The Little Mermaid, by Lisbeth Zwerger, winner of the Illustrator's Award in 1990. [Photo/Official WeChat Account of the National Library of China]

A nice fairy tale is incomplete without good illustrations.

Hans Christian Anderson Awards, often referred as "Little Nobel Prize", is biennially presented to the authors and illustrators of children's books.

About 300 original works from 25 winners of the Illustrator's Award went on show at the National Library of China in Beijing on August 11.

Lu Jun, curator of the exhibition and deputy director-in-chief of the CITIC Press Group, said it took some effort to hold the exhibition.

"Among these 25 winners, nine of them have passed away. Some have their own studios and also solo exhibitions. Yet their works were never showed together in one exhibition," Lu said.

"I am a publisher and also a father, so I want to share best arts with Chinese families. The showcased works span a century. Parents should not let their children miss it."

According to the publisher, Chinese illustrators of the post-80s and post-90s generations are becoming more influential in the world. Chinese illustrations are also blooming quickly. The exhibition may give Chinese illustrators some inspiration.

The exhibition will run until October 29.