China's growing presence in the world of publishing children's books is on display at the 52th Bologna Children's Book Fair that kicked off Monday.

A team of Chinese representatives is showcasing their work at the annual fair in the Italian northern city from March 30 to April 2.

On Monday, China's 21th Century Publishing Group was awarded "best publisher of the year for Asia."

China's representative group is formed of as many as 88 professionals, including authors, publishers and experts on promoting children's books.

The China Children's Press & Publication Group (CCPPG) said Chinese representatives plan to complete over 300 sales of copyright during this year's fair, twice as many as last year.

A total amount of 3,418 books will be presented at the fair, including originals.

"We have seen an explosion of China's presence in the children book's world, both from the qualitative and quantitative points of view," Elena Pasoli, project manager at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, told Xinhua.