Stories for children, perspectives from Southeast Asia, and the journey to bring Vietnamese books closer to international readers.

On the afternoon of 7 October 2026, the panel discussion “Children’s Books from South East Asia” took place at the ASIA STAGE as part of the 78th Frankfurt Book Fair, bringing together publishing representatives from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and South Korea.

Representing Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Manh Hung shared his perspectives on Vietnamese children’s literature, ongoing efforts to develop creative content, and the potential for bringing books for young readers to international markets.

During the session, several notable titles were introduced, including The Rebirth of the Eagle, the Science Made Super Easy series, and Aloka, The Peace of Dog. Each title offers its own distinctive character, reflecting the diversity of approaches to children’s publishing—from accessible scientific knowledge to emotionally engaging stories rich in human values.

Beyond showcasing individual books, the discussion provided an opportunity for participating countries to exchange experiences in developing their children’s book markets, explore shared aspects of reading culture, and foster cross-border publishing partnerships.

The presence of Vietnamese books at the ASIA STAGE marked a meaningful milestone in the ongoing journey to bring Vietnam’s stories, knowledge and creativity to readers around the world.

An inspiring afternoon in Frankfurt, where small books can open the door to great connections.

Thai Ha Books