In recent years, Taiwan’s licensing industry has evolved from single-character merchandise models toward content-driven IP development.
Alongside the rapid growth of comics, children’s books, and graphic storytelling, many characters now originate from narrative-rich works with established worlds and storylines, rather than solely from illustration or design. These content-based IPs demonstrate stronger long-term licensing value. They can expand across publishing, animation, film, toys, exhibitions, and lifestyle products, creating a multi-platform ecosystem that resonates with both domestic and international audiences.
Children’s publishing IPs, in particular, have become an important source of licensing opportunities. By combining memorable characters with engaging storytelling, these properties attract young readers while building cross-generational brand recognition.
At the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the Taiwan Pavilion showcases a selection of children’s books and character properties with strong licensing potential—demonstrating how Taiwanese creative content can grow from publishing into broader cross-media franchises. Spotlighted are Jimmy Liao’s The Moon Forgets and Duckbill – The Animated Detective, with rights agents on hand to present licensing opportunities.
Jimmy Liao: The Moon Forgets
A narrative-rich IP backed by the author’s worldwide fans
Story World
“The Moon Forgets” is a heartwarming tale bridging fantasy and reality in which the author, Jimmy Liao, depicts not only the pure, deeply devoted friendship between a little boy and the moon that even grownups yearn for, but also the little boy’s selfless love and fearless courage.
The story highlights society’s struggles, with lonely children from broken families, misinformation in the media, materialism, and environmental decline. As the world feels like it’s collapsing, the image of a smiling boy holding a golden moon atop a building offers silent hope, inspiring confidence and courage to face life’s harsh realities.
Jimmy Liao – Internationally Acclaimed Author and Illustrator
Jimmy Liao is one of the most renowned picture book authors and illustrators in the Chinese-speaking world. Jimmy’s works have a gentle yet refreshing aesthetic and a diverse set of themes. He is able to make illustrations become a type of literary language, through which he draws in viewers with smooth and poetic scenes. The heartwarming structure of his images offers not only an insight into his life philosophy but also a source of respite for all readers.
Jimmy has been creating picture books for more than 20 years and has published over 80 different works to date. His works have been translated to more than 20 different languages worldwide and have won prestigious awards in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, and Portugal, including the Peter Pan’s Silver Stars by IBBY Sweden. In 2020, “The Rainbow of Time” received a Special Mention in the Cinema 2020 Special Category of the Bologna Ragazzi Award organized by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. In 2023, he also became a nine-time nominee of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA), the world’s most prestigious prize for children’s and young people’s literature.
Global Expansion and Strategic Focus
In recent years, the brand has expanded its presence in Europe through a variety of formats—including VR interactive experiences, special exhibitions, and stage adaptations—demonstrating the cross-disciplinary vitality and global appeal of the author’s work.
A notable recent highlight is its crossover collaboration with Hello Kitty. Today, the brand encompasses a wide-ranging portfolio across multiple sectors: licensed promotions, product lines, charity partnerships, performing arts, film, TV & music, digital content, exhibitions, public art, and cultural tourism projects, with immersive experiences and animated series as its current strategic focus.
Company: Jimmy S.P.A. Plus
Jimmy S.P.A. Plus was founded to expand the Jimmy Liao brand, using various forms of interpretation, transformation, integration and cross-industry collaboration to fully unlock the creative potential of Jimmy Liao’s picture books. The company specializes in managing collaboration projects, film and TV adaptations, performances, exhibitions, public art installations, themed spaces, and international partnerships. With a strong focus on creativity and innovation, balancing art and business, and maintaining strict control over brand image and quality, Jimmy S.P.A. plus aims to showcase the spirit and appeal of Jimmy Liao’s art, and to become a leading example of how artistic content can be transformed into a cultural brand.
CONTACT INFO Jimmy S.P.A. Plus Co., Ltd.
Copyright Contact: Jeannie Yong
jeannie.yong@jimmyspa.com
*More details available in the catalog
Duckbill – The Animal Detective
A fun and knowledge-packed science adventure IP for kids
Story World
Duckbill is a time-traveling animal detective from the future. He traveled through a rift to the present with his magical watch to prevent Earth’s extinction, recording creature traits. An accident erased his memories, but not his justice, bravery, or compassion. At Riverside Police Station, he joins Mei, Po, and Pago for an adventure with amazing animal encounters.
A story-based IP originated from a bestselling comics series
Duckbill originated from a popular comic series that combines educational science with entertaining storytelling. (As of August 2025: 16 volumes published; over 1 million copies sold.) The series follows a platypus detective as he investigates mysterious animal-related cases. Through humorous and engaging plots, children are guided from identifying problems to finding solutions, making natural science learning accessible and fun.
Global Expansion and Strategic Focus
Duckbill is licensed in China, Indonesia, and South Korea and continues to grow across multiple sectors—including products, games, toys, food, visual licensing, and exhibitions & events—while exploring opportunities in film and TV.
One recent notable collaboration is with Taiwan’s National Museum of Natural Science, which created the country’s first real-world puzzle game adapted from a science comic. In 2023, Duckbill served as the theme character for an immersive exhibition at Taiwan’s iconic STEAM learning event, Maker Party, which welcomed 31,000 visitors.
The brand broadens its reach with a cross-media strategy using audiobooks, animation, online courses, picture books, comics, and chapter books to engage children aged 3–12 and sustain interest in older readers. Beyond media and publishing, the IP also expands into lifestyle and consumer products—such as food, apparel, home goods, travel, education, and entertainment—boosting its perceived value and accessibility in everyday experiences. This integrated approach emphasizes interactive and cross-media learning experiences, positioning Duckbill as a versatile IP with both educational and entertainment value.
Company: CommonWealth Education
CommonWealth Education is Taiwan’s most influential education and parenting media platform. We publish Little Star Magazine for children aged 3-6, as well as nearly 100 titles annually for children and parents. In addition to book publishing. We offer a wide range of services, including an online audiovisual and multimedia platform for children, community operations, an e-commerce website, educational innovation conferences, and IP rights management.
CONTACT INFO CommonWealth Education Media and Publishing Co., Ltd.
Copyright Contact: Sheryl Ho
sherylho@cw.com.tw
*More details available in the catalog
