The Content Café

In this event, which aims to be the first in a series dedicated to Manga, Comics and Picture Books, we will examine how Japanese manga was initially introduced in Italy and the role the BCBF played in making this possibile. 

What makes a comic series a global phenomenon? Jamie Smart (Bunny vs Monkey), and Diane Le Feyer (Mortelle Adèle) discuss the creation of serial narrative universes. From visual styles to the management of comic rhythm, an international dialogue on the new frontiers of serial comics.

Uno sguardo alla produzione editoriale dell'anno: le scelte della Giuria del "Premio Andersen-il mondo dell'infanzia", aspettando la proclamazione dei vincitori sabato 23 maggio a Genova.

This annual event presents market analysis based on data from a professional Chinese research company, offering insights into the latest trends in China's Children's Book market. It also serves as a platform to showcase and introduce two outstanding Chinese children's publishing brands. The session provides global publishers with a deeper understanding of China's original content development, evolving sales channels, and international outreach efforts.

The Lexicon of Genocide is a book that will be published in both Arabic and English and It is the outcome of writing and drawing paths carried out with children in northern and central Gaza during the genocide, and siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. The Lexicon of Genocide is not a linguistic dictionary in the traditional sense, but rather a record of vocabulary that grew among the rubble and turned into an intimate detail from the diaries of children of Gaza. It is an attempt to understand children's language when it expresses fear, loss, and waiting, and when it is no longer able to reshape the life that is snatched from their hands and reformulated again. The book is now in the design phase and will be printed and distributed among community libraries soon.

Apertura e iscrizioni al tour da sabato 21 marzo, ore 9:00

Visual storytelling has become increasingly popular, varied, and sophisticated: one finds a huge variety of styles, and topics, including challenging socio-political themes and funny ones. With its various possibilities of picture-text-combinations, visual storytelling can offer new approaches, create high artistic values, and attract new readers. So it’s really a superpower! Yet how is this superpower created and how does it work exactly? Norwegian comic book artist Nora Dåsnes, Hilde Kramer, Professor of Illustration at The Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books, Kibitz publisher Michael Groenewald, and Ines Galling (both Germany) will discuss these questions at this year’s White Ravens Panel, hosted by the International Youth Library and The Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books.

How do we capture the attention of young readers in an ever-changing media landscape? This panel brings together a diverse group of publishers to explore the strengths and challenges of long-running series and standalone graphic novels. From indie to industry giants, our guests will discuss how narrative formats and distribution strategies are evolving to build a new generation of comic book readers.

L’evento approfondirà il lavoro redazionale in una casa editrice di fumetti, includendo attività come editing, traduzione, progettazione grafica e curatela editoriale.

The most successful modern comics for kids start with a unique, independent voice. From Gigaciao’s grassroots revolution to Sabine Lemire & Rasmus Bregnhøi’s authorial charm, this session breaks down the roadmap for bringing sophisticated, creator-owned content to the masses.

Featuring internationally renowned illustrators Geneviève Després, Matt James, Pierre Pratt and Sydney Smith, and moderated by Simon de Jocas, this panel discussion will explore the influence of Canadian geography on personal artistic practice, cultural storytelling across Canada’s diverse regions, the search for our root systems in a North American context, and the creation of a vibrant community of illustrators in Canada.

IMPOSSIBLES: an international, borderless movement of book artists for children’s and young adults. At this crossroads of realities and perspectives, hemispheres meet, time zones intersect, and the impossible begins to make its way, giving free rein to the active voices of those behind the books. A confluence to give visibility to diverse artists all over the world and to promote quality children’s and young adults' books beyond commercial trends. It’s not impossible to say that children’s written and visual narratives constitute a space where freedom of expression, the interaction of critical thinking, social justice, and cultural diversity converge. It is a place from which the established can be questioned, other realities can be told, imagination and creativity can be celebrated, and other possible worlds can be dreamed through their works, reaching children everywhere. Here, children are recognized as philosophical and poetic beings, critical and creative readers, active participants and creators of their own stories and narratives, capable of imagining, questioning, and building possible worlds.

Beyond the boundaries of traditional manga: a journey to discover the “new wave” of Asian comics. Independent and visionary publishers from Japan, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines discuss experimentation, digital storytelling, and new market models.

Some books are born travelers, while others are homebodies. Why do certain titles reach readers across multiple international markets and become global hits, while others—even at the highest artistic level — remain local treasures? In this panel, publishing experts explore what helps a book travel across borders — from cultural resonance and translation to promotion strategies and market insight. They will discuss how some stories find their way around the world, while others prefer the comfort of familiar shelves, offering practical insights for publishers looking to give their books the wings to explore new horizons.

What impact does an artist residency have on the creation of a picture book? Isabelle Arsenault recounts her experience with Leporello, Sophie Blackall shares her Milkwood project, and Lynn Caponera presents the vision of the Maurice Sendak Foundation. A discussion on how these special places protect and stimulate artistic research.

The 6-10 age group represents a turning point: the moment when reading becomes a solitary and conscious activity. In this panel, publishers and artists with different approaches discuss how comics can support this transition and speak to those who are discovering the pleasure of reading 'like a grown-up’.

This forum integrates the perspectives of Chinese civilization with trends in AI technology and cross-border IP operations, in line with the Bologna Children's Book Fair's concept of "Together We Are Better." It will feature the latest 2025 Chinese book IP innovations that showcase "various media together", highlighting successful examples of innovative expressions of Chinese civilization and promoting Chinese IPs to go global.

In anticipation of Poland as Guest of Honor 2027, a panel dedicated to the effervescence of contemporary Polish comics with some of its most representative new artists.

A portrait of artist Barbara Yelin, one of the most powerful voices in European graphic novels. The German author explores the folds of memory and identity through mature and expressive illustrations. A dialogue to discover her research method and her unique ability to transform history into intimate and universal narratives.

Opening of the exhibition and the announcement of the winners of the 4th edition of BOit! International Illustration Contest. An opportunity to discover the 30 selected artworks and celebrate the awarded projects of this new edition. BOit! promotes the creative work, supports professional growth and foster international exchange among illustrators. Each year, participants are invited to interpret a given shape and theme inspired by Bologna as a starting point to reflect on issues of universal relevance. The fourth edition explores the deep connection between water and the city, investigating the relationship between natural resources and the urban structure with a perspective that embraces the whole world. The exhibition makes its international debut at the BCBF.

Apertura e iscrizioni al tour da sabato 21 marzo, ore 9:00

Come far frequentare la letteratura per l’infanzia ai bambini e alle bambine quotidianamente? Partendo dall’esperienza in classe, Cunegunde propone suggestioni per costruire un personale picnic di letture da portare a scuola dopo la BCBF: albi illustrati, narrativa, poesia e non fiction da leggere insieme, con suggerimenti di setting, modalità di lettura ad alta voce e possibili proposte evocative. Un tempo per raccogliere spunti, titoli e piccoli “bottini di fiera” da portare con sé in aula.