Can I say

Can we say
　　a plane of birds
　　a tube of coconut trees
　　a hat of sun
　　a scoop of sudden rain?

The renowned Chinese author and poet Xi Xi (1937-2022) penned the poem "Can We Say" with a childlike "measure word displacement" technique, subverting conventional perspectives and creatively renaming the world.

Children's worlds are full of imagination; they can view museums in reverse, or use words whimsically. Reading "Can We Say" will allow readers to feel Xi Xi's childlike heart and the fun and amusement of a child's world. This poem breaks stereotypes and overturns existing linguistic rules, allowing readers to observe the world from a new angle.

"Can We Say" was originally collected in "Xi Xi's Poetry Collection" published by Hong Fan Bookstore. The "Xi Xi Poetry Picture Book Series" invited a host of famous artists and picture book illustrators to reinterpret and create picture books from some of these poems, bringing a different kind of reading pleasure. The first picture book in this series was illustrated by Bologna award-winning artist Liao Pei-en, who uses her unique style to present a visual interpretation of Xi Xi's poem.

Book Features

★ A famous poem by the renowned Chinese author and poet Xi Xi (1937-2022).
★ The poem employs a "measure word displacement" technique, breaking habitual thinking and fostering boundless imagination.
★ Picture book artist Liao Pei-en received an honorable mention in the Art, Architecture, and Design category of Italy's "Bologna Ragazzi Award" in 2018, often called the "Oscars of children's books," and in 2022, she won the Bologna Illustrator Award for "Sleeping Rainbow."
★ Colorful, beautiful, creative, and childlike illustrations engage in a dialogue with Xi Xi's famous poem, offering deep meaning through the interplay of poetry and art.
★ Readers of all ages will find unique enjoyment and profound meaning in this book.
★ Full-color hardcover printing, beautiful and durable for lasting preservation.

Endorsements

This book has received joint recommendations from various celebrities.
★ Literary Consultant and Recommended Introduction: Chen Chih-Te (Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Literature, National Tsing Hua University)

★ Joint Recommendations
Ho Fuk Yan (Writer and Poet)
Karena Lam (Actress)
Koe Ka Lit (Founder of Green Footprint Parent-Child Reading Group)
Chan Wai (Writer and Screenwriter)
Chen You-Ling (Picture Book Author)
Sea Dog Houseowner (Picture Book Worker)
Yeh Yun-Ping (Chief Editor, Hong Fan Bookstore)
Liao Wei-Tang (Writer and Poet)

※ Listed alphabetically by last name ※