ShanghaiApril 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 23, the “Furry Friends in Books” series of plush toys, created by the cultural and creative brand fruru, officially launched. Inspired by the *Flora Sinensis* housed in the Xujiahui Library of Shanghai Library, this series transforms symbols from the classic text into plush toys that blend cultural characteristics with a healing texture. On the occasion of the 31st World Book Day and the first “National Reading Activity Week,” fruru has designed unique “personalities” and “reading preferences” for each character, positioning “reading companionship” as the core concept of the product, supporting nationwide reading through youthful and innovative practices.
Main visual of the “Furry Friends in Books” series
*Flora Sinensis* is one of the representative works of Polish naturalist Michał Piotr Boym, first published in Vienna in 1656. The book details over twenty plant species and several animals, featuring twenty-three hand-colored plates with names in both Chinese and Latin. It is the first European monograph on the natural history of the Far East and Southeast Asia, holding significant importance in the history of cultural exchange between China and the West.
Documentary image of *Flora Sinensis*, source: Shanghai Library
The “Furry Friends in Books” series includes eight plush toy designs, all inspired by the *Flora Sinensis* from the Xujiahui Library of Shanghai Library. Based on the original shapes and color features of the book, each toy is given a distinct “personality” and “reading preference”—for example, “the calm and patient Slow Persimmon, who loves traditional culture,” “the exploratory Pineapple, who enjoys science knowledge with a laid-back attitude,” “the imaginative Sugar Apple, who is passionate about sci-fi stories,” and more—becoming a “dedicated reading companion” for readers. Additionally, different sizes cater to diverse scenarios, integrating reading companionship into daily life.
New product physical items from the “Furry Friends in Books” series
Furthermore, fruru will collaborate with the Shanghai Library Reading Promotion Center in May to launch a series of reading activities, using books as a medium and toy IPs as a bridge to extend “reading companionship” into more diverse reading scenarios. In the future, the brand will continue to uphold its philosophy of “Embracing the Miracle of Softness,” actively supporting nationwide reading and bringing healing and companionship to more users through warm, meaningful products.