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Nguyen Nhat Anh's works translated into English

Wide-open path into global market

In recent years, an increasing number of Vietnamese children's books have been exported. Among these, The Adventures of a Cricket by To Hoai holds a notable record, having been translated into over 40 languages. Another popular work, Southern Land and Forests, has been translated into Russian, Polish, Chinese, German, and Spanish. Author Nguyen Nhat Anh has had several of his works translated, including Have a Nice Day (English), Crying on the Tree (English), Blue Eyes (Japanese), Ticket to Childhood (Thai, Korean, English, Japanese), I See Yellow Flowers in the Green Grass (Japanese, English), Walking Through the Flowers (Japanese), and I Am Beto (Korean). Nguyen Ngoc Thuan’s Open the Window, Eyes Closed has been translated into English and Swedish, and Green Lotus by Son Tung has also been considered for publication abroad.

In terms of scale, imported children's books currently dominate the Vietnamese market. Nevertheless, the achievements of domestic children’s literature in reaching global audiences are both notable and encouraging, underscoring the potential for Vietnamese works to attract and be appreciated by international readers.

Vietnamese children’s literature has several avenues for gaining international exposure, with participation in international book fairs being one of the most prominent. For many years, Vietnamese publishers, including those specializing in children's books, have actively engaged in major international book fairs. These events provide valuable opportunities for Vietnamese publishers to connect with international counterparts, exchange ideas, and introduce their children's books to potential buyers and readers.

Vietnamese children's books at the Asian Children's Book Fair.

In 2023, the Kim Dong Publishing House showcased 30 notable children's books in genres such as literature, skills, science, and cultural books at the Asia Children's Book Fair in Singapore. The following year, at the 2024 Frankfurt International Book Fair, they introduced nearly 60 titles, primarily children's books.

Other publishers, including Youth Publishing House and Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House, are investing in bilingual or English translations of children's books to meet modern printing standards, enhancing accessibility in international markets. These efforts have garnered significant interest and resulted in copyright agreements at various events.

Additionally, cultural and artistic exchange programs between Vietnam and other countries are vital in connecting Vietnamese children's literature with foreign readers. For example, on October 15, 2024, the Vietnam Writers' Association signed a cooperation memorandum with the Pakistan Institute of Literature, and on October 23, 2024, they signed similar agreements with three literary and cultural organizations in Taiwan (China). These exchanges often involve translating works from both sides, including children's literature.

Many Vietnamese publishers have independently pursued the English-language release of domestic children's literature to attract international readers. For instance, Youth Publishing House has translated several works by Nguyễn Nhật Ánh into English, showcasing them at international book fairs and distributing them both online and in person abroad.

Vietnamese children's book publishers have also embraced bilingual and English versions of high-quality books for foreign publication. This proactive approach has significantly expanded the reach of Vietnamese children's literature.

Additionally, some international publishers and readers have recognized the potential of Vietnamese children's literature and have sought direct partnerships with Vietnamese authors and publishers. In some cases, Vietnamese authors write in English or bilingually to make their works more accessible to foreign readers. With increasing global integration, the path for Vietnamese children's literature to reach international audiences has never been more open.

Overcome barriers to secure opportunities

While Vietnamese children's literature has made promising strides in international outreach, there are still challenges to overcome.

Firstly, the selection and translation of works for foreign languages are often fragmented, carried out by individual authors, publishers, or organizations. To introduce Vietnamese children's literature more systematically and comprehensively, a long-term strategy is needed. This could involve establishing centers, funds, and initiatives focused on training, translating, and promoting Vietnamese literature. A council or expert group for children’s literature could select works for international introduction, followed by organized translation efforts.

However, the pool of qualified translators for Vietnamese children's literature remains small. Literary translation requires not only language proficiency but also cultural insight, literary sensitivity, and an understanding of children’s literature. Without skilled translators and adequate support for translation, the progress of Vietnamese children’s literature in the international arena will remain limited.

In summary, the journey of Vietnamese children’s literature reaching the world has only just begun. Despite existing barriers, the achievements thus far and the dedicated efforts of authors, publishers, and relevant organizations suggest a promising future. With a necessary focus on quality, Vietnamese children’s literature is well-equipped to succeed and make its mark on the global stage.

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