VCPF 2026 Picture Book Festival: Chuột Đất Books Wins the Hearts of Readers of All Ages

Chuột Đất Books’ booth S13 became a truly immersive reading station.

The Vietnam Children's Picture Book Festival 2026 (VCPF 2026) brought a vibrant summer of reading to young families in Ho Chi Minh City. Held from May 28 to May 31, 2026, the festival celebrated reading culture and high-quality printed picture books. Throughout the four-day event, Booth S13 by Chuột Đất Books transformed into an immersive reading station, welcoming thousands of children, parents, educators, and international visitors.

VCPF 2026: Bringing Books Beyond the Reading Corner

In an age when glowing digital screens increasingly compete for children's attention, VCPF 2026 offered a refreshing space where preschoolers could reconnect with the joy of printed books.

By joining the festival, Chuột Đất Books continued its mission of bringing Vietnamese interactive picture books beyond the familiar home environment and directly into children's hands. We believe that the true magic of books lies in their ability to nurture emotional intelligence, inspire curiosity, and strengthen family bonds through meaningful hands-on experiences.

This year's festival also marked a memorable milestone for Chuột Đất Books. Before the event officially opened, Save Me a Share was selected among the Top 100 Outstanding Picture Books of VCPF 2026, earning the title a place at the festival. This recognition not only honored everyone involved in creating the book but also encouraged us to continue developing high-quality Vietnamese picture books filled with meaningful stories and engaging interactive experiences.

An Immersive Reading Station That Delighted Visitors of All Ages

More than simply a bookstore booth, Chuột Đất Books created an interactive space where children, parents, and international guests could discover stories together regardless of age or language.

Children and parents trying the "Two-Finger Trick"

The highlight of Booth S13 was our Social Interaction Books series, featuring a clever die-cut design running throughout each book. Children were thrilled to learn the famous "Two-Finger Trick," placing their index and middle fingers inside the soft hand puppet to bring Little Horse to life. Tiny hands eagerly lifted flaps in What's Inside the Tummy?, filling the booth with laughter and joyful discoveries.

The collection also received warm appreciation from many international visitors, who praised the books' craftsmanship, durable child-safe materials, gentle illustration style, and the distinctive Vietnamese cultural identity reflected throughout the stories.

Two Special Read-Aloud Sessions Featuring Save Me a Share

As part of the festival program, Chuột Đất Books hosted two special storytime sessions on May 29 and May 30, 2026, both centered around the popular interactive title Save Me a Share.

Storytime session for Save Me a Share!

Rather than simply listening, children actively participated by role-playing, interacting with the puppet characters, and answering open-ended questions from the facilitator. Through the story, they practiced communication, critical thinking, empathy, and sharing with others. Many parents shared that it was the first time they had truly slowed down, sat at eye level with their children, and listened carefully to their wonderfully unexpected thoughts.

A Special Surprise: Illustrator Lê Huy Nho Meets Readers

The final day of the festival, May 31, 2026, brought an unforgettable surprise for Chuột Đất Books readers as illustrator Lê Huy Nho visited Booth S13 for a meet-and-greet and book signing.

Illustrator Lê Huy Nho and his family visiting Chuột Đất Books.

Each handwritten signature and charming sketch transformed an ordinary picture book into a treasured keepsake. These personal moments created meaningful connections between young readers and the stories they love, encouraging a lifelong love of books.

Illustrator Lê Huy Nho signing books for readers

Planting the Seeds of a Lifelong Love of Reading

Although VCPF 2026 has come to an end, the laughter, conversations, and joyful discoveries shared at the Chuột Đất Books booth continue to inspire us. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the festival organizers and, above all, to every family who visited our immersive reading station throughout the event.

When parents thoughtfully choose books that truly match their children's interests and developmental stage, reading naturally becomes a joyful lifelong habit. Chuột Đất Books is honored to accompany children and families on that wonderful journey of growing through books.