Explora Books presented Speedy Goes to School by Charlie Morris at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), held June 17–21, 2026, at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing.
(WorldFrontNews Editorial):- Vancouver, British Columbia Jul 29, 2026 (Issuewire.com) – The fair brought together 1,700 exhibitors from 82 countries and regions, with Speedy Goes to School featured at the Explora Books booth as part of the publisher’s international exhibition catalog. The book is the second children’s picture book in the Speedy series and continues the adventures introduced in Speedy’s Giant Egg. Recognized as the second-largest book fair in the world and Asia’s most prominent international publishing event, BIBF marked its 40th anniversary with programming centered on international publishing exchange, cross-cultural storytelling, and the expanding reach of children’s literature. Children’s publishing and cross-cultural reading experiences remained visible parts of the fair’s broader programming–an appropriate setting for a story built around the discovery of reading and the value of education.
Speedy Goes to School opens before dawn at Corn Crib Manor, when a mysterious gift–a giant, soft pillow with a note attached–appears outside the chicken coop. The note is covered in what Speedy and the other barnyard animals can only describe as “squiggle marks.” Unable to understand the message, Speedy turns to the other animals for help, but discovers that none of them can read either. Guided by Taxi the Billy Goat, she travels into the forest to meet Solomon, the wise old owl, who reads the note aloud and reveals an unexpected truth: the barnyard animals have never learned to read.
The story approaches that realization with humor and warmth. Solomon introduces Speedy to the “four R’s”–readin’, ‘ritin’, ‘rithmetic, and recess–and Speedy’s excitement at discovering recess reinforces the book’s playful approach to learning. Rather than presenting literacy as something imposed, the story frames education as a process of curiosity, discovery, and shared experience.
The note reveals a message from the forest animals, who had become vegetarians in Speedy’s honor after being inspired by her example. The discovery gives the story an emotional conclusion by showing that Speedy’s decision to seek answers had already influenced others in ways she never expected.
Morris began writing the Speedy stories for his grandson, Jaxon, with the goal of engaging young listeners through mystery, comedy, and memorable characters. Illustrated by Julie Tomlin and featuring cover design by Mimi Snyder, Speedy Goes to School carries that intention throughout its pages. Scenes ranging from Swayback the horse drawing letters in the dirt to Solomon’s classroom chalkboard marked with the alphabet and “How Now Brown Cow” reinforce the book’s playful approach to early learning.
The 40th BIBF also hosted over 1,000 cultural events across Beijing and introduced its first IP Licensing Zone. With its visual storytelling and read-aloud rhythm, Speedy Goes to School aligns with the fair’s emphasis on books that connect readers across languages, cultures, and age groups.
Speedy Goes to School is available through Amazon and other major digital bookstores.
About Explora Books
Explora Books is a book marketing firm located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company specializes in self-publishing and marketing, taking pride in its exhaustive research and creative strategies that provide wider avenues for aspiring authors to gain recognition for their works. Explora Books aims to guide authors through the complexities of self-publishing, offering convenient solutions to navigate this process. The firm fosters and redefines creativity and innovation, setting new industry standards. Explora Books is dedicated to empowering authors globally.
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This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
