This piece of news also comes via the Book Standard: HarperCollins Children's Books has acquired the world rights to eight books from the NAUGHTY MA XIAOTAO series by Yang Hongying, China's bestselling children's author, scheduled for publication beginning in Sprin 2008. The series, about a mischievous boy named Chen and his father, has sold more than 10 million copies in China.

"We are thrilled and delighted to be publishing this series and bringing the work of Yang Hongying to the global stage," said Amanda Ridout, the general books managing director. "These engaging and amusing books will offer our children a window on contemporary Chinese society at a time when the world's attention will be focused on Beijing as we celebrate the 2008 Olympics. This exciting venture further represents HarperCollins' strategic commitment to expanding our business with China."