Renowned author Zhou Xiaofeng launched a new version of her best-selling book "Star · Fish" at a Sept. 27 event in Shanghai. Zhou discussed how she transforms emotion into her writing and strives to inspire both adults and children to contemplate their choices.

Renowned writer Zhou Xiaofeng speaks at the launch event of the new version of her book "Star · Fish" in Shanghai, Sept. 27, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CITIC Press Group]

"Star · Fish" is a fairy tale by Zhou Xiaofeng that tells the story of twin star brothers.Longing for the sea, the younger brother bravely endures great pain to leave the sky and transforms into a whale shark in Earth's oceans. When his brother follows, they are separated, setting the stage for the younger brother's epic journey across the oceans to reunite with him. Along the way, he befriends various diverse creatures and discovers valuable lessons about dreams, growth, and responsibility.

To create this fairy tale, Zhou visited aquariums to interview caretakers and veterinarians. She volunteered to feed whales and dolphins, stayed on special aquacultural islands, and joined fishing vessels, observing their catch.

"I poured all my emotional investment into 'Star · Fish.' As a writer of fairy tales, I need to engage more deeply with life and discover those nuanced details that allow my characters to embody genuine emotion and warmth," she said. 

Zhou Xiaofeng and organizers present "Star · Fish" copies to 10 outstanding students at a ceremony in Shanghai, Sept. 27, 2025, launching a book donation campaign to support children's reading charity projects. [Photo courtesy of CITIC Press Group]

Zhou noted that "Star · Fish" embodies her personal experiences and reflections. When discussing the values conveyed in the book, she said, "Every choice we make reflects our confidence and courage, while also carrying the possibility of setbacks. Each decision contains its own richness. Between black and white lies a vast gray area — life itself is inherently complex. Any path we choose will have both positives and negatives. We can only interpret life's complexities as a form of richness and, within that, find our own unique place."

She added, "I don't believe that choosing one path makes it the best while another becomes regrettable. I wrote 'Star · Fish' hoping that everyone, even during sad moments in their decision-making process, can find future strength within their choices."

A 'Tales of the Star Fish' installation at the launch event of the new version of her book "Star · Fish" in Shanghai, Sept. 27, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CITIC Press Group]

"Star · Fish" was first published in 2019 and became an instant bestseller. The new edition's launch event, organized by CITIC Press Group and Lujiazui Group, created a cultural celebration integrating writers' dialogue, idea sharing, and charitable donation.

Fang Xi, executive chief editor of CITIC Press Group, said in her speech, "'Star · Fish' is a signature work of Zhou Xiaofeng as a fairy tale writer. She doesn't condescend to children by mimicking childish speech, but instead uses all her experience and understanding of the world to reconstruct a unique universe. This book deserves to be read over and again by both adults and children."

"Star · Fish" is the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles' first "Literature+" project exploring full-chain IP development. 

According to Li Lu, deputy director of the federation's Artists Service Center and project lead, the four-year production of the "Star · Fish" VR film led to its selection for the inaugural Golden Rooster VR Film Festival, at the China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in 2022. The theme song, performed by Zhou Shen, topped music charts, won awards, and accumulated over 1 billion plays. Also, a Sino-French shadow puppet adaptation premiered as the opening performance at the 2024 Beijing International Puppet Festival before embarking on a tour of France. 

From left to right, host Lei Xiaoxue, writers Ma Boyong, Zhou Xiaofeng, and Zhang Wei join for a literature dialogue at the launch event of the new version of her book "Star · Fish" in Shanghai, Sept. 27, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CITIC Press Group]

Created through collaborative efforts of artists from the federation's 13 associations, these diverse artistic interpretations highlight the successful evolution and broadening of the original fairy tale.

During the writers' dialogue, author Ma Boyong praised "Star · Fish" as a richly layered fairy tale that resonates with both children and adults. He highlighted how the story skillfully balances accessibility for young readers with profound themes that engage adults. Ma emphasized that storytelling, regardless of genre, fundamentally explores timeless aspects of human nature. He underscored that successful writing captures the fleeting, heartfelt moments that unite people — the foundation from which unique stories emerge.

Another writer Zhang Wei also described "Star · Fish" as transcending traditional children's literature through its multiple layers and depth which resonates with adult readers. He also observed the current lack of cross-generational literature and emphasized the need for more works like "Star · Fish" that can meaningfully connect parents and children.

"For me, writing is like igniting lights one by one with your own strength in the darkness of personal solitude," Zhou Xiaofeng said. "'Star · Fish' transcends age boundaries, much like how our journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood is a prolonged process of confronting choices and enduring tests."