“Idioms and proverbs of Vietnam” is among very few books that introduce idioms and proverbs with eye-catching illustrations. In its first publication, the book has won reader’s love with thousands of editions sold. What makes it so attractive to readers?

Idioms, proverbs and folk stories show the folk culture of Vietnam. However, in current society, such idioms and proverbs are slowly being forgotten, they are no longer popular with younger generations.

The book “Idioms and proverbs of Vietnam” introduces 82 Vietnamese sayings suitable for children aged three years old and above. Words in the book are re-created through paintings which make them easier for young readers to understand.

Different from normal illustrative images which are made on computer, painter Dang Hong Quan chose a totally different way by sketching on woodblocks then retouching on a computer to create natural effects.

Born into a painter family, Quan said he watched the folk paintings long enough to absorb them and he wanted all his works to carry the touch of folk tradition.

Besides the eye-catching brush strokes and colours, the painter also breaths an optimistic spectacle of folk art into his images. In his illustrative images, even the villains are mischievous.

Quan said he plans to run other projects using folk paintings to popularise traditional culture to the youth.

VNA