In the comprehensive programme of events that await you, we have selected for you those that you should not miss.
Sala Suite
Services Centre - Wing D
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Michelle Perez Barruos, General Manager, Feenix Group, Madrid.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Content Café
HALL 30
Spanish comics for young people are on the rise and are capturing many new readers. The newest and most interesting editorial projects will be presented.
Panel
Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier; Marta Tutone, translator and Founder of Liana Editorial; Sectorial del Cómic de España.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Accademia Drosselmeier, Kids Comics
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Thierry Baujard, Co-Founder, Spielfabrique, Germany
Panel
Per Rosendal, Digital Media Producer, Savannah, Denmark; Jean Gobert de Coster, CEO and Founder, Belgium.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Spielfabrique
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
In 1975 Altan published the first story featuring his famous red-dotted dog: 50 years later, cartoonists come together to celebrate the birthday of one of the most beloved Italian comics characters.
Moderator
Emilio Varrà, Hamelin
Panel
Altan, cartoonist; Maicol & Mirco, cartoonist; Noemi Vola, cartoonist and illustrator; Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator.
Organized by
Hamelin
In cooperation with
Franco Cosimo Panini Editore
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
Through digital media, children and young adults experience new forms of reading and storytelling, within complex narrative worlds where books are joined by movies and TV series, webcomics and webnovels, podcasts and audiobooks, immersive and interactive stories. Now in its 5th edition, the BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia Award explores these new forms of storytelling, selecting the best cross-media projects and the most effective screen reading experiences for children and teenagers.
Moderator
Roberta Franceschetti, Co-Founder, Mamamò
Panel
Liviu Bărbulescu, Graphic Designer, DCB – Rumänische Diaspora Initiative e.V.; Pamela Izebel Garduño Cruz, Innovation Hub Manager, Santillana; Laura Henderson, Head of Program, Frontiers for Young Minds; Woo Hyun-ok, DreamingKite Corp. (BookGorae); Stéphanie Simonin, Sales and Marketing Director, Bayard Jeunesse; Jessica Tarrant, Content Director, Yoto; Warren Buckleitner, editor, Children’s Technology Review.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Mamamò
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO, Products of Change, UK
Panel
Joachim Knödler, Head of Licensing, Studio 100 International, Germany; Helga Árnadóttir, Co-Founder and CEO, Tulipop, Iceland; Valerio Costabile, Vice President Brand Collaborations, Smiley Company, UK.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Products of Change
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Meeting with the Jury & Prize giving Ceremony of the "Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration 2025" exhibition, that showcases the best contemporary Chinese illustrators selected each year by a different Jury of leading Chinese and international experts, to present them to the international publishing community at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The exhibition 2025 (HALL 30, B46-C33) and the catalogue feature the 19 artists selected by the Jury, including the winner.
Panel
Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Sara Wang, CEO, Sìdee Cultural Communication; Ao Ran, Deputy Executive Director, China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association (China); Cathy Olmedillas, Founder and creative director of Studio Anorak, publisher of the magazines Happy Mags for Kids Anorak Magazine, DOT and the new CHEW (Spain); Li Jianping, Dean of the School of Animation at the Beijing Film Academy, Vice-Director of the Committee for the Teaching of Animation and Digital Media at the Ministry of Education, Secretary General of the Animation Art Committee of the Chinese Artists Association and Vice-President of the China Children’s Film Association (China); Long Niannan, Senior art teacher at the China National Children’s Center, expert in art education for children and painter (China); Marcella Terrusi, Researcher and lecturer in the field of childhood culture, history of children’s literature and international children’s publishing, University of Bologna (Italy); Mireia Trius, Co-founder, Zahorí Books (Spain); Tan Fengxia, Professor of children’s literature, School of Literature at Nanjing Normal University (China).
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair, China South Publishing & MediaGroup, Sìdee Cultural Communication
In cooperation with
China Publishers
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Children’s books capture the imagination, educate, and the can inspire communities to think and act in support of the SDGs. This session will look at the influence SDG book club has on raising awareness and the importance of adding new languages to drive local change and actions. Panelists will discuss how can books compel future generations of leaders to achieve sustainability and lasting change.
Moderator
Antje Watermann, Global SDG Book Club
Panel
Mercedes Alvarado, Mexican SDG Book Club; José Borghino, Secretary General, IPA - International Publishers Association; Kristina Kramer, German SDG Book Club; Karine Pansa, Brazilian SDG Book Club.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
United Nations Publications, IPA - International Publishers Association
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Andre Breedt, Managing Director, Nielsen BookData.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
In today's entertainment landscape, the interaction among books, toys, and licensing has never been more dynamic. As streaming platforms propel characters to global stardom and nostalgia-driven brands make powerful comebacks, the opportunities—and challenges—for publishers, toy companies, and licensors are rapidly evolving. This panel brings together industry experts to explore the creative and commercial forces shaping the future of licensed products. How do book franchises successfully extend into the playroom? What role does sustainability play in the next generation of licensed goods? And how can licensors balance brand integrity with market demands? Don't miss this chance to gain insights, network with industry leaders, and discover what's next at the intersection of storytelling and play.
Moderator
Astrid Specht, Editor in Chief, TOYS & 1st Steps magazine, Germany
Panel
Gaby Dior, Head of EMEA Licensing, BBC Studios, UK; Kirstin Kreppel, Head of Entertainment & Licensing, KOSMOS, Germany.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
TOYS
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Opera Prima winner: 빨간 사과가 먹고 싶다면 (If You Want to Eat a Red Apple), Finger Publishing, South Korea, 2024. Text by Jin Joo, Illustrations by Ga Hee Lee. Toddler winner: Le coq polyglotte (The Multilingual Cockerel), Hélium, France 2024. Text and Illustrations di Marie Darme-Rizzo
Moderator
Francesca Mignemi, Children's Literature independent researcher.
Panel
Mi Ja Cho, Publisher, Finger Publishing, South Korea; Ga Hee Lee, Illustrator, South Korea; Sophie Giraud, editorial and artistic director, Hèlium, France.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
Are there differences in writing for boys or girls? Do boys read less? What must stories be like to attract young male readers?
Moderator
Stefan Boonen, writer
Panel
Ilmar Tomusk, writer; Anti Saar, writer; Charalambos Demetriou, reading promoter, teacher, IBBY Executive Committee member in Cyprus.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
This seminar will focus on the current trend of the 'book as object,' exploring how books have become collectors' items in an increasingly digital world. The discussion will include debates on the characteristics of a great physical book and a great ebook, how both formats can coexist, and how to optimize a list across all formats.
Moderator
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus
Panel
Joanna Reynolds, CEO, The Folio Society; Nadim Sadek, Founder and CEO, Shimmr AI; Victoria Sutherland, Founder and publisher, Foreword Magazine.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
HALL 30, B46-C33
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair/BolognaFiere, China South Publishing & MediaGroup, Sìdee Cultural Communication
In cooperation with
China Publishers
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
The Folio Society will discuss the 2025 Folio Book Illustration Awards.
Moderator
Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer and Associate Professor of Illustration at Parsons School of Design
Panel
Tom Walker, Publishing Director, The Folio Society; Zach Rock, previous winner; Sophia Schoepfer, editor, The Folio Society.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Society of Illustrators' rich history and impactful work, along with insights into the esteemed Original Art Show, which celebrates the best in U.S.-published children’s book illustration each year. Learn about its history, application process, selection criteria, meet the 2024 OA Gold Medal Winner and OA in-show award winning author and illustrators.
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators; Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators; Clare Pernice, Children’s Programs Consultant, Society of Illustrators; Laurent Linn, The Original Art Artistic Advisor, past OA Jury Chair; Beatrice Alemagna, award winning author and illustrator, Original Art Gold Medalist 2024; Sergio Ruzzier, award winning author and illustrator, multi-in show illustrator, past OA juror; Ed Vere, award winning author and illustrator, multi-in show illustrator.
Organized by
Society of Illustrators
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Tante storie surreali e divertentissime per ridere insieme alla famiglia più buffa del mondo, e per buttare – appunto – un occhio sui giochi che si possono fare con i modi di dire e la nostra lingua. Un inno d'amore alle parole e alla letteratura da due degli scrittori più amati e più divertenti di questi anni.
Panel
Daniel Pennac, autore; Stefano Bartezzaghi, autore; Antonio Prudenzano, Responsabile editoriale IlLibraio.it.
Organized by
Salani Editore
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
The 2025 IBBY Press Conference will showcase IBBY’s latest initiatives and key events. Highlights include the presentation of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award candidates, the celebration of International Children’s Book Day 2025, the launch of the 2025 Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, the presentation of a new IBBY-UNESCO project, and news about our next World Congress and Regional Conferences, in addition to the presentation of the Jella Lepman medal to Patricia Aldana.
Panel
Basarat Kazim, President, IBBY; Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY; Marloes Robijn, President, IBBY Netherlands; Leigh Turina, Project Leader, Toronto Public Library; Cristina Puerta, Head, UNESCO Publishing; Josiane Polidori, 2nd Vice President, IBBY Canada; Tucker Stone, Past President, USBBY, Valerie Coghlan, President, Bookbird Inc.; Shereen Kreidieh, President, 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury.
Organized by
IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Patrizia Zerbi, publisher and Editorial Director, Carthusia Edizioni
Panel
Patrizia Zerbi, publisher and Editorial Director, Carthusia Edizioni; Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Walter Fochesato, President of the Jury and expert in the history of children's literature; Emanuela Bussolati, illustrator; Eros Miari, consultant, Turin Book Fair; Chiara Bidoli, Editor-in-Chief, Corriere della Sera; Sara Wang, CEO, Niu Niu Culture Limited; Sonja Riva, journalist, Swiss radio and television; Lorena De Vita, Head of the Culture sector, BPER Banca.
Organized by
Carthusia Edizioni
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair, Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino, Comune di Mulazzo
With the support of
BPER Banca
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Sustainability Special Category winner: Art is a Voice, Art1st Enterprises, India, 2024. Text and Illustations by Kripa. Non-Fiction winner: Per mille camicette al giorno, Orecchio Acerbo, Italy, 2024. Text by Serena Ballista, Illustrations by Sonia Maria Luce Possentini.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna.
Panel
Kripa, author and illustrator, Art1st Enterprises, India; Fausta Orecchio, Publisher, Orecchio Acerbo, Italy; Serena Ballista, author, Italy; Sonia Maria Luce Possentini, illustrator, Italy.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Are you a publisher or part of an organisation in the book and publishing sector? The Creative Europe programme offers dedicated funding to support your work. Its mission is to enhance the translation, circulation and linguistic diversity of literary works across Europe and beyond, expand audiences for European literature, and boost the sector’s competitiveness through cooperation and networking between organisations in Europe.
Panel
Arnaud Pasquali, European Commission, Directorate-General Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.
Organized by
European Commission (DG Education and Culture), Creative Europe Desks Italy, Portugal, Slovenia
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Olivia Deane, Research Manager, Ampere Analysis, UK
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Under the auspices of
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Moderator
Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Publishing Perspectives
Panel
Rachel Martin, Global Director Sustainability, Elsevier; Leonardo Aldegheri, President, Grafiche AZ; Anne Bergman Tahon, Director, Federation of European Publishers; Mary E. Glenn, Chief, Sales and Marketing Section UN Publications, Department of Global Communications United Nations; Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder and CEO, Products of Change; Iroo Joo, Korean Publishers Association; Gvantsa Jobava, International Publishers Association; Nicolas Roche, BIEF - Bureau international de l'Edition francaise.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair, BolognaBookPlus, Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
United Nations Publications
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Chris Haughton, designer, illustrator and children's book author, juror Illustrators Exhibition 2025.
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
Under the auspices of
The Content Café
HALL 30
Itabashi Art Museum Director Kiyoko Matsuoka and Art Director Masahiro Kakinohara will present the SDG SUGOROKU, an educational game created in collaboration with an artist from Itabashi, Picture Book City. Following this, there will be a presentation of Japanese SDG picture books selected by the city of Itabashi.
Panel
Kiyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum; Masahiro Kakinokihara, Art Director; Ayami Moriizumi, researcher.
Organized by
Itabashi Art Museum and the City of Itabashi, Tokyo
Estonian GoH Area
Services Centre
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Jeff Kinney, author and cartoonist; Davide Calì, author, illustrator and cartoonist.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Abrams Books
The Content Café
HALL 30
A pochi giorni dalla sua morte, ricordiamo un'artista che, insieme al compagno Francesco Testa, ha segnato la storia della cultura per l'infanzia attraverso una instancabile sperimentazione tra linguaggi (il fumetto, il libro illustrato e l'animazione) e l'invenzione di personaggi indimenticabili come Giovanna e il drago Tommasone. La ricordano studiosi, autrici e autori che ne hanno incrociato il percorso artistico e di vita. L'incontro è aperto da un saluto in video di Francesco Testa.
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Francesco Testa, autore e illustratore; Pino Boero, autore ed esperto di letteratura per l'infanzia; Orietta Fatucci, Edizioni EL; Walter Fochesato, studioso di letteratura per l’infanzia e storia dell’illustrazione, Vicedirettore del mensile Andersen; Carlo Gallucci, Gallucci Editore; Giusi Quarenghi, autrice; Elena Toselli, Direttrice di produzione, Rai Fiction; Sara Wang, CEO, Sìdee Cultural Communication.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair, Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Organized by
IPA - International Publishers Association
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
This inaugural AI Summit offers a thorough consideration of how AI can assist publishing
Moderator
Searsha Sadek, Founder and Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI
Panel
Nadim Sadek, Founder and CEO, Shimmr AI.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Art residency in a small country’s border town: does the environment and collaboration with the local community influence the outcome of one’s creative work, and if so, to what extent?
Moderator
Anne Pikkov, Vice-Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts and Executive Board Member of Cumulus
Panel
Greta Alice, illustrator, Lithuania; Lucia Carlini, illustrator, Italy; Pamela Samel, illustrator, Estonia.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
In the year of Estonia Guest of Honour of BCBF, we take a look at children's comics from the Baltic regions and their neighbouring countries, to understand how the world of comics is developing there, the peculiarities of the visual tradition of these nations, and the challenges publishers who want to grow in this sector must face.
Moderator
Tanja Skale, editor of Stripburger and Co-Founder and Art Director of the Tinta International Comics Festival, Slovenia
Panel
Veiko Tammjarv, editor, Kratt Werk, Estonia; Lina Itagaki, author, editor, Misteris Pinkmanas, Lithuania; Paweł Timofiejuk, editor, Timof Comics, Poland.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Sala Concerto
Services Centre - Wing D
Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Argentovivo
The Content Café
HALL 30
Discover global trends and opportunities that are shaping the future of this vibrant literary format. Gain exclusive insights from Scholastic Graphix, the renowned graphic novel imprint, and celebrate the launch of The Cartoonist Club as it makes its debut in bookstores.
Moderator
Ed Nawotka, Publishers Weekly
Panel
Peter Warwick, CEO, Scholastic; Renata Gorgani, CEO and Publisher, Editrice Il Castoro.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Chief Digital Officer, HarperCollins.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Samantha Loveday, Group Editor, Max Publishing, UK
Panel
David Sprei, Commercial Director, Penguin Ventures, UK.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Translators Café
HALL 30
Translators on the Cover: The EU expert group on Multilingualism and Translation publishes its report. The report gives recommendations on how to reinforce the European translation sector and increase the circulation of books in Europe and beyond. It advocates for more public funding for translation projects so publishers can take on a higher number of translation projects and can fairly remunerate the translators working on them. The EU Expert Group on Multilingualism and Translation published its report on the role of translators for the cultural and creative sectors and proposed recommendations to improve the translators’ working conditions and professional developments. The report also includes recommendations on how public institutions can stimulate the translation and promotion of European books.
Moderator
Francesca Novajra, President, Ceatl
Panel
Arnaud Pasquali, Policy Officer, European Commission (DG-EAC, Creative Europe); Renate Punka, President, LGA-Latvian Publishers Association; Cécile Deniard, Atlf-Association des Traducteurs Littéraires de France, Ceatl-European Council of Associations of Literary Translators
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
CEATL
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Nadim Sadek, Founder and CEO, Shimmr AI
Panel
Nancy Traversy, Barefoot Books; Tom Benjamin, author; Kelly Garner, Treefort Media.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
What are the working principles and funding models of various organizations that promote children's literature, writers as well as illustrators?
Moderator
Tuulike Kivestu, illustrator, journalist
Panel
Triin Soone, Director, Estonian Children's Literature Centre; Dr. Katja Wiebe, editor for Eastern European Children's and Youth Literature; Justinas Vancevičius, Acting Head of the Children's and Youth Literature Center, Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Searsha Sadek, Shimmr AI
Panel
Gaurav Sabharwal, Prakash Books; Raul Perez, Grupo Planeta; Sarah Arbuthnot, Supadu.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Children’s magazines as a unique stepping stone for aspiring writers and artists. They are a child’s first reading material and an introduction to the works of various authors.
Moderator
Kätlin Vainola
Panel
Llona Martson, Chief Editor, Täheke; Muriel Rathje, Chief Editor, Gecko; Petra Novikova, Communication Manager, Raketa.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Fiction winner: بيت الحكمة (House of Wisdom), Kalimat, United Arab Emirates, 2024. Text by Bodour Al Qasimi, Illustrations by Majid Zakeri Younesi. New Horizons SPECIAL JURY PRIZE winner: Dalla finestra, Start Edizioni, Italy, 2024. Text by Laura Cattabianchi, Illustrations by Laura Cattabianchi and Patrizio Anastasi.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
H.H. Bodour Al Qasimi, Publisher Kalimat and Author, United Arab Emirates; Giuliana Riunno, Publisher Start Edizioni; Laura Cattabianchi, author and illustrator, Italy; Patrizio Anastasi, Illustrator, Italy.
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Gaurav Sabharwal, CEO, Prakash Books; Raúl Pérez, Head of Digital, Grupo Planeta; Sarah Arbuthnot, Chief Commercial Officer, Supadu; Tom Benjamin, author.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Furio Camillo, Scientific Director, Webboh-LAB, Italy
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Under the auspices of
The Content Café
HALL 30
Remember when publishers started producing wonderful, reassuring, empowering, self-esteem-building books for girls? Today, professional sociological research shows that young men need that very same support from the book industry. Many younger boys are testing almost a grade level behind girls in English and arts studies. And many young men are struggling to finish school, earn college degrees, and become the supportive, loving fathers and husbands we know they can be. Much of this comes down to self-esteem and the need to signal that masculinity does not have to be "toxic." The publishing world can help male readers with books that offer healthy career options, loving and compassionate relationships, and the means to grow into great friends, lovers, spouses, and fathers. In this special session, expert speakers will be exploring the book industry's unique opportunity to help young men face their crises, just as it has faithfully done for girls.
Moderator
Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Publishing Perspectives
Panel
Francesca Cavallo, author of Stellar Stories for Boys of the Future and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls; Michiel Kolman, Senior Vice President at Elsevier and Chair of the Inclusive Publishing and Literacy Committee at the International Publishers Association (IPA); Maria Russo, Editor at Large, Union Square Kids; Jonathan Simcosky, Quarto Books, New York, Editor of Yes, Boys Can! Inspiring Stories of Men Who Changed the World.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
With the support of
ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
In this wide-ranging conversation, museum professions from three continents will offer an inside look at three innovative museums - the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Itabashi Art Museum, and the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration - where children's book art takes center stage.
Moderator
Leonard Marcus, founding trustee, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, USA
Panel
Olivia Ahmad, Artistic Director, Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, UK; Kiyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum, Japan.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
With the support of
ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Edward Nawotka, Senior Editor, Publishers Weekly.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Exploring the background of cooperation between an Estonian illustrator and a world-famous writer.
Moderator
Tuulike Kivestu, illustrator, journalist
Panel
Regina Lukk Toompere, illustrator; Davide Calì, writer; Valentina Mai, publisher, Kite Edizioni; Takako Totsuka-Mizuno, Green Seed Book.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
2025 marks a very special milestone for DeAPlaneta Entertainment: the 25th anniversary of the company's creation, which is part of Grupo Planeta and De Agostini. A quarter of a century of all-round leadership in the entertainment sector, during which the company has distributed Academy Award-winning films (The Pianist, The King's Speech, 12 Years a Slave) and box office hits such as Saw, The Invisible Guardian, and The Girl on the Train. The company has also produced internationally recognized children's series, such as MILO, and more recently, has explored the universe of gaming and immersive content, expanding some of its most outstanding IPs, such as Wonderpals, into interactive environments.
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Antonella Ceraso, Consumer Products Director, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Spain; Gianluca Ferrara, Head of Italy and International Head of Toys, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Italy.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Illustrations for children, press cartoons, solo exhibitions, communication works, wall paintings, theater posters... Serge Bloch enjoys connecting with people, and sharing emotions through humor.
Panel
Serge Bloch, illustrator; Anselmo Roveda, journalist and writer.
Organized by
Edizioni Clichy
The Content Café
HALL 30
SDGs can be successfully achieved if we start early. Reading promoters help children understand how our actions, both positive and negative, shape the world. What are the main challenges in the era of consumerism, AI and new technologies? And what are the key tools a reading promoter might need? Where does the book industry come into play?
Moderator
Daan Beeke, Network Manager, EURead
Panel
Rian Visser, author, Dutch Children’s Laureate, Writers for the Future; Elaina Ryan, CEO, Children's Books Ireland; Grzegorz Jankowicz, CEO, Polish Book Institute.
Organized by
EURead
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
An extraordinary legacy that has been able to renew itself over the years, always remaining highly appealing. From Finland to the rest of the world, the characters created and illustrated by Tove Jansson live on in lifestyle, entertainment, retail activations, concept stores, and much more, making Moomin a well-known and beloved brand worldwide. In Bologna this year, it's time to celebrate them, always with an eye on their upcoming projects.
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Roleff Kråkström, Managing Director, Moomin Characters Ltd, and CEO and Founding Partner, Rights & Brands, Finland.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Åsa Bergman, Head of Office, ALMA; Kajsa Ravin, Director General, Swedish Arts Council; Jan Björklund, Ambassador of Sweden to Italy; Katarina Eriksson Barajas, Jury member, ALMA; Per Gustafsson, Jury member, ALMA; Mårten Sandén, Jury member, ALMA.
Organized by
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Tom Benjamin, author; Natasha Poliszczuk, Content Director, BookBrunch.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Estonian GoH Area
Services Centre
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
For the first time, BLTF/Kids includes a small area dedicated to promoting illustrations and designs for participating licensing companies (licensees and retailers). In this panel, we showcase a selection of participating agencies to provide a brief overview of their rich offerings and to further explore the close relationship between licensing and illustration, which is more pronounced than ever in Bologna.
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Exhibitors della Arts Licensing Area
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Mimaster Illustrazione
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Bruno Molinero, journalist, editor, Folha de S. Paulo, Brazil
Panel
Bebel Abreu, publisher, Bebel Books, Brazil; Javier Hildebrandt, publisher, Hotel de las ideas, Argentina; Juan Pablo Fajardo, Founder, Piedra Tijera Papel, Colombia.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Moderator
Inger Klesment, media literacy specialist
Panel
Janari Lage, digital literacy expert; Nathan Hull, Chief of Strategy Officer, Beat Technology; Triin Sooäär, Gen Z.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
A symbol of freedom, strength, kindness, courage, and justice. For 80 years, Pippi Longstocking has stood against injustice, inspiring positive change in the world since 1945. This event is an international celebration of Astrid Lindgren: a panel of writers, illustrators, publishers, scholars and translators will come together to pay homage.
Moderator
Nicola Gardini, President at Salani
Panel
Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children’s Book Fair; Jan Björklund, Ambassador to Sweden in Italy; Johan Palmberg, The Astrid Lindgren Company, great-grandchild of Astrid Lindgren.
Writers, illustrators, winners at ALMA, scholars, translators, editors in chief, publishers: Beatrice Alemagna, Pierdomenico Baccalario, Alice Bigli, Moa Brunnberg, Laura Cangemi, Kitty Crowther, Donatella Di Pietrantonio, Martina Forti, Nicola Galli Laforest, Grazia Gotti, Vivian Lamarque, Emilia Lodigiani, Isol, Leonard Marcus, Mariagrazia Mazzitelli, Samanta K. Milton Knowles, Bart Moeyaert, Barbara Schiaffino, Marcella Terrusi, Simona Vinci.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Salani Editore
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator and designer; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus; Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Talking Pictures - Steven Guarnaccia and Hamelin, Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Adam Rumanek, Founder and CEO, Aux Mode, Canada
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Content Café
HALL 30
A panel of esteemed authors, publishers, educators, and sexologists will discuss how children's books today can create space for authentic and inclusive stories that avoid stereotypes—while steering clear of writing books solely to address specific topics. Panelists will explore how gender representation is evolving in children’s books, including trans and queer experiences, in various countries around the world, and also discuss the use of gender-neutral language as well as the experiences of these works being translated (cultural expectations of local versus foreign works and identities about gender and expression).
Moderator
Lawrence Schimel, author, translator
Panel
Ani Rosa Almario, Vice President, Adarna House, Co-Founder, Director of The Raya School; Chiara Gregori, gynaecologist, sexologist, author; Marie-Aude Murail, author; Edward van de Vendel, author, publisher, Uitgeverij Blauw Gras.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
United Nations Publications
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
It is difficult to categorize an artist like Paul Cox: graphic designer, book creator and illustrator, scenographer, painter. Over more than forty years of career, he has experimented with languages, techniques, styles, genres, with the sole imperative of never repeating himself and never getting bored. In this ongoing exploration, Cox chooses the visual book as his favorite playground: within the book he experiments with the interactions between image and text, he plays with styles of figuration, narrative clichés, and the storytelling possibilities that the book, as an object, opens up in all its parts. This is the focus of Wallbook, a large site-specific installation in the exhibition’ rooms of the Fondazione del Monte, where Cox transforms the walls into a kind of giant book to immerse oneself in the figures.
Moderator
Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin
Panel
Paul Cox, author, illustrator, graphic designer.
Organized by
Hamelin
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair, éditions MeMo, Topipittori, Institut Français Italia
With the support of
Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna
In the framework of
BOOM! Crescere nei libri
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Claudia Lucarella, Head of Publishing EMEA, Mattel, Italy; Eleonora Schiavoni, Head of Consumer Products Italy, Spain & Portugal, Mattel, Italy.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to children by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child—the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. While this agreement has helped improve the lives of millions, many children around the world are still denied their fundamental rights. To highlight the importance of protecting and promoting these rights, Bologna Children’s Book Fair hosts - in collaboration with the United Nations - a multilingual reading of the Convention, featuring 42 authors, illustrators, and publishers from across the globe. Each participant will read one of the 42 articles of the Convention in their native language, creating a powerful, collective voice for children’s rights.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
United Nations Publications, 42 friends of the children's book community
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Walter Fochesato, scholar of children's literature and the history of illustration, juror Illustrators Exhibition 2025
Panel
Beatrice Alemagna, author and illustrator; Giovanna Zoboli, writer and publisher, Topipittori
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Spielfabrique
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Joanna Karpowicz, painter, illustrator and comics artist; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator and designer.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Henrique Moreira, illustrator.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Fundación SM
The Content Café
HALL 30
How can an independent comics publisher reach an audience of teenagers and young adults? What are the opportunities and the risks of introducing contemporary and experimental comics to a young audience? Four of the most original and influential independent comics publishers will discuss strategies for attracting readers aged 15 and over with innovative titles.
Moderator
Elisabetta Mongardi, Hamelin
Panel
Daniel Pellegrino, publisher, Atrabile, Switzerland; Sergi Puyol, publisher, Apa Apa Cómics, Spain; Dirk Rehm, publisher, Reprodukt, Germany; Tucker Stone, Executive Director of Communications & Marketing, Fantagraphics Books, USA.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione
Panel
Donna Chai, General Manager, BolognaFiere China, China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair; Mariaelena Schiavo, Special Projects Manager, Bologna Children’s Book Fair; Yukiko Hiromatsu, Picture Book author, critic, independent curator, juror of 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition; Heimi, illustrator, winner of 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Grand Award; Daniele Morganti, illustrator, winner of 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Special Mention
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair, China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
The stories of the talents awarded and discovered by BCBF around the world, an international panorama of references and visual languages along with Mariana Alcántara (winner of the Bologna Portfolio Award - FIL24), Heimi (winner of the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Grand Award) and Lychee Chai (selected at the BKKIF in Bangkok, Thailand)
Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, The Illustrators Survival Corner
Panel
Mariana Alcántara, illustrator, winner of the Bologna Portfolio Award - FIL24; Heimi, illustrator, winner of the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Grand Award; Lychee Chai, illustrator, selected at the BKKIF in Bangkok, Thailand
Sala Concerto
Services Centre - Wing D
Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Argentovivo
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Unlike Western European or American approaches to publishing literature in translation, the Balkans have been significantly underdeveloped in terms of agenting traditions, copyright management and local strategies in promoting national literatures. However, there is an upswing in publishing titles in translation from the region in the last few years as curiosity has been aroused towards Bulgarian authors for sure. Georgi Gospodinov and his International Booker Prize-winning, best-selling novel Time Shelter in 2023 shed a different light on contemporary Bulgarian literature and its newly emerged or already well-established voices. More and more Bulgarian titles showcase authentic voices that discuss modern topics like domestic violence, life right after the end of the Cold War, feminist issues or global warming. A lot of titles published build anti-utopian worlds and discuss universal themes through local voices. What is the very reason for these titles to arouse more interest and what makes them appealing for the international literary scene?
Moderator
Neva Micheva, translator and journalist
Panel
Gergana Pancheva, agent; Zornitsa Hristova. writer, translator and publisher.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Katsumi Komagata (1953 - 2024) is known as the Bruno Munari of the Orient. Starting with the Little Eyes series designed for his daughter Ai, he has revolutionized the concept of picture books for babies and toddlers. This special panel will present the making of Katsumi Komagata and analyze some of his major works and his activities in Italy while giving important projections into the future.
Moderator
Ayami Moriizumi, researcher
Panel
Kiyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer and Associate Professor of Illustration at Parsons School of Design; Ai Komagata, One Stroke; Francesco Saviola, Mutty; Antonella Dalla Rosa, La Baracca - Testoni.
Organized by
Itabashi Art Museum, One Stroke
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Ivan Canu, Direttore, Mimaster Illustrazione
Panel
Antonio Sellerio, editore; Marta Vesco, curatrice di Guardie e ladri – Dieci avventure del commissario Montalbano, di Andrea Camilleri, Sellerio; Paolo Verri, Direttore Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori, Lorenzo Mattotti, artista.
Organized by
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
In cooperation with
Sellerio, Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Megi Bulla, Content Creator, Art Director e autrice, Italia; Roberta Ferrari, Responsabile Editoriale Rizzoli e Fabbri Ragazzi, Gruppo Mondadori, Italia.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna
Panel
Walter Fochesato, scholar of children's literature and the history of illustration, Deputy Director of Andersen magazine; Chris Haughton, illustrator, author, Ireland; Neal Porter, publisher, Neal Porter Books, Imprint Holiday House, USA; Felicita Sala, illustrator, Italia; Gema Sirvent, Founder, Editorial Libre Albedrío.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Nerrilee Weir, Director, Bold Type Agency
Panel
Agnieszka Rasińska-Bóbr, Deputy Director, Polish Book Institute; Ilvi Liive- Roosipuu, Director, Estonian Literature Centre.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
Sala Bolero
Services Centre - Wing B
L'incontro annuale del Premio Carla Poesio dedicato alla ricerca nel campo della letteratura per l'infanzia. Presentazione della tesi vincitrice del 2025 "Oltre la soglia. Simboli e mito dell'attraversamento come immagine della Trasformazione" di Giulia Piselli.
Moderator
Isabella Del Monte, Bologna Children's Book Fair
Panel
Emma Beseghi, Università di Bologna; Pino Boero, Università di Genova; Lorenzo Cantatore, Università degli Studi Roma Tre; Giulia Piselli, Vincitrice 2025.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
80 years after the Liberation, a look at the ways in which reality comics have told the story of resistance, at different historical periods and latitudes. A look at the more political side of the graphic novel and the ability of this language to narrate global conflicts to a young audience.
Moderator
Elettra Stamboulis, curator, writer, Italy
Panel
Lucia Baldassarri, illustrator, Italy; Claudio Calia, comics artist, Italy; Igort, comics artist, Italy; Sualzo, comics artist, Italy.
Organized by
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Moderator
Alizée Dabert, Export Manager, Rights Manager, Helvetiq.
Panel
Anita Lehmann, writer; Jean Baptiste Aubin, scientist; Joonas Sildre, illustrator.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
Translators Café
HALL 30
Translating and circulating children's books. State of play and way forward. The work of kid lit translators is crucial to foster cultural diversity and language equality and needs to be supported. What are the challenges for the circulation of good children's books? Which best practices and support schemes can help with the process? An international panel debate bringing together translators' associations, booksellers and representatives of literary translation support programmes.
Moderator
Eva Valvo, STRADE, CEATL-European Council of Associations of Literary Translators
Panel
Alexandra Büchler, LIT-Literature across Frontiers, Board ENLIT- European Network for Literary Translation; Julià Florit, Institut Ramon Llull, Board ENLIT- European Network for Literary Translation; Francesca Novajra, President CEATL- European Council of Associations of Literary Translators; Franka Wijers, Kennemer Boekhandel (Netherlands), RISE Bookselling.
Organized by
CEATL
In cooperation with
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Nerrilee Weir, Director, Bold Type Agency
Panel
Anna Nowacka-Devillard, Member of the Board, Polish Chamber of Books, Co-owner of Widnokrąg Publishing House; Kadri Rahusaar, Managing editor and Member of the Board, Koolibri Publishers, Member of the Board, Estonian Publishers’ Association.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Sydney Smith, illsutrator
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
Feminisms, gender and identity are now part of cultural discourse at all levels. A group of cartoonists and publishers who pay special attention to these issues discuss how they are influenced by political issues, and how to address these topics in fictional stories aimed at different age groups.
Moderator
Maria Russo, Editor at Large, Union Square Kids
Panel
Amélie Fléchais, cartoonist, illustrator, France; Jonathan Garnier, writer, illustrator, France; Marta Tutone, Founder, editor, Liana Editorial, Spain; Francesca Martucci, editor, Diabolo Edizioni, Italy.
Organized by
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
Tunué
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
In the field of children's and young adult literature, new realities, voices, and languages are gaining prominence. This openness has brought tremendous richness, expanding genres and readership. As a result, new characters, settings, and territories are emerging in literature and illustrations, opening up the world to diversity and enriching imaginations
Moderator
Dolores Prades, Founder, Director, editor, Istituto Emília, Brazil
Panel
Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY; Mary E. Glenn, Chief, Sales and Marketing Section UN Publications, Department of Global Communications United Nations; Daniel Munduruku, author, Brazil; Elisa Ramírez Castañeda, author, sociologist, translator, Mexico; Ed Oner, illustrator, street artist, Morocco; Jöelle Betsey Maestracci, publisher, Editions Vizavi, Editions Pielo, Mauritius; Marit Alette Utsi, Deputy Director of Davvi Girji and Chair of the Board of Sálas - Sami newspaper and publishers association, Norway.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
United Nations Publications, Instituto Emília
With the support of
ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus; Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Technology; Kelly Garner, Founder and CEO, Treefort FM.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Estonian GoH Area
Services Centre
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Mondadori’s “Leggere le figure” series, together with Leonard Marcus, we will revisit some of the titles that have shaped the history of contemporary picture books over the past 40 years, exploring what makes a picture book a classic.
Moderator
Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin
Panel
Leonard Marcus, children's book historian, critic, author.
Organized by
Mondadori
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Moderator
Jaanika Palm, researcher, Estonian Children's Literature Centre.
Panel
Reeli Reinaus, Young Adults writer, folklorist; Marja-Liisa Plats, ALMA Award nominee, illustrator; Anna Nowacka-Devillard, publisher, Wydawnictwo Widnokrąg.
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Lance Fitzgerald, Senior VP, Content and Business Development, PRH US.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine
Panel
Federica Pasini, Funzionario e Referente CNA Professionisti e CNA Cinema e Audiovisivo e Responsabile progetto Ciak Reloaded, CNA Emilia-Romagna; Fabio Abagnato, Responsabile Cinema, Film Commission e Sviluppo del Settore Audiovisivo, Regione Emilia-Romagna; Marianna Panebarco, CEO e Produttore, Studio Panebarco, Italia; Simona Cornacchia, animator e storyboard artist, Italia; Anna Russo, regista e sceneggiatrice, Italia.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Annuncio del libro vincitore nella categoria "Narrazione per immagini".
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Fondazione Bellonci
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Book publishers, audio publishers, studios and all in the audio space are wrestling to serve the ever-growing appetite for the spoken word. What are the main challenges, opportunities and trends with rights, across the general and children’s markets, when seeking to grow catalogues and distribute internationally?
Moderator
Edward Nawotka, Publishers Weekly
Panel
Colin Hauer, CEO, Hörbuch Hamburg; Sonia Draga, CEO, Draga; Heather Alexander, Audible.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
From Text to Storyboard: The design and creative experience of a group of Nigerian illustrators starring in the "Make a picturebook" workshop, made possible thanks to the support of BCBF, curated by Mimaster Illustrazione and in collaboration with Book Buzz Foundation. During the presentation, the winning project, destined for publication by the publisher Tanja, an imprint of Ouida Books, Nigeria, will be announced.
Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, course leader, Make a Picturebook Course, coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione
Panel
Lola Shoneyin, Director, Book Buzz Foundation; Francesca Chessa, illustrator and course teacher, Make a Picturebook Course; Kayode Onimole, graduated, Make a Picturebook Course; Chiamaka Barbara Chukwu, graduated, Make a Picturebook Course.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Book Buzz Foundation, Mimaster Illustrazione
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Olympe Challot, Project Manager and Community Manager, Spielfabrique, Germany
Panel
Gordon Vogel, Founder, Rivers and Wine Studios, Germany; Aksel Køie, Founder and CEO, PIBOCO, Denmark.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Spielfabrique
In the framework of
International Kids Licensing Days
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Harriet Birkinshaw, Chief Editor, Post Wave Berlin Studio; Marc Majewski, Art Director, Post Wave Berlin Studio.
Organized by
Post Wave Berlin Studio
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
BCBF hosts every other year the winners of two prestigious children's book awards in the arts, the BIB - Biennial of Illustration Bratislava and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, to create the Illustrators Annual cover: the catalogue collecting all the works of the artists selected for the Illustrators Exhibition. The 2025 Illustrators Annual cover has been created by Sydney Smith, Canada, winner dell’H. C. Andersen Award 2024.
Panel
Sydney Smith, illustrator, Canada; Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
Panel
Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier; Henrique Moreira, illustrator, winner of the International Award of Illustration BCBF - Fundación SM 2024.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Accademia Drosselmeier, Kids Comics, Rete Bibliotecaria Bergamasca
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Jon Watt, Head of Commercial and Audio, Bonnier Books
Panel
Laure Sageet, MD Audiolib, Hachette; Ani Atamian, Founder, LEM; Hugo Rayne, General Manager Europe, Eleven Labs.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Elisa Salamini, autrice, formatrice e Co-founder, Mamamò, Italia
Panel
Valentina Mazzola, Docente, autrice, sceneggiatrice e script editor, Italia; Cristiana Buzzelli, COO, Movimenti Production, Italia; Paola Francesca Corsini, Licensing e Dramatic Rights Specialist, Editrice Il Castoro, Italia.
Organized by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Mamamò
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Mariana Feged, GM Spanish Markets, France & EMEA Bookwire.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Technnology
Panel
Clara Ferrari, Chief Content Officer, YouScribe; Miriam Spinnato, Commercial Director, Mondadori; Fabio Uehara, AYA Books.
Organized by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Susie Morgenstern is one of the cornerstones of world children's literature. Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur and Officier of l’Ordre national du Mérite for her contribution to the arts for children, she has added to the numerous awards received over the years the prestigious Grande Ourse at the last Montreuil Book Fair. On the occasion of her magnificent 80th birthday, BCBF pays her a well-deserved tribute.
Moderator
Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin
Panel
Susie Morgernstern, writer; Beatrice Masini, writer; Sylvie Vassallo and Nathalie Donikian, Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse en Seine-Saint-Denis.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse en Seine-Saint-Denis, Institut Français Italia, ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
After fifty years in children's publishing, legendary U.S. editor Neal Porter has stepped away from his full-time Publisher role to become Publisher Emeritus of the imprint he founded, Neal Porter Books, part of Holiday House/Walker Books. As he and the imprint move into this new era, Neal will be talking with Maria Russo, Editor at Large at Union Square Kids and former New York Times Children's Books Editor, about the enduring global appeal of the picture book form, sharing insights into the books that plant themselves in readers' hearts and "travel well" between markets and cultures.
Panel
Maria Russo, Editor at Large, Union Square Kids; Neal Porter, Publisher, Neal Porter Books, Imprint Holiday House.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
With the support of
ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Heena Baek, author and illustrator.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Terre di mezzo Editore
Sala Concerto
Services Centre - Wing D
Programme and registration: IBBY Europe | IBBY's sections in Europe
Organized by
IBBY Europe - International Board on Books for Young People
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Ilaria Del Gaudio, Professor of Art Pedagogy and Didactics, Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna, Italy
Panel
Giovanni Ferrara, Editorial Director, Coconino Press - Fandango, Italy; Joëlle Jolivet, cartoonist and illustrator, France; Sylvie Vassallo, Director, Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse en Seine-Saint-Denis, France; Noemi Vola, comics artist and illustrator, Italy.
Organized by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Estonian GoH Area
Services Centre
Organized by
Estonia Guest of Honour 2025
In cooperation with
IBBY Estonia
OPEN UP
GALLERIES
GLOBAL RIGHTS EXCHANGE
FAIRTALES