Cover of the children's book ‘Khu Vườn Trong Tim Ta’ by author and illustrator Phạm Quang Phúc.

HÀ NỘI — A Vietnamese children’s picture book about healing and rediscovering peace has captured international attention, with Khu Vườn Trong Tim Ta (The Garden Within Us) earning a place on the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf list of 150 outstanding titles worldwide.

Published by Crabit Kidbooks and Hà Nội Publishing House, the book by author and illustrator Phạm Quang Phúc marks the first time a Vietnamese children’s title has been included in this prestigious showcase.

In the context of intense international competition, the selection of Khu Vườn Trong Tim Ta for the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf 2026 list represents a notable professional recognition. Alongside other outstanding works, the book will be exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair from April 13-16.

Author and illustrator Phạm Quang Phúc.

The BRAW Amazing Bookshelf is part of the BolognaRagazzi Award (BRAW) system, one of the world’s most respected international prizes for children’s picture books and illustrated titles. The award is presented by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, held each year in Bologna, Italy. Recognised as the largest children’s book fair in the world, the event brings together publishers, rights representatives, illustrators, curators and industry experts from across the globe.

Each year, the BolognaRagazzi Award honours exceptional works for their content, illustration, graphic design, visual structure, creativity and accessibility for young readers. Alongside the winning titles and those receiving Special Mentions, the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf showcases 150 notable books selected from the shortlist, exhibited at the fair to introduce them to the international publishing community.

According to organisers, this year’s competition received 4,120 entries from 73 countries and territories, a record high. Submissions rose by 6.8 per cent while participating publishers increased by 13 per cent compared with 2025.

‘Khu Vườn Trong Tim Ta’ is the first Vietnamese children’s book to be selected for inclusion in the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf 2026 list of 150 titles, part of the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award showcase at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2026. — Photos courtesy of Crabit Kidbooks

Khu Vườn Trong Tim Ta tells the story of Little Rabbit and the garden left behind by his grandfather, a place filled with memories, longing and enduring love.

After his grandfather passes away, the garden withers, yet it is there that Little Rabbit learns to face sorrow, share with his mother and sow new seeds of affection in the garden of his own heart.

Gentle and poetic, the book becomes a tender journey towards inner peace, using the garden as a metaphor for our own hearts: though there are days of drought and fracture, with care and patience, everything can bloom again.

Through simple words and soaring illustrations, the book touches both children and adults alike, offering a quiet message that sadness, too, can blossom if nurtured with love.

Earlier, the work was ranked among the Top 100 outstanding picture‑book manuscripts of dPICTUS 2022, a curated network showcasing exceptional picture books. The platform brings together more than 700 publishers, agents and editors from over 50 countries. — VNS