One of the pavilions of the international exhibitions center “Moldexpo” was transformed into a huge bookshop by the over 50 publishing houses that are taking part in the 21st International Children’s and Youth Book Fair that this year centers on the 180th anniversary of the birth of writer Ion Creanga. Publishing houses from ten states came to the fair with children’s and youth books published last year, IPN reports.

Director of the National Children’s Library “Ion Creanga” of Chisinau Claudia Balaban in the opening of the fair said that about 80 book titles will be launched within the event. There will be staged a number of interactive activities in which the children will be able to take part together with their parents and a contest with prizes dedicated to Ion Creanga. The surprise book this year is “Small bag with two pennies” that is offered to children free of charge.

Minister of Culture Monica Babuc said that every time in May we try to become those who we really are – persons fond of reading. “It is an extraordinary event that brings together publishing houses from Moldova and not only, especially those who print children’s books. The book is, was and will remain one of the most important treasures created by people in universal history. It is exceptional that this event is organized around the big fairyteller Ion Creanga, who was loved by generations of children,” stated the minister.

Attending the event, octogenarian writer Spiridon Vangheli said he is glad to be among the children as he is also a kid of Ion Creanga. He noted that the literature for children is good literature in Moldova and this is done so by many of his colleagues.

The prices of the exhibited books range from 5 lei per colored book to over 500 lei per an encyclopedia. The International Children’s and Youth Book Fair takes place during May 11-14.