China's press regulator has recommended 100 books to inspire the country's children in the run-up to International Children's Day on Sunday.

The books, all in the Chinese language, included literature, science and sports stories, encyclopaedias and cartoons, according to the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP).

The books were selected because they could help foster the national spirits of strength, courage, solidarity and persistence, spread the Olympic spirit and knowledge among children and promote homemade cartoon books, the administration said in a press release.

The books were selected from 1,171 titles submitted by 279 publishing houses nationwide. They were chosen by 20 experts from the country's top universities, it said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2008)