VIETNAM'S ISLANDS: Children’s bilingual picture books 'Phong Ba Nơi Đầu Sóng' (Phong Ba at Rough Sea) and 'Biển Ấy Là Của Mình' (Our Beloved Seas) highlight the beauty of Trường Sa (Spratly) Archipelago. Photo courtesy of Lion Books

HCM CITY – A set of two bilingual picture books on the beauty of the Trường Sa (Spratly) Archipelago for children has just been released at the HCM City Book Pedestrian Street.

The books, titled Phong Ba Nơi Đầu Sóng (Phong Ba at Rough Sea) and Biển Ấy Là Của Mình (Our Beloved Seas), are written by author Bùi Tiểu Quyên and illustrated by painter Thanh Phan.

The works are published by Lion Books, a book distributor in Hà Nội who releases many popular publications for children.

They depict an adventure had by a dog named Phong Ba living in Sinh Tồn Island of the Spratlys.

Phong Ba and his friends travel across the archipelago to learn about history, beauty and a life full of joy and hopes in the place where he was born.

He also shows his admiration to soldiers stationed on the archipelago who dedicate their life to protecting the nation’s sovereignty.

Author Quyên told local media that “the books contain simple stories with lovely illustrations which are easily understandable to young readers.”

She encouraged parents to read the books together with their children and answering their questions. It helps them learn about the protection of the nation’s sovereignty in the seas and islands, and nurtures their love for the country.

Quyên visited the Trường Sa Archipelago in April 2019.

She said, “the trip left a very deep impression on me and inspired me to write new books, especially works for children.”

The author wrote her first book on Trường Sa titled Cà Nóng Chu Du Trường Sa (Cà Nóng Travels to Trường Sa) published by the Kim Đồng Publishing House in 2021.

The book features a trip by a camera named Cà Nóng, who has an opportunity to visit Trường Sa with its owner, a young journalist.

The work helped Quyên win a C prize at the 2022 National Book Awards.

She also won an award for Best Children’s Book given by the HCM City Writers’ Association in 2021, and the Mai Vàng (Golden Ochna) Awards for Best Literary Work given by the Người Lao Động (Labourer) newspaper in 2022.

BEAUTIFUL TRƯỜNG SA: Paintings of the Trường Sa Archipelago from the books are featured at the 'Lớp Học Bác Ba Phi' (Uncle Ba Phi’s Classes) workshops held at schools in Hà Nội, HCM City and the provinces of Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu. Photo courtesy of Lion Books

The books Phong Ba Nơi Đầu Sóng and Biển Ấy Là Của Mình are available at bookstores nationwide and on e-commercial platforms.

A series of workshops called “Lớp Học Bác Ba Phi” (Uncle Ba Phi’s Classes) will also be held at schools in Hà Nội, HCM City and the provinces of Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu.

The programmes will include painting exhibitions on Trường Sa, storytelling and postcard making to help students learn more about Việt Nam’s seas and islands. – VNS