Visitors immerse themselves in a miniature "theme park" at the exhibition. [Photo by Wang Kaihao/China Daily]

The difference is Willy becomes the key focus of these parody pieces.

"It's like walking through a history of fine arts," says Bai Jianjian, a designer who is also attending the exhibition. "I love this way of learning, which feels more engaging and immersive."

And this might be true for every visitor to the exhibition. After all, the whole space has been turned into a miniature "theme park" for people to take pictures and attend on-site mentor-aided illustration workshops.

According to Surina, the exhibition has already visited at least 10 other countries before coming to Beijing and will also tour Shanghai and Shenzhen.

"Our country's market for children's books is growing rapidly," she explains. "Only the real classics stand out, so, in recent years, mediocre works have been fading away.

"I believe that a precious collection of works such as this, which shows Browne's lifetime of devotion, will become one of those classics that will stand the test of time."