Chinese online education firm Zebra AI Class inked a strategic cooperation with Scholastic, one of the world's largest children book publishing and distribution firms, on Tuesday to expand its global reach for more high-quality resources.

Under the new cooperation, the two parties will deepen cooperation in introducing and developing picture books, especially more English picture books that are suitable for Chinese children.

Zebra AI Class also obtained the authorization of nearly a thousand landmark electronic picture books from Scholastic. More efforts will also be made into the cooperation of ability training programs, it said.

"Together with Scholastic, Zebra AI Class hopes that more Chinese children can read high-quality English picture books from around the world, so that more talent with comprehensive abilities and global horizons can be cultivated," said Xiu Jiaming, head of teaching and research at Zebra AI Class.

The Beijing-based company also launched its online picture book library on Tuesday, where users can enjoy reading books according to their own English levels.

Founded in November 2017, Zebra AI Class created a learning model combining AI interactive classes and tutors, where it leverages technology to offer children ages 2 to 8 online courses in English.

"The reason why Scholastic chooses to cooperate with Zebra AI Class is that the company has strong competitiveness in the field of children's AI education and has committed to cultivating more international students for China," said Fang Zekun, president of Scholastic Greater China.