Captivating characters

 

Hailed as one of the country's best children's picture book creators, Xiong Liang shares his inspirations with Mei Jia.

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Author Xiong Liang says every time he hosts a reading club or book release, it goes on for longer than he expects. Besides playing games and reading books with the children, the author of picture books will also draw for every kid, on demand. With just a few strokes of his pen, he brings alive pandas, horses, butterflies and dinosaurs. Yet during an interview at his studio in Yizhuang, in Beijing's southeastern suburb, Xiong says he is not good with children.

"I try to remember how I felt as a child, about what I felt was interesting or what I felt was dull. And I try to convey those feelings through my works," the 37-year-old author says. His thick mustache moves as he speaks at a fast speed.

Hailed as one of the country's best picture book creators, Xiong is known for his signature ink-and-wash styled illustrations and Chinese traits in his stories.

Xiong has gained a reputation in the country's book market that has been dominated by translated picture books. Almost all of his 20-odd works have been published globally in multiple languages.

Xiong says the theme in children's literature is too narrow.

"From ancient times till now, the stories preach ethics and values of a competitive society based on the subject of examination," he says. "(By reading these books), children tend to value gain and loss too much and forget about seeking happiness."

He bases his creations on what he believes are core values for children - to be happy and to echo universal humanity.

His books are filled with characters and elements from Chinese tales and culture, like the Kitchen God who governs culinary affairs and the stone lion that guards door, which are well accepted and loved in China.

"I create things that interest me, that convey my views as an artist," he says.

Born in Zhejiang province in 1975, Xiong has always had a rebellious streak. He says he's lucky that his parents started him on ink painting lessons since he was 5. His parents even converted an attic into a drawing room for him to develop his talent.

To explore life, Xiong went to Guangdong province after high school, joining the first generation of migrant workers there. He began his career designing homeware and holiday gifts at a foreign trade company, before starting his own business.