Feeding Imaginations: Writer Nguyen Nhat Anh writes a dedication in his latest book Co Hai Con Meo Ngoi Ben Cua So.—File Photo

HCM CITY — Veteran author Nguyen Nhat Anh's latest book for children has been released in HCM City.

Available in bookstores around the country, the 210-page book, Co Hai Con Meo Ngoi Ben Cua So (There Are Two Cats Sitting on a Window), has 67 lively illustrations by artist Do Hoang Tuong.

The book tells stories about a cat, Gau, and a little mouse, Ti Hon, as they discover the world together.

As in his previous books, Anh's latest offering highlights the beauty of friendship, love and dreams with the flair and imagination that has come to be associated with the author.

More than 12,000 copies of the book have been printed by the Tre (Youth) Publishing House, which has signed a copyright deal with Anh to republish many of his books.

The book signing event attracted hundreds of young and adult readers to the Tao Dan Park on Friday, the International Children's Day.

"I think Anh's books are popular with both children and adults because they are full of mythical beings and brave characters," said Hoang Tu Anh, mother of two.

"My friends and I love reading Anh's books because he always listens to his readers and he knows what we think," said Phan Nguyen Gia Hung, a 12-year-old boy from District 7.

The publisher will have Anh travel around the country to introduce and sign his new book for readers.

One of the city's few authors who write for children, Anh has also penned popular novels including Kinh Van Hoa (Kaleidoscope) and Thang Quy Nho (The Mischievous Boy), which have won the appreciation of thousands of children and teenagers.

In 2007, Anh's Cho Xin Mot Ve Di Ve Tuoi Tho (Give Me a Ticket Back to Childhood) and Toi La Be To (I'm Be To) sold more than 20,000 copies each in the first weeks after their release.

The books have been reprinted many times by big printing houses in Ha Noi, Da Nang and HCM City.

Critics say Anh shows that imaginative Vietnamese children's books can do well in a market long dominated by foreign products like Doremon and Harry Potter. — VNS