The 2025 China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) once again brought magic to life from November 14 to 16 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC). Celebrating over a decade of inspiring young minds, CCBF continues to live up to its powerful motto—“Embracing the Future.” More than just a book fair, it has grown into a vibrant hub where creativity, storytelling, and innovation meet. As one of the leading global platforms for children’s book publishing, CCBF connects authors, illustrators, publishers, and readers in an atmosphere bursting with imagination and possibility.
Beyond the colorful displays of books and illustrations, this year’s fair featured a dynamic lineup of events—from insightful conferences and seminars to the prestigious Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, the engaging Illustrators Avenue, and the inspiring Children Plus Exhibition. Each activity reflected CCBF’s unwavering mission to promote quality children’s literature and nurture a lifelong love for reading among the young.
Citi of Books (COB) was thrilled to be part of this event! Traveling all the way from Albuquerque to Beijing, COB proudly featured 16 remarkable titles from our talented authors. Among the standout selections that captivated attendees was “Holy Rollers” by Dr. James Irwin Wallace.
James Wallace, Ph.D., has spent his career practicing as a clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, and sport psychologist. He has practiced golf a lot, too, with little success. He has earned his knowledge of aikido by serving as the chief instructor (Sensei) of two dojos in Southern California and one in Ithaca, NY, before running the Colgate University Aikido Club in Hamilton, NY, the past quarter of a century.
He lives there with his wife, Colgate University Professor Ann Jane Tierney, and he teaches P.E. courses in wellness, as well. They have two young adult daughters, Jasmine and Gemma, striving to live well in Virginia and Colorado, respectively. Dr. Wallace is the author of a nonfiction book about the physical and mental aspects of athletics, On Target: Comparative Challenges of Sports & Games, along with several magazine articles about aikido.
See eqpsych.com and drjimswhims.home.blog for more information from Dr. Wallace, who is also available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
“Holy Rollers” follows Max Azure, a professional golfer at Rolling Greens Golf Club who lives by a Zen philosophy and a sharp sense of humor. His days are filled with giving golf lessons, practicing aikido, trading witty banter with his best friend Mitch Treasure, and striving to qualify for the upcoming U.S. Open. But his peaceful routine is shattered when one of his regulars, Pastor Puttnam, is found dead on the thirteenth green. Though the police rule it an accident, Max suspects foul play.
As more members of the local clergy start turning up dead, Max and Mitch join forces to uncover the truth. With time running out, can they catch the culprit before another member of their community falls victim?
Blending dark suspense, psychological intrigue, and a touch of humor, “Holy Rollers” is a gripping novel that will keep you on edge from tee time to the back nine.
