Exhibition on famous children’s book to open at weekend

An exhibition honouring the most well-known Vietnamese children’s book De Men Phieu Luu Ky (Adventures of a Cricket) by late writer To Hoai (1920-2014) will open to the public from January 20 evening.

To Hoai, winner of the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature in 1996, wrote the first version of De Men Phieu Luu Ky in 1941 when he was 18. One year later, it was released after the author created more fictional characters.

The 195-page children’s book is about the adventures of a cricket that leaves his nest to travel and discover the world. He learns new things and experiences with the help of many insects and animals.

Cover of the book De Men Phieu Lưu Ky (Adventures of a Cricket) by To Hoai (Photo courtesy of the publisher)

De Men Phieu Lu Ky has been translated into 37 languages, including English, French, Thai and Russian.

According to a press release issued by the organisers, the Vincom Centre for Contemporary Art (VCCA), the exhibition, which is entitled Diary of a Cricket – Touch the World, will offer visitors a fresh experience about the old book.

Alongside 3D pop-up models depicting the cricket’s marvelous adventure, big statues of the main character and his insect and animal friends will also be on display.

A collection of the author’s first draft as well as several illustrations of the books by different artists will be among the items at the exhibition.

After the launch, the exhibition will open from Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am-8pm, until March 25. The VCCA is at Level B1, Block R3, Vincom Megamall Royal City, 72 Nguyen Trai Road, Thanh Xuan district.

VNA