama’s Home in Taiwan by Chris Huang beautifully portray the contemporary Taiwanese immigrant experience, fostering connections between younger generations and their ancestral roots. Furthermore, books like T is for Taiwan (Taiwan A-Z) offer engaging ways for children to explore Taiwan’s culture, food, and landmarks through alphabet books and pop-up scenes, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the country.

Translated Jewels and Untranslated Gems

Taiwanese literature is a vibrant and diverse tapestry, yet it struggles to gain international recognition, particularly in English-speaking markets. Translation plays a key role in introducing Taiwan’s unique cultural values, narratives, and linguistic diversity to the world. Themes like identity, history, and Indigenous perspectives (Tang, 2024) are central, offering readers insight into Taiwan’s complex socio-political landscape. However, Taiwanese literature is often overshadowed by broader Chinese literature, making the work of skilled translators crucial for preserving its distinct voice.

To celebrate this cultural exchange, don’t miss out on our translated titles, highlighting the contributions of translators who bridge Taiwan and the world. We will #NameTheTranslator to acknowledge their vital role in bridging these stories with a global audience, ensuring that Taiwan’s rich heritage and contemporary issues (Tang, 2023) resonate with readers far beyond its borders.

While we’ll celebrate many wonderful books this month, it’s important to recognise that there are still numerous untranslated works by Taiwanese authors waiting to be discovered by international readers. These hidden gems offer unique perspectives and rich cultural narratives that deserve a global audience. Every Friday, we will introduce a few of these untranslated works, showcasing their potential to captivate and inspire. We warmly welcome translators to reach out to publishers to help bring these stories to the world, ensuring the vibrant voices of Taiwanese literature can be appreciated by readers everywhere.

Join the Celebration

As we celebrate #TaiwanKidLitMonth, let’s come together to explore the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of cultural heritage. Whether you’re diving into the pages of a classic folk tale or embarking on an epic adventure through a fantastical realm, we invite you to join us on this magical journey and get ready to lose yourself in the pages of Taiwanese literature. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene landscapes of the countryside, let’s immerse ourselves in Taiwan’s literary wonders and let the heart of Formosa’s stories enchant you!

Happy Reading!

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

 Books about Taiwan in Chinese and English – Mamababymandarin. Com. 21 May 2023, https://www.mamababymandarin.com/kids-books-about-taiwan-in-chinese-and-english/.

Chang, Shenwei. ‘Reflections on 15 Years of Taiwanese Diaspora Children’s Literature’. READING (AS)(I)AN (AM)ERICA, 14 May 2021, https://readingasiam.blog/2021/05/14/reflections-on-15-years-of-taiwanese-diaspora-childrens-literature/.

Taipei City Government. ‘Beitou Library’. Taipei Travel, 2020, https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/538.

Tang, Jenna. ‘Literature in Translation from Taiwan: What to Read Next by Jenna Tang’. Words Without Borders, 10 June 2024, https://wordswithoutborders.org/read/article/2024-06/literature-in-translation-from-taiwan-what-to-read-next-jenna-tang/.

Tang, Jenna. ‘Understanding Taiwanese Literature Beyond Borders’. Taiwan Insight, 3 May 2023, https://taiwaninsight.org/2023/05/03/understanding-taiwanese-literature-beyond-borders/.

Tu , Kuo-ch’ing. The Study of Taiwan Literature: An International Perspective . Dec. 1997, secure.lsit.ucsb.edu.

Wilhelm, Hellmut , Goldblatt, Howard C. , Li, Tien-yi and Nienhauser, William H.. “Chinese literature”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-literature. Accessed 25 August 2024.

Wenjen, Mia. ‘12 Wonderful Picture Books Related to Taiwan & Giveaway!’ Pragmatic Mom, 11 Dec. 2023, https://www.pragmaticmom.com/2023/12/12-wonderful-picture-books-related-to-taiwan/.

Zheng , Zongxuang (鄭宗弦). 端午飄粽香. 小文房, https://www.books.com.tw/products/0010989492?loc=P_0145_1_003.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

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