“Reading the World: Food Culture. Future Living.”
— Hong Kong Book Fair 2025
ARPress has been actively participating in some of the world’s most prominent international book fairs, from the Bologna Book Fair and the London Book Fair to events in Miami, Beijing, and Sharjah. We’re excited to share that our journey doesn’t stop there. Our latest step forward: participation in the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025. This expansion brings even more opportunities to connect with readers, authors, and publishers on a truly global scale, and we’re just getting started.
The 2025 Hong Kong Book Fair took place from July 16–22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme, “Food Culture · Future Living,” served up a rich menu of tastily themed programming. Culinary literature from around the world was showcased, offering insights into food’s role in traditions, health habits, and even the future of dining through tech innovations. The World of Art & Culture zone elevated the experience, blending interactive art, dynamic videos, music, and literary commentary. Eight artists and several embassy installations illustrated how a dining table can be a cultural microcosm.
One highlight was the collaboration with Macao’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, which brought a “Macao Craft Market” to the fair. Around 40 creative brands presented handmade crafts, fashion, and lifestyle pieces that reflect Macao’s unique local identity. Mainland China also had a strong showing, with over 40 publishers and nearly 20,000 titles, including a spotlight on Sichuan’s cultural offerings.
Beyond browsing shelves, visitors immersed themselves in interactive experiences: AR photo booths, needlework demonstrations (such as Sichuan embroidery), panda-themed installations, and a civic education exhibition featuring Cantonese opera, ballet, game booths, and photo corners aimed at promoting awareness.
Book signings and author talks drew enthusiastic crowds. Fans queued to meet popular voices such as Ghost Writer (孤泣) and more. Seminars covered a wide range of topics, featuring international voices like Rie Qudan, Lindsay Varty, and Osamu Okamura, alongside local and regional authors. The fair hosted eight themed lecture series, including future living, local history, youth reading, and mindfulness.
To commemorate its 35th edition, the fair introduced several clever ticketing promotions: free admission for visitors born in 1990, special packages allowing five people to enter for the price of three, and limited-edition tote bags and gifts for shoppers who spent over HK$500. The fair didn’t just showcase books it offered an immersive cultural feast, blending reading, dining, art, craft, tech, and performance. It was a testament to how a book fair can go beyond the printed page, feeding the mind, the heart, and yes, even future appetites.
Last June 16-22, 2025, “What is God?: A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” by Joyce Bolton was featured at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). The 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of literary innovation, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. Hosted at the China National Convention Center, this year’s fair showcased over 400,000 titles and introduced groundbreaking initiatives that highlighted the evolving landscape of global publishing.
Recently, the author of the book “What is God?: A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Bolton’s inspiration for writing What Is God? stems from a lifelong relationship with God and a profound desire to help others find the same comfort and joy in faith. She recalls falling in love with God at four years old, and that enduring connection has inspired her to share the knowledge and emotional sustenance she’s received throughout her life.
“What Is God?” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that follows the journey of an inquisitive eight-year-old boy named Rusty. One day, after noticing how much his best friend values attending Sunday School, Rusty turns to his mother with a simple yet profound question: “What is God?” Though he has heard about God many times, he realizes he doesn’t truly understand who—or what—God is.
Touched by her son’s sincerity, Rusty’s mother joins him on a journey of discovery, as they explore this age-old question together. Through thoughtful conversation, curiosity, and quiet moments of reflection, mother and son begin to uncover a deeper understanding of faith, spirituality, and the presence of God in everyday life.
This uplifting story is perfect for readers of all ages—especially for those who are searching for answers, struggling to put their beliefs into words, or seeking a way to explain the concept of God to children or loved ones. Whether you’re asking the question yourself, think you already know the answer, or simply want to be able to articulate it more clearly, “What Is God?” offers a gentle, meaningful exploration of one of life’s biggest questions.
The book portrays Rusty’s questions and his mother’s thoughtful, sometimes searching, responses, making the narrative feel authentic and emotionally resonant. Rather than offering doctrinal answers, the story emphasizes openness, spiritual sensitivity, and personal reflection. It covers the full spectrum of human understanding about the divine and encourages readers to explore their own beliefs through guided dialogue and honest introspection. This refreshing and respectful approach makes the book ideal for families of any religious background.
Joyce Bolton doesn’t just write a book; she opens a door to one of life’s most important questions. With a message rooted in love, curiosity, and discovery, “What Is God?” resonates with anyone looking for guidance on their spiritual path. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or seeker of truth, this book encourages meaningful conversations that can enrich your life and deepen your connection to the divine.
To delve deeper into her inspiration behind her book, you can watch the full interview below:
A book trailer for Joyce Bolton’s “What is God? A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” has been released. This video trailer offers a glimpse into the world of the story’s characters. Readers will love how the novel, written by the author, comes to life through this trailer.
Watch the trailer below:
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends “What is God? A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” by Joyce Bolton. Here’s the review from the USRB that highlights:
“This gentle tale is extremely rewarding. Although geared to middle-grade readers, people of all ages can enjoy and take comfort in the caring ways in which Rusty and his mother pursue their project. The two are eager to hear their friends’ definitions, learn about other people’s beliefs, and discuss their thoughts. The peaceful way in which Rusty comes to a conclusion, which he then shares with his mother, comes across as realistic. The story discloses a process that is neither “preachy” nor dogmatic. Rusty’s journey is encouraged by caring, intelligent people who share their experiences, easing him into his own answer. Bolton’s book would be an excellent addition to a Christian school’s library or even a personal one.”