The Heart of the Rainbow marks the finale of Hong Ying's first children's fantasy series. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Experts point out the current trend in Chinese literature-a number of writers of general books are starting to produce children's books.

Author Zhi An says: "In today's China, many writers have started writing children's literature, which is a challenge to them. In this respect, the Sangsang series and Mimidola: The River Child can be seen as successful examples."

Another author, Yang Kui, explains why writing children's literature can be difficult.

"We need to simplify the story structure and the language, but it should still contain abundant connotations."

Hong Ying offers a similar view: "Telling a story requires you to speak lightly of profound matters, in this way guiding the children to a different world."

Chen says some in the world of children's literature have approached writing with "fixed patterns" in the past.

"The three major topics in children's literature in China used to be school, family and fantasy, but now, many books are diverse," Chen adds.

Hong Ying's daughter, Sybil, helped her transform from writing books for adults to those for children.

"What I want to do is to challenge and overturn traditional values and the paradigm of writing."