Unusual themes and realism are at the heart of Aurora Publishing House, especially for its children’s literature publishing program. Shu Huibo’s Hearing the Light, for instance, is based on the life experiences of blind violin virtuoso Zhang Zheyuan and relates how he illuminates his life with music; more than 36,000 copies have been sold thus far. Then there is Xiaomi’s Green Sun, Yellow Sea, about a teenager with color vision deficiency who learns to paint.
“These unique publications show how ordinary people—disadvantaged in some ways but with extraordinary spirit—break through barriers to pursue their freedom of expression and realize their dreams,” says president Yang Xuheng, whose company was founded in 1985.
Yang’s goal is inspiring children and the next generations. China’s successful Lunar Exploration Program and aerospace industry, for instance, has galvanized Yang and his team to launch Ge Jing’s Dreams of the Universe and Zeng Youqing’s Blooming Rose in Space on female astronauts.
Aurora’s location in Yunnan—China’s most diverse province, both geographically and culturally—has been most advantageous. The editorial team can draw on stories from at least 25 minority groups, including Bai, Dai, Hani, Hui, Miao, and Na-Khi. The provincial borders with Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam provide even more content inspiration.
“This is where our ‘telling Yunnan stories well’ motto comes from,” says Yang. His team has recently launched Liu Jiachen’s The Last 10 Meters, which is set against the backdrop of the 14.4-kilometer construction of Dazhushan Tunnel of the China-Myanmar Railway that took 12 years to build and highlights the tenacity of the engineers and workers involved. “We have also published picture books based on the myths of Yunnan ethnic minorities such as Liao Xiaoqin’s Zhige Alu! Zhige Alu! Zhige Alu! and He Xiaomei’s Princess Dark Night and Prince Daylight.”
Deng Xi’s To Abei is another original work infused with rich cultural and heritage connotations. This story about a girl recovering from PTSD while learning Li brocade weaving techniques from her grandmother revolves around a 3,000-year-old weaving tradition of the Li minority ethnic group.
Then there is the wild Asian elephant herd that spent 17 months venturing 1,300 kilometers north and back again to their natural habitat in southeastern Yunnan. Liu Hu’s Home chronicles this trek and promotes the harmonious coexistence between man and nature, while Gungun’s Trip Journal, by Liu Jiachen, offers many pop science elements.
“Last year, we launched Li Siping’s Peacock Dam, My Home, which is about the joint construction of nature reserves by Yunnan’s multi-ethnic groups and scientists,” Yang says. “Going forward, we will continue to dig deep into our province’s natural, cultural, and historical richness to bring unique titles for children in China and abroad.”
