In an age of information overload, what makes a book truly "good"? Is it fleeting popularity, or enduring quality that stands up to scrutiny? Recently, a definitive answer came from a highly respected professional source:
"Prickles' Career Explorers Series 2" has been selected for the Badao Good Book List (Children's Category) for September 2025.
This list, widely regarded as a "barometer of the publishing industry," is known for its rigorous selection process and expert judgment, identifying works truly worthy of readers' time. Prickles' inclusion is not just an honor; it represents a recognition of the core value of early childhood enlightenment education. It marks a moment where high-quality, internationally collaborative content has received the dual validation of both market appeal and professional acclaim.
Decoding the Success: Why "Pico"? – Unpacking the Three Pillars of Its Award-Winning Appeal With so many children's books vying for this prestigious honor, what made "Pico" stand out? The answer lies in a solid foundation built on a profound understanding and respect for a child's world.
1. Narrative Value: A Firm "Child's-Eye View" Makes Learning Feel Natural
True enlightenment is about awakening curiosity, not force-feeding facts. "Prickles' Career Explorers Series 2" completely abandons the rigid lecturing of the adult world, truly embracing the mantra of "seeing the world through a child's eyes."
In its pages, a barber isn't just someone who cuts hair but a "magician" crafting surprise transformations. A fashion designer's studio becomes a "dream lab" bursting with fabrics, colors, and infinite possibilities. An astronomer is the "ultimate explorer" decoding the secrets of the stars and conversing with the cosmos.
This shift in perspective transforms complex career knowledge into adventures filled with humor and warmth. As children follow the little protagonists, they don't just observe professions—they step into a "what would I do?" mindset, deeply understanding the emotional connection these jobs have to life itself. This empathy-based understanding is far more lasting and profound than mere memorization.
2. Aesthetic & Global Value: "Sino-Foreign Collaboration" Refines International Art, Laying the Foundation for a Global Perspective
In this series, "Sino-foreign collaboration" is not just a marketing tagline—it's a creative philosophy ingrained in its DNA. We partnered with an international team of illustrators for a deep dialogue on aesthetics. The resulting artwork retains the delicate strokes and emotional subtlety of Eastern aesthetics while boldly incorporating the vibrant color contrasts and dynamic compositions of Western art.
When a child opens the book, they are immersed in an artistic atmosphere that changes with each profession—the coziness of the barbershop, the chic style of the design studio, the vastness of the cosmos. This diverse international aesthetic experience is, in itself, a form of education. It quietly tells children that the world is rich and varied, and that beauty comes in many forms. This is how we build a framework for an open, inclusive global perspective, teaching children to understand and appreciate different cultures with a broader mindset.
3. Educational & Practical Value: "Interactive Exploration" That Teaches Lifelong Lessons
The core innovation of "Prickles' Career Explorers Series 2" is its transformation of reading from a passive activity into an active "game of discovery." The thoughtfully designed interactive pages (with Q&As and doodles) and fact-filled pages (with tools and cool trivia) are like hidden treasures waiting for little hands to uncover.
In this process, children learn much more than "what tools a barber uses" or "the names of stars." By "designing" hairstyles, they grasp the joy of innovation. While searching for clothing materials, they experience the importance of creativity and eco-consciousness.
By solving astronomical puzzles step-by-step, they understand the value of exploration and the warmth of family bonds.
These life lessons, imparted as gently as a spring breeze, become part of a child's character through the joy of hands-on participation, effectively nurturing their powers of observation, creativity, and logical thinking.
Beyond the Book: The "Pico" Revolution in Parent-Child Reading & Industry Impact
The success of "Pico" extends far beyond its pages. It introduces a new model for parent-child reading. Parents are no longer just narrators; they become guides and companions in their child's exploration of the career world. As they solve puzzles together, discuss the story, and share fun facts, the parent-child bond deepens through high-quality interaction.
Furthermore, as a rare example of a East-West blended career enlightenment series, its market success and professional recognition send a clear signal to the entire children's book industry: there is a pressing demand for high-quality content that truly respects child development principles, combining educational substance with artistic merit. It successfully breaks the stereotype of traditional career books, using vibrant storytelling to prove the modern concept that "careers have no boundaries," thereby setting a new benchmark for the entire genre.
Conclusion: Let This Honor Be a Mirror, Illuminating the Path Forward
Being selected for the Badao Good Book List is the ultimate validation for the tireless effort the Pico team has invested. But we see this honor not as an end point, but as a mirror. It reflects whether our original mission remains pure and our dedication to craftsmanship is as strong as ever.
Looking ahead, we will use this as a new starting point. We will continue to delve deeply into the field of childhood enlightenment, steadfastly maintain the child's perspective, deepen our international collaborations, and keep pushing the boundaries of content and format innovation.
We promise to continue creating more high-quality children's books for the next generation—books that spark dreams, nurture hearts and minds, and help shape character. We are committed to accompanying children on their journey toward a broader, more brilliant future.
Inspiring young minds everywhere, one great story at a time.
