The judging panel of The First Feng Zikai Chinese Children's Book Award comprises eight judges from different regions and backgrounds, and with different sense of beauty and humor. The involvement of the assessment is, to each one of us, an invaluable opportunity to examine, think and interact with each other.

We have read 158 original Chinese children's picture books which are preliminary award nominees published cross-Strait during 2004-2008. We agree and believe that, after a period of searching and foreshadowing, the creation of original Chinese children's picture books have come to the stage where creativity and style are distinct, the comprehension and practice of a picture book's feature and rhythm are better, and the literary and artistic qualities are elevating. These picture book creators' fine literary tastes and talents are well presented in their diverse choice of topic, the keen-witted narratives, and the delicate yet expressive flow of feelings. Many authors make various trials on the making and use of artistic language. There are impressive attempts on the visual interpretation of words and new narratives presented by pictures.

The texts accumulated in these five years bring about much of our thought on the creation of original Chinese children's picture books. We found a large proportion of these picture books are based on children's life and inner thoughts, but they are often distant from the real childhood feeling. Adults' subjective imagination and speculation make some of the works unreliable childhood narratives. At the same time, if viewed with a higher standard, the synergy between words and image as well as creativity in original Chinese children's picture books remains to be improved.

We find the necessity and value of interaction. Generally speaking, works from Mainland China integrate more ethnic and cultural elements, which show the absorbance and reliance on traditional culture. Works from Taiwan start up earlier, and have better understanding and borrowing of western works. Therefore, there are great varieties in creativity, genres and styles. At the same time, these works put more emphasis on the artistic presentation of contemporary childhood life and emotion. The creation and publication of children’s books in Hong Kong has begun. After the assessment, we have more expectations on the future of works from Hong Kong. In addition, we also find some of the award-winning works results of cross-Strait authors, illustrators, editors and publishers. We believe the award and exchange will further promote the elevation and prosperity of cross-Strait original Chinese children's picture books as well as the development of original Chinese picture books in a larger scope.

The assessment for the Feng Zikai Children's Book Award is a process of colliding, stirring, and interchanging each judge's idea and interest of picture books. Toiling as it may be during the strenuous assessment process, we remain our just judgement and artistic conscience, we respect each other, and we make thorough exploration. This working experience is full of professional spirit and moral of award assessment. This is also an endeavored process to make least regrets.

Salute to the organizers and sponsors of this award.
Salute to the reviewers and followers.
Salute to everyone working for the publication of original Chinese children's picture books!