Xue Tao, author of September Is Frozen, another book in the series, says he could tell that the American translator, Kyle David Anderson, did a good job. "He sent me long lists of questions concerning my text to consult me for advice, and we discussed a lot back and forth," Xue says.

Another translator is Jerimiah Willhite, a graduate of Chinese language from the University of Washington in 2009. The 32-year-old translated three of the eight titles.

"It is important to introduce young people to traditional values from many different cultures, so that they can have a more informed worldview, and gain a better understanding of one of the world's most influential cultures," he says in an email interview.

The series' translators like Bies, Anderson and Willhite, in a sense, are just like the Chinese boy who finally crosses the border to meet his Russian friend and the puppy they both loved in September Is Frozen.

Contact the writer at meijia@chinadaily.com.cn