The 2019 China Children's Book Expo, highlighting a global selection of reading materials, will open in the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing from July 17 to 23, as announced Wednesday at a news conference by the Xicheng district government in Beijing and representatives from major publishing houses for children's books.

To further boost cultural exchanges in children's literature, many award-winning international illustration books will be introduced to little readers in China.

"Children's reading habits are one of the biggest concerns in education. The expo has been working with publishing houses, schools, communities and parents to create a better reading environment for kids," said Lyu Dan, deputy of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Xicheng District.

The seven-day event, set to draw over 20,000 estimated visitors, will feature exhibitions, book readings, readers' clubs and art performances. Children can select their favorite books and meet some of the writers and illustrators at the expo. All activities are free of charge.

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