Core Insights - The Shanghai International Children's Book Fair is taking place, attracting readers and promoting a vibrant reading culture in the city [1][2] - The "Old Books, New Knowledge" market has circulated over 100,000 books and attracted more than 1.1 million participants over two years, showcasing the popularity of second-hand books [2] - The "Little Red Book Literary Festival" is designed to engage young readers and promote creativity through interactive activities [2][3] Group 1 - The event features a picturesque setting along the Suzhou River, enhancing the reading experience for attendees [1] - The market has become a cultural hub, offering a variety of books and exhibitions that reflect Shanghai's literary heritage [2] - The festival includes unique installations, such as a 7-meter "World Clock" that showcases stories from readers around the globe [3] Group 2 - The festival encourages participation from all attendees, allowing them to contribute creatively and become co-creators of literary experiences [3] - The event highlights the connection between daily life and literature, emphasizing the joy of reading in urban settings [4] - The presence of diverse literary activities and local authors fosters a sense of community among book lovers [4]

Core Viewpoint - The event "Seeking Light Night" at the Xu Jia Hui Academy celebrates the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, combining reading and film experiences for attendees [2][3]. Group 1: Event Overview - The "Seeking Light Night" carnival took place during the Shanghai Book Fair, transforming the Xu Jia Hui Academy into an immersive space celebrating the history of Chinese cinema [2]. - The event featured a special exhibition titled "Picking Light and Shadow," showcasing the history of film companies, personalities, and related architecture in the Xu Hui area [2]. - Attendees engaged in interactive experiences related to film, making them both spectators and participants in the cinematic journey [2]. Group 2: Special Features - The event highlighted four films with Xu Hui elements, including "Havoc in Heaven," "Good Things," "Postal Affection," and "Nie Er," connecting different floors of the academy [2]. - A dedicated area for "San Mao," a character created by Zhang Le Ping, was set up for children, featuring activities like kite flying and storytelling sessions [3]. - The theme of the event aimed to showcase the diverse possibilities of reading, likening the academy to a "moonlight treasure box" that radiates the light of reading [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the enduring impact of Zhang LePing's "Sanmao" character, particularly through the work "Sanmao Joins the Army," which reflects the social and historical context of wartime China and resonates with multiple generations of readers [3][4][5]. Group 1: Historical Context - "Sanmao" was created in 1935 as a mischievous boy living in Shanghai, evolving over time to reflect the changing societal landscape, especially during the Second Sino-Japanese War [3]. - In 1937, the Shanghai cartoon community formed a propaganda team for anti-Japanese efforts, with Zhang LePing actively participating in promoting national consciousness through his art [3]. Group 2: Artistic Significance - "Sanmao Joins the Army" is noted for its unique approach as the first long-form wordless comic in modern Chinese history, using a small character's experiences to convey broader themes of war's absurdity and cruelty [4]. - The comic employs black humor and visual storytelling to evoke deep emotional responses, making the character of Sanmao a shared emotional memory for the public [4]. Group 3: Cultural Impact - The recent exhibition "Not Betraying the Country's Trust - Revisiting the 'Sanmao Joins the Army' Photo Exhibition" at the Shanghai Ba Jin Library attracted significant public interest, underscoring the character's lasting appeal [5]. - The dedication and patriotic spirit of early artists like Zhang LePing serve as an inspiration for contemporary comic creators, emphasizing the importance of genuine artistic expression and social responsibility [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the evolution and significance of children's theme paintings in Chinese art, showcasing their cultural and social relevance across different historical periods [2][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Development - The earliest known children's theme painting, "婴戏图," dates back to the Three Kingdoms period, depicting children in playful scenarios [2]. - During the Song Dynasty, children's paintings became more realistic and detailed, exemplified by Su Hancheng's "长春百子图卷," which captures various seasonal activities of children [2]. - The Ming Dynasty introduced innovative styles, with works like Xia Kui's "婴戏图" reflecting the lively atmosphere of children's play [3]. - In the Qing Dynasty, artists like Sha Fu depicted children's learning environments, emphasizing Confucian values [3]. Group 2: Modern and Contemporary Trends - The modern era saw a diversification in artistic expression, with artists like Feng Zikai focusing on everyday moments of children's lives, while Zhang Leiping's "三毛流浪记" highlighted the struggles of underprivileged children [3]. - After the establishment of New China, children's theme paintings flourished, with notable works like "我们热爱和平" and "鸡毛信" becoming widely recognized [3]. - Currently, children's theme paintings are integrating with technology, leading to new forms such as digital art and animations, while artists continue to explore the inner worlds of children [4].