Wu Jianhua Folktale Series, comprising three volumes: "The Best Archer in the World," "The Long Tongue Woman and the Giant Zhupan," and upcoming: "The Nine Sons of the Dragon." These tales are skillfully adapted from ancient folk narratives, representing a masterpiece that offers fresh insights into age-old stories. 

"The Chinese painter Wu Jianhua pays more attention to the local, so-called folk craftsmanship and the traditional style of folk painting than modern techniques. This is why their works can be collected by the Chihiro Art Museum. " — Mitsumasa Anno

Rights sold: Japanese (Shogaku Kan)

The Best Archer in the World (2021)

The Long Tongue Woman and the Giant Zhupan (2021)

Author: Matumoto Takesi

Illustrator: Wu Jianhua, Zhang Weicai

Pages: 44 / tilte Format: Hardcover

Retail Price: 58 RMB / tilte 

Trim Size: 242*254mm Ages: 3+

The Nine Sons of the Dragon (upcoming)

Author: Xu Cui

Illustrator: Wu Jianhua, Zhang Weicai

Pages: 48  Format: Hardcover

Retail Price: 68 RMB 

Trim Size: 285*285mm Ages: 3+

The Best Archer In The World

Derived from the ancient folk legend of China's Yugu tribe, a captivating story unfolds as genuine and counterfeit Archers embark on a daring expedition. The ultimate test awaits: who shall emerge victorious, claim the hand of the enchanting princess, and return in glory? The original artworks are collected in the Chihiro Art Museum.

The Long Tongue Woam and the Giant Zhupan

The Long Tongue Woman and the Giant Zhu Pan are two monsters, who often take pleasure in teasing and bullying villagers. However, when the villagers were in trouble, they bravely came to the rescue. The collaboration of both Chinese and Japanese authors has culminated in the creation of this extraordinary masterpiece.

The Nine Sons of the Dragon

Based on a well-known story The Nine Sons of the Dragon. Dragon King gave birth to 9 sons who were unruly and energetic. They became destructive teenagers. They were punished for ruining the banquet and sent to the world to help people fight against disasters.The 9 sons became mythical animals by doing things for the betterment of mankind.

awards

The 33rd Kodansha Publishing Culture Award in Japan

Special Recommendation of 2021 by Parenting Science and Hongniba

Top 100 Best Book of 2021 Love Reading Recommended Books

Selected for Chinese Classic Folk Tales Animation Creation Project Reading List in 2021

about the authors

Matumoto Takesi: Born in 1944 in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. A graduate of Waseda University and a member of the Japanese Literary Artists Association. He taught picture book theory and children's literature at Tama Art University for nine years. On one hand, he is engaged in creating and critiquing children's literature, and on the other hand, he recommends studies of yokai from a folkloric perspective. His major works include "Hetalo Yokai Stories," "Football Friends" (Komine Shoten), "National Yokai Encyclopedia" (Shogakukan), and more.

Wu Jianhua: A picture book artist. He began creating picture books in the 1980s, with several works published at home and abroad. Representative works include "Goddess Peak," "Prince and Chair," "The World's Greatest Archer," "The Long Tongue and the Giant Zhupan," among which "Goddess Peak" received the Bratislava Illustration Exhibition (BIB) Honorable Mention Award, "Prince and Chair" was selected for the illustration exhibition at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Italy, and "The Long Tongue and the Giant Zhupan" won the 33rd Kodansha Publishing Culture Award in Japan. Many of his original works are housed in the Chihiro Art Museum's collection.

Zhang Weicai: A picture book artist and sculptor. In 1999, he completed the sculpture of the "Century Bell" in Beijing, and in 2005, he finished the sculpture for the "Peace Bell" at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. In the 1990s, he collaborated with Mr. Wu Jianhua on the creation of numerous picture books both domestically and internationally.