About Us

At Little Frog Books, we are all about taking Chinese traditional culture to the wider world. Our goal is to share China’s rich cultural heritage through collections of children's picture books, aimed at both the children of overseas Chinese families and foreign friends who have a fondness for Chinese culture.

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China is the only one of the ancient world's four great civilisations that still thrives today, boasting a long and proud tradition. These ancient but ever-relevant fables, packed with life's philosophies, have been passed down through many generations in China and are still widely loved. Even in this era of rapid technological advance and globalisation, our traditional stories continue to offer invaluable wisdom and insights.

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It's a real shame, though, that despite their boundless value, these traditional Chinese tales aren't well known internationally. We believe it's our duty to dig out those stories that hold universal value and charm and introduce them to the world anew. This not only benefits Chinese families living abroad but also gives people everywhere a chance to experience the unique allure of Chinese culture.

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To bring these traditional stories back to life, we've decided to give them a modern twist. We know that simply translating these tales into English, word for word, wouldn't really hit home with children unfamiliar with Chinese culture. So, we've taken a British perspective and launched a special series called "Chinese Stories Told by Britons." In the first edition, we've handpicked three fables that truly embody the essence and longstanding tradition of Chinese culture. We've worked hard to adapt these tales in a way that resonates with modern children's tastes and psychological development while keeping the core message and values intact.

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When it comes to illustrations, we've consciously steered clear of the popular digital techniques or traditional Western methods of painting, opting instead for the age-old Chinese art of paper-cutting. Originating in the Han Dynasty and flourishing in the Tang and Song Dynasties, paper-cutting started making its way to Europe in the 16th century and has found its place in contemporary European children's book creation. We reckon using this ancient art form to bring traditional Chinese stories to life is not just appropriate but adds a special touch and meaning.

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What kind of magic will happen when these age-old Chinese tales are reinterpreted through a British lens? We're quite excited about that. Considering Chinese parables and idioms often involve complex historical backgrounds and characters, which can be quite a mouthful for young kids, our British authors have cleverly adapted these tales, turning characters into loveable animals to make the stories more accessible and easier to grasp.

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We hope this series not only sparks children's intelligence and imagination but also boosts their appreciation of beauty. Through introducing these tales, we aim not just to stimulate children's interest in Chinese culture but also to foster a greater understanding and respect for the world's diversity.

In today's globalised world, the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures cannot be overstated. Little Frog Books hopes that the "Chinese Stories Told by Britons" series will not only open a window for children from various countries to peek into the depth and beauty of Chinese culture but also help break down cultural barriers, promoting understanding and exchanges between different cultures.

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We're convinced that this blend of adaptation and tradition will effectively showcase the traditional Chinese stories and their meanings to children worldwide in a fresh way. We look forward to this series leading more people to explore and reinterpret China's magnificent traditional tales, thereby creating a wider range of quality storybooks suited to the developmental needs and reading levels of children around the globe.

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We firmly believe that each traditional Chinese story contains unique wisdom and value. With fresh perspectives and expressions, these tales are set to transcend time and space, inspiring and enlightening generations to come. We eagerly anticipate exploring and preserving these precious cultural legacies with families worldwide, allowing Chinese traditional culture to shine brightly across the globe.