63rd edition 13- 16 April 2026 | Bologna - Italy
63rd edition 13- 16 April 2026 | Bologna - Italy
Sala Concerto
Services Centre - Wing D
Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Donatella Lombello; Luisa Marquardt
Panel
Caterina Spezzano-MIM; Chiara Bertolini - Coordinamento nazionale dei Corsi di Laurea in Scienze della Formazione Primaria - UniMORE-; Licia Cianfriglia-ANP; Luisa Marquardt-CNBS-AIB-UniRomaTre; i Dirigenti Scolastici del Gruppo di Lavoro Biblioteche Scolastiche
Organised by
ASSOCIAZIONE PEDAGOGICA ITALIANA-As.Pe.I.; GRUPPO DI RICERCA BIBLIOTECHE SCOLASTICHE-GRIBS
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
In this talk, we will explore the creative universe of Ivar Da Coll through his Chigüiro series, examining how a nearly wordless character has transformed storytelling for children in Latin America. We will review Da Coll's work as an author-illustrator, the graphic and narrative choices that make Chigüiro a unique work, and how his books engage with early readers and reading mediators. From the perspective of a university research group, we will offer critical readings of his work and reflect on its place in the international landscape of children's and young adult literature, in light of his nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
Moderator
Juan Sebastián Montoya Vargas, Editor, Editorial Siete Gatos, Director, Programa de iniciación al cultivo para niños y jóvenes, Colombia
Panel
Gabriela Quiroga Alarcón, coordinator, Programa de iniciación al cultivo para niños y jóvenes, Colombia; Valeria Munevar Pérez, research coordinator, Programa de iniciación al cultivo para niños y jóvenes, Colombia.
Organised by
ACLIJ-Colombian Association of Children's and Young Adult Literature, Pontifical Javeriana University
The Content Café
HALL 30
Manga developed in Japan as a form of entertainment for readers of all ages, evolving alongside the growth of children’s literature. Today, these two worlds are increasingly intersecting and influencing one another. During this event, Japanese manga artists and editors active in both Japan and Europe will explore the distinctive visual languages that characterize comics and manga, discussing their differences, shared influences, and the unique forms of expression that make these mediums so compelling.
Moderator
Yukiko Hiromatsu, picture book author, critic, independent curator, Japan
Panel
Keiko Ichiguchi, manga artist, writer, Japan; Andrea Baricordi, editor, writer, Italy; Noemi Kawasaki, editor, Kodansha Manga Academy, Japan.
Organised by
Japan Foundation, JBBY
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
What happens when books meet games? Mark Backler, Founder of SketchBook Games, explores the creative and commercial potential at the intersection of literary IP and interactive entertainment. Drawing on his experience, he will discuss how game developers can identify and partner with IP holders to create compelling adaptations and how games can revitalize a book's universe, expanding its audience and fan engagement. Whether you're an indie studio aiming to license your first IP or a publisher curious about games, this session offers practical insights into the books-to-games pipeline.
Panel
Mark Backler, Founder, SketchBook Games, UK.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Aušra Kiudulaitė, illustrator; Ieva Babilaite, illustrator.
Organised by
Lithuanian Culture Institute
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
When Ken Faier founded Epic Story Media, his goal was to create a comprehensive platform to engage kids across various media. The company grew from original IPs, franchises, and TV series into gaming and toys, initially via licensing and later through its infrastructure. Today, Epic Story Media has divisions in content, YouTube, distribution, licensing, animation, two gaming studios, and a new toy and product division. Moreover, instead of out-licensing to large toy firms, Epic Story took control, incorporating toy development into their IP creation—making properties that tell compelling stories and provide immersive, connected entertainment experiences. In this panel, we take an in-depth look at this rich ecosystem, sharing insights and visions on the future of the content industry.
Panel
Ken Faier, President and CEO, Epic Story Media, Canada.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Fiction Winner: Ingrávida (Weightless), text by Fran Pintadera, illustrations by Raquel Catalina, Bookolia, 2025, Spain. Toddler Winner: Río Viento (Wind River), text by Adolfo Córdova, illustrations by Mariana Alcántara, Ediciones El Naranjo, 2025, Mexico. New Horizons Special Jury Prize: Village, text by Julie Safirstein, illustrations by Julie Safirstein, Éditions du livre, 2025, France.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Luis Manuel Larraza Bazo, Publisher, Bookolia, Spain; Fran Pintadera, author, Spain; Raquel Catalina, illustrator, Spain; Adolfo Córdova, author, Mexico; Mariana Alcántara, iIllustrator, Mexico.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Award-winning Ukrainian book design meets European illustration in a conversation on visual storytelling across cinema, literature, and contemporary book culture.
Moderator
Yuliia Kozlovets, Cultural Manager and Director, International Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv, Ukraine
Panel
Anita Wincencjusz-Patyna, historian and art critic, Ph.D. in Art History, Assistant Professor, Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, Associate Dean, Faculty of Painting and Sculpture, Poland; Halia Verheles, illustrator, designer, Art Director, Osnovy Publishing House, Art Editor, Creative Women Publishing, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, International Book Arsenal Festival, Ukraine
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Panel
Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder of PublisHer
Organised by
PublisHer
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Panel
Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair
Organised by
PublisHer
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Elisabetta Mongardi, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Jamie Smart, cartoonist, UK; Diane Le Feyer, author, France.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
David Flicking Books, Edi8
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Elisabeth Perez Fernandez, Director, Irudika-International Professional Illustration Fair, Spain
Panel
Yihfen Chou, Editor in Chief, Heryin Books, Inc, Taiwan; Hsu-Kung Liu, author, Taiwan; Bei Lynn, Founder, SiLoo Story, Taiwan.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Aria Ungerer leads a conversation with the teams behind two new children’s play museums—La Maison des Histoires in Paris and The Rabbit Hole Museum of Children’s Books in Kansas City. The session explores how picture books can become physical spaces of play and discovery at a time when digital distractions dominate children’s attention. The panel examines the pressures facing publishers and booksellers and shows how immersive, story driven environments can renew children’s connection to reading books.
Moderator
Aria Ungerer, creative lead and curator, The Tomi Ungerer Estate, Ireland
Panel
Agathe Jacon, Co-Director, La Maison des Histoires, France; Pete Cowdin, Co-Founder, The Rabbit Hole Museum of Children's Books, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
The Tomi Ungerer Estate
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Beyond talent: an international panel on the soft skills required for illustrators today.
Panel
Ivan Canu, Director, Mimaster Illustrazione - Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori, Italy; Shelley Ann Jackson, Associate Professor, MA degree in Children's Book Illustration, Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University, UK; Ellen Vesters, Head Visual Storytelling Course, Venster Academy of Illustration & Narrative, Netherlands.
In cooperation with
Mimaster Illustrazione-Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori; Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; Venster Academy of Illustration & Narrative
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Lulu Skantze, Publisher and Creative Director, Story Time Magazine, Netherlands.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Pija Lindenbaum in dialogo con Francesca Mignemi e Valeria Buzi. Interpreta dallo svedese Samanta K. Milton Knowles.
Panel
Pija Lindenbaum, scrittrice, illustratrice, grafic designer, Svezia; Valeria Buzi, Direttrice Editoriale, Il Barbagianni, Italia; Francesca Mignemi, ricercatrice indipendente di letteratura per l'infanzia, Italia; Samanta K. Milton Knowles, traduttrice, Italia.
Organised by
Il Barbagianni Editore, Swedish Arts Council
Translators Café
HALL 30
When a story crosses borders, it doesn’t arrive unchanged. Its rhythms shift, its humor bends, its images take on new meaning. In picture books and illustrated novels especially, translation is not just technical work—it’s creative work. It reshapes pacing, tone, symbolism, even the emotional weight of a page turn. Text and image move together, and both must be reimagined for a new language. In this conversation, Dasha Tolstikova and Lawrence Schimel explore how translated books expand not only empathy, but the very boundaries of a young reader’s imagination.
Panel
Dasha Tolstikova, illustrator; Lawrence Schimmel, writer, editor and translator.
Organised by
SCBWI-The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Designer Studio
HALL 29
DJ Stout, Arabelle Liepold, and Steve Compton trace the evolution of the Annual Competition, featuring archival highlights, book design, insights into the application process, and selection criteria.
Panel
DJ Stout, Pentagram partner, Art Director, designer, author, Principal of the Pentagram Austin, Texas office, USA; Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, The Society of Illustrators
In cooperation with
Pentagram Austin
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Lea Magnano, Project Manager, Peppy Agency, Netherlands.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Fifty years after the publication of Christian Bruel's revolutionary Histoire de Julie qui avait une ombre de garçon , the discourse on feminism and gender issues in children's publishing has undergone a radical evolution. Starting from his pioneering experience, a dialogue with contemporary artists and publishers will explore the future of representation in picture books and comics.
Moderator
Elena Fierli, Vice-President, Scosse, Italy
Panel
Christian Bruel, author, France; Lina Itagaki, cartoonist, Lithuania; Maddalena Lucarelli, editor, Fatatrac, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Fatatrac, Éditions Thierry Magnier, Settenove, Scosse
In the framework of
Comics Corner
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK
Panel
Marcin Hamkało, Deputy Director, Book Institute, Poland; Searsha Sadek, Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI, UK; Kevin Stewart, Director, Contracts People, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Pirita Tolvanen, illustrator, Information Designer, Finland.
Sala Notturno
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Carla Colmegna (giornalista e autrice)
Panel
- Manuela Salvi (scrittrice, ex presidente ICWA ed esperta in censura editoriale)
- Claudia Valentini (traduttrice e rappresentante Strade)
- Letizia Carlucci (libreria Attraverso e coordinatrice gruppi lettura)
- Alan Bassi (editor e autore)
Organised by
ICWA (Italian Children’s Writers Association)
The Content Café
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Mamamò
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
2025 was a complicated year for Italian publishing, in which children’s books represented a welcome exception: they were the category with the best performance in terms of value, and the only one that did not reduce the number of copies sold compared to 2024. The focus of this event, aimed at foreign operators, will therefore be a presentation of the latest available data of the Italian publishing market: sales, titles published, translation rights sold. Followed by an insight on the children’s book market.
Panel
Bruno Giancarli and Rachele Marziolo, Research Department, AIE - Italian Publishers Association, Italy.
Organised by
AIE - Italian Publishers Association
In cooperation with
BolognaBookPlus
With the support of
ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Visual storytelling defines how children see themselves and others. This 90 minute interactive workshop invites illustrators to experiment with techniques and approaches that promote equality, diversity, and freedom of identity in children’s books.
Panel
Jenya Polosina, illustrator, Ukraine.
Organised by
UN Women
In the framework of
The EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence programme
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Brands hold extraordinary influence. When they use that influence with purpose, they can reshape industries, accelerate innovation, and build systems that work better for people and the planet. At this special session, join Products of Change’s Panel to explore how leading brands are using their scale, creativity, and cultural relevance to drive meaningful change. Through real examples and practical insights, the panel will explore how purpose-driven brand leadership can help shape a more responsible, resilient, and future-fit brand licensing industry—one that delivers both profit and positive impact for the next generation.
Moderator
Helena Mansell Stopher, Founder, Products of Change, UK
Panel
Thomas Saurén, Sustainability and Content Director, Rights and Brands, Sweden; AnnKatrin Hager, Business Development Manager, CP Lead, Sesame Workshop, Germany; Lily Zahn, Publishing Product Development Specialist, Hasbro, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
POC - Products of Change
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Meeting with the jury and the awards ceremony of "Chinese Excellence in Children's Illustration 2026," an exhibition presenting the best contemporary Chinese illustrators selected each year by a different jury composed of Chinese and international experts, to present them to the international publishing community of the Bologna Children's Book Fair. The 2026 exhibition (Hall 30 B46-C45) and the catalog feature the 20 artists selected by the jury, including 2 winners.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair, China South Publishing & MediaGroup, Sìdee Cultural Communication
In cooperation with
China Publishers
Translators Café
HALL 30
Three publishers present a translation project from their catalogue.
Panel
Marta Rota Nunez, translator; Giovanna Zoboli, editor, Topipittori; Francesca Firmiani, editor, EDT-GIRALANGOLO; Chiara Baffa translator; Lavinia Azzone, editor, Fandango.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Panel
Jon Gray, book cover designer, UK; Riccardo Vecchio, Chair, MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, School of Visual Arts, visual artist, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Norway GoH Area
Services Centre
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Organised by
Salani
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Open mic for a reading of poems by the two authors, in many languages.
Moderator
Jorge Luján, poet, Argentina
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Prof. William Grandi (Università di Bologna - Gruppo Università di IBBY Italia)
Panel
Prof. William Grandi (Università di Bologna)
Prof.ssa Sabrina Fava (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)
Prof. Martino Negri (Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca)
Prof.ssa Giorgia Grilli (Università di Bologna)
Prof.ssa Marnie Campagnaro (Università degli Studi di Padova)
Prof.ssa Lucia Paciaroni (Università di Macerata)
Organised by
IBBY Italia , Gruppo Università
In cooperation with
Gruppo di Letteratura per l'infanzia di Siped (Società Italiana di Pedagogia)
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Stories help children make sense of an increasingly complex world and understand both themselves and others. This session explores what it means when children learn that they belong through the books they read and how this in return helps to raise empathetic adults who can navigate change, tolerate ambiguity, and stay compassionate in challenging situations. More than representation alone, the discussion will highlight how thoughtfully crafted stories can nurture belonging from an early age and strengthen social understanding. Publishers, educators, and creators we will examine how children’s literature can lay the foundation for a more connected, empathetic, and sustainable world.
Organised by
UN Publications, IPA - International Publishers Association
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
This session presents a detailed analysis of what people are buying in Europe, based on NielsenIQ BookData data, with a focus on Manga in Europe.
Panel
Andre Breedt, Managing Director, NielsenIQ BookData, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Thierry Baujard, Co-founder, Spielfabrique, Germany
Panel
Gordon Vogel, Founder, Rivers and Wine Studios, Germany; Stefano De Vivo, CEO, PlayNook Games, Italy; Per Rosendal, CEO, Savannah Entertainment, Denmark; Michelle Perez Barruos, Founder and Managing Director, MPB Licensing, Spain.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Spielfabrique
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Organised by
Andersen - La rivista e il premio dei libri per ragazzi
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Explore the Society of Illustrators’ impact and gain insight into their Original Art Show—its history, application process, and selection criteria—plus meet OA awarded artists Angie Kang and C.G. Esperanza.
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA; Clare Pernice, Children’s Programs Creator, Society of Illustrators, USA; Angie Kang, award winning author/illustrator, Original Art Medalist 2025, USA; C.G. Esperanza, award winning author/illustrator, Caldecott Medalist 2025, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK.
Panel
Jane Acton, agent, UK; Lora Fountain, agent, France; Gergana Pancheva, Sofia Literary Agency, Bulgaria; Louise Lamont, agent, LBA Agency, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
The first in a series of three themed talks dedicated to children’s literature, fashion and costume, linked to the international exhibition The Fabulous Wardrobe and the Never-Ending Twist. Clothes, flags, sails: the perspectives on childhood and storytelling of the acclaimed picturebook author Alemagna in dialogue with journalist and writer Caridi, author of Sudari: Elegy for Gaza . Both share a focus on narrative materiality and on the presence of fabrics, threads and ties — both physical and metaphorical — in stories and in history, as well as in practices of civil resistance and in the defence of children’s rights. Moderated by Marcella Terrusi, curator and author of The Fabulous Wardrobe (Carocci, 2025), lecturer at University of Bologna.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Beatrice Alemagna, writer, illustrator, Italy; Paola Caridi, writer, journalist, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Discussion explores how different cultures and education systems shape children's reading habits and which successful practices we can learn from and adapt. We will examine the roles of families, schools, and communities in fostering a love of reading and consider how international perspectives help us better understand children's motivation and reading engagement. The conversation offers inspiring examples and practical ideas that can be applied within our own educational and cultural contexts.
Panel
Alexander Brand, education journalist, Germany; Tiziana Mascia, PhD, lecturere in Children's Literature, University of Urbino Carlo Bo (DISTUM Department of Humanities), Italy; Katrin Tõnisson, Programme Departement Manager, Estonian Children's Literature Centre, Estonia.
Organised by
Estonian Children's Literature Centre, Estonian Publishers Association
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Moderator
Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Hamelin and Steven Guarnaccia
With the support of
NORLA-Norwegian Literature Abroad
In the framework of
Talking Pictures
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Who is Marie Neurath? A trailblazing graphic designer and visionary, she, together with her husband Otto Neurath, was the architect of the Isotype language, laying the foundations of modern information graphics. But the heart of her work lies in the vast output of children's science-education books, a genuine design lab for actively shaping understanding through the magic of visual storytelling, which by its nature is immediate and universal. On the occasion of the launch of this internationally oriented cultural project, Quinto Quarto presents the return to the world stage of iconic works such as Piccolissimo, anzi invisibile , and E se potessi guardare dentro? , restored with respect for the original aesthetics but reproposed with a contemporary graphical relaunch.
Panel
Riccardo Falcinelli, graphic designer, Italy; Alessandra Falconi, Director, Centro Alberto Manzi, Italy; Maura Romeo, Publisher, Quinto Quarto Edizioni, Italy; Sue Walker, Director, Otto Archive and Marie Neurath, University of Reading, UK.
Organised by
Quinto Quarto Edizioni
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair, University of Reading
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Maria Nayr de Pinho Correia Ibrahim, Associate Professor, Nord University, Norway
Panel
Charlotta Langejan, Senior Advisor, Nord University, Norway; Linnéa Ellen Knutsen, translator, Norway; Peter Dowling; Marit Alette Utsi, editor, Davvi Girji, Norway.
Organised by
Nord University, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Dr. Katherine Schlatter, author, behavioural Health Scientist, Impact Investor, Founder, Thence, Switzerland.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
This interactive workshop explores how burnout shows up in publishing’s unique work culture and equips participants with practical tools to protect their well-being while maintaining professional excellence.
Panel
Lisa Lyons Johnston – Global Publishing Consultant and PublisHer Advisory Board Member
Organised by
PublisHer
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Dr. Hailah Alkhalaf, General Manager, Translation Sector, Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Saudi Arabia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Content Café
HALL 30
Early Reader Winner: Kay Healy. Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House Publishing), United States of America, 2025
Moderator
Emilio Varrà, President, Hamelin, Italy
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, Coordinator, The Illustrators Survival Corner, Italy
Panel
Cayetano Cordovés Dorta, Editor, Diego Pun Ediciones, Spain; Gema Sirvent Laguna, Editorial Director, Editorial Libre Albedrío, Spain; Luisa F. Arellano, illustrator, Mexico.
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Alexander Løken, chair of NBU-Norwegian Writers for Children
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Translators Café
HALL 30
An essential overview of the latest data on the Italian book market in 2025, highlighting the main trends, the strong performance of children’s publishing, translation rights sold, and the funding opportunities for translations from Italian.
Panel
Bruno Giancarli, AIE Research Department, Italy.
Organised by
AIE - Italian Publishers Association
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Germana Urbani, journalist, teacher, Editorial Director of Junior Poetry Magazine, Italy
Panel
Silvia Vecchini, poet, Italy; Giovanna Zoboli, Publisher, Topipittori, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Olaia Martínez, illustrator, author, Spain; Ane Arzelus, illustrator, Spain.
Organised by
Euskal Irudigileak
In cooperation with
Basque Books
With the support of
Instituto Etxepare
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Creating games for young audiences is a balancing act: content must be imaginative and engaging enough to capture children's attention, while meeting the safety and ethical standards that parents and regulators demand. But beyond the creative challenge lies a commercial one—how do you build a sustainable business model around kids' gaming content? Panellists will share hard-won insights on what makes a game truly resonate with young players, how to navigate the complex landscape of child-safe content guidelines, and which monetization models are proving most effective in today's market.
Moderator
Thierry Baujard, Co-founder, Spielfabrique, Germany
Panel
Per Rosendal, CEO, Savannah Entertainment, Denmark; Michelle Perez Barruos, Founder and Managing Director, MPB Licensing, Spain.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Spielfabrique
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Panel
Mascia Premoli e Alessandra Falconi
Organised by
Erickson
Sala Wagner
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Panel
Simone Giusti e Giusy Marchetta
Saluti di Annalena Benini (direttrice del Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino) e Giuseppe Iannaccone (presidente del Centro per il libro e la lettura)
Organised by
Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino e Centro per il libro e la lettura
In cooperation with
Loescher Editore
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Giacomo D'Angelo, CEO, StreetLib, fondatore di Amlet, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
StreetLib
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
The IBBY Press Conference presents the work of IBBY throughout the year and highlights its most important activities and events, including the 40th World Congress (Ottawa, Canada, 6–9 August 2026) and 2026 International Children's Book Day. It is also the much-expected occasion to discover the winners of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award and the IBBY Reading Promotions Awards.
Moderator
Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY, Switzerland
Panel
Basarat Kazim, President, IBBY, Pakistan; Shereen Kreidieh, President, Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury, Lebanon; Elisabetta Lippolis, Italy, and Jane O'Hanlon, Ireland, IBBY Reading Promotion Award Jury Co-Chairs; Patti McIntosh, President, IBBY Canada; Elena Perikleous, Cyprus Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Cyprus; Valerie Coghlan, President, Bookbird Inc., Ireland.
Organised by
IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People
With the support of
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Håkon Marcus, author, Norway; Arne Lindmo, teacher, author, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Translators Café
HALL 30
A translator opens up her workshop to discuss the challenges and creative solutions she encounters in her translation work.
Panel
Alessandra Petrelli, translator.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Panel
Bruno Tognolini
Organised by
Salani Editore, Lettori si diventa
The Illustrators Survival Corner
HALL 30
Panel
Issaba author, story creator, and colorist, Senegal.
Sala Ouverture
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Giovanna Malgaroli
Panel
Katia Rossi, Gabriella Carrè, Lisa Melandri, Federica Mantellassi e Franco Fornaroli
Organised by
Premio Nati per leggere, Fondazione Circolo dei lettori
Sala Preludio
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Organised by
San Paolo Ragazzi
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Luigi Garlando racconta la vita di Sandro Pertini, il presidente più amato dagli italiani, a partire dal suo ultimo libro Sandro libera tutti. Dall’infanzia al settennato, tra coraggio, onestà e amore per la libertà. Un ritratto intenso e accessibile di una figura centrale della nostra Repubblica, capace di parlare alle ragazze e ai ragazzi. Un appassionato racconto d'autore tra impegno civile e avventura.
Moderator
Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani
Panel
Luigi Garlando, giornalista, scrittore, Italia.
Organised by
Mondadori
The Illustrators Survival Corner
HALL 30
Panel
Toni Galmés, illustrator, Spain; Francesca Corso, illustrator, Spain.
In cooperation with
Institut d’Estudis Baleàrics
Norway GoH Area
Services Centre
Panel
Øyvind Torseter, author, illustrator, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Justinas Vancevičius, Co-founder, Vaikų žemė, Lithuania
Panel
Rebecca Valente, illustrator, Italy; Giulia Tudori, illustrator, Italy; Akvilė Magicdustė, illustrator, Lithuania; Kornelija Žalpytė, illustrator, Lithuania.
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
Lithuanian Embassy in Italy; Lithuanian Culture Institute, Vaikų žemė reading promotion program / Children’s World
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
What happens when the world of storytelling collides with the world of play? In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Verena Urbschat from Spielwarenmesse — the world's leading toy trade fair — to explore the evolving relationship between children's books and toys. Verena shares exclusive insights into the latest toy trends and what they mean for publishers, authors, and illustrators looking to tap into the creative and commercial potential of this dynamic crossover space.
Panel
Verena Urbschat, Director Visitor and Exhibitor Marketing, Spielwarenmesse, Germany.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Lubna Jaffery, Norway´s Minister of Culture and Equality, Trude Hoel, Professor, Katarzyna Tunkiel, Associate Professor.
Organised by
Norwegian Reading Centre, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
La meraviglia di scoprire la bellezza della Natura e il prepotente desiderio di proteggerla: può un albo illustrato contenere tutto questo?
Panel
Giulia Pancot, illustratrice, Italia; Francesca Bianchi, autrice, Itala; Viviana Sgorbini, editrice, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Content Café
HALL 30
Announcement of the finalists of the 13th edition of the Silent Book Contest - Gianni De Conno Award, the first international competition dedicated to wordless books. On this occasion, the winner of the Silent Book Contest Junior 2025 will also be awarded, the section of the prize in which the winner is chosen by classes of children from Italy, the United States, China, and Japan.
Moderator
Patrizia Zerbi, Publisher and Editorial Director, Carthusia Edizioni, Italy
Panel
Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair, Italy; Walter Fochesato, President, International Jury of the Silent Book Contest – Gianni De Conno Award, Italy; Sara Wang, CEO, Niu Niu Culture Limited, China; Eros Miari, Programme Manager for Children and Young People, Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino, Italy; Chiara Bidoli, Director of the Children’s Magazines Division, RCS MediaGroup, Italy; Emanuela Bussolati, illustrator, Italy; Costanza De Conno, Organizing Secretariat, Silent Book Contest – Gianni De Conno Award, Italy.
Organised by
Carthusia Edizioni
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair, Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino, Municipality of Mulazzo
With the support of
BPER Banca
Under the auspices of
IBBY Italy
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Explore the intersection of editorial illustration and poster design, learning how to "distill" an image for maximum visual impact without losing the raw, expressive energy of the hand-drawn mark.
Panel
Mari Kanstad Johnsen, illustrator, Ambassador BolognaBookPlus, Norway.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Eva Maria Mesken, author, Co-founder, Dully & Dax, Germany; Sabine Dully, illustrator, Co-founder, Dully & Dax, Germany.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
20 anni di ALiR Associazione Librerie Indipendenti per Ragazzi. 15 anni di ORBIL
Organised by
ALiR
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Translators Café
HALL 30
Established in 2006 following a European Directive, the Public Lending Right Fund serves to compensate authors for lost revenue resulting from the lending of their works in public libraries. In Italy, remuneration is allocated to the most representative associations in each sector, which must use the funds for the benefit of their respective categories. The Ministry of Culture recently recognised Calibro, the Confederation of Book Authors, as the most representative association of authors of printed works. During the round table, we will explain how the Public Lending Right works in Italy and Europe and how it will be utilised by Calibro.
Moderator
Francesca Sophie Giona, editorial translator, Literary scout
Panel
Fabio Galimberti, Calibro; Gianluca Garofalo, AI-Autori di immagini; Eva Valvo, Strade.
Organised by
Strade, Calibro
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Cristina Ravanelli
Panel
Giuseppe Festa e Mattia Corrente con Cristina Ravanelli
Organised by
Salani Editore, Lettori si diventa
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Two masters of illustration discuss their personal approach to picture books, and their narrative worlds suspended between enchanted realism and surreal irony.
Panel
Sophie Blackall, author, illustrator, Australia; Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Hamelin
In cooperation with
Editrice Il Castoro
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Adolfo Córdova, writer, journalist, Linternas y Bosques blog, Mexico; Valerio Nardoni, translator, Italy; Alessandra Valtieri, translator, Italy; Giovanna Battistini, teacher, IISS Keynes, Italy; Anna Bestetti, teacher, IISS Keynes, Italy; Alessio Boni, student, IISS Keynes, Italy; Anna Lena Magri, student, IISS Keynes, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Alice Bigli
Panel
Gianumberto Accinelli, Alessandro Barbaglia, Pierdomenico Baccalario, Lia Celi, Marco Magnone, Davide Morosinotto, Eleonora Orsi, Marta Palazzesi, Pippo Ricci, Valentina Sagnibene, Annalisa Strada. Con Lorenzo Garavaldi.
Organised by
Mondadori Libri e De Agostini Libri
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
L’autopubblicazione non è solo una scelta tecnica, ma un vero progetto editoriale. In questo workshop Nike Ror, tra le autrici più lette nel romance su Amazon KDP, condividerà la propria esperienza diretta: dalla costruzione di una serie alla gestione delle uscite, dall’ottimizzazione di metadati e categorie alle strategie promozionali che aiutano a consolidare una community di lettrici. Un incontro concreto, dal punto di vista di chi scrive e vende, per capire come trasformare la pubblicazione in self in un percorso professionale strutturato e sostenibile.
Panel
Naike Ror, autrice, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
The Illustrators Survival Corner - The Original Art Exhibition
HALL 30
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Clare Pernice, Children's Program Creator, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Panel
Herve Tullet, Virgil de Voldère, Alessandra Falconi
Organised by
Erickson
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
The picture book has always been at the heart of Bologna and defines the world of children’s publishing. This session looks at how it is changing. Whether you are creating a visual poem, an educational series, or a fact-based book, the picture book remains one of the most inventive forms around. Panelist will discuss the challenge of finding fresh, surprising stories for the youngest readers and talk about their own experience and definitions of the picture book. If you are an illustrator or an artist looking to connect with publishers and peers to discuss the future of the form, this is a must attend event.
Moderator
Neal Hoskins, Writer, Director, WingedChariot, UK
Panel
André Letria, picture book author, publisher, Pato Lógico, Portugal; Claudia Rueda, picture book author, Columbia; Anna Ridley, editor, Thames & Hudson, UK.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Matteo Pedroni, Responsabile Marketing, NEED GAMES!, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Play Trade
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
A panel of publishers and reading experts will present some of the most successful projects currently underway around the world, including #ioleggoperché in Italy, the Quart d’heure de lecture in France, the UK’s The National Year of Reading, and other projects still being finalized. The second part of the conference focuses on proposals from trade associations, with contributions from representatives of FEP, IPA, and IBBY, fostering a shared discussion on current initiatives, future challenges, and the strategic priorities emerging from dialogue with European and international institutions.
Welcoming regards: Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair, Italy.
Moderator
Luis Gonzalez, Director of the Fundación Germán Sánchez Ruipérez (FGSR), Spain
Panel
Anne Bergman, Director, FEP - Federation of European Publishers, Belgium; Innocenzo Cipolletta, President, AIE - Italian Publishers Association; Dan Conway, CEO, Publishers Association, UK; Agathe Jacon, Deputy Director, L’École des loisirs and Co-Director, La Maison des Histoires, SNE - Syndicat National de l'Édition, France; Gvantsa Jobava, President, IPA - International Publishers Association, Georgia; Basarat Kazim, President, IBBY, Pakistan; Gaia Stock, Editorial Director, Edizioni EL Einaudi Ragazzi Emme Edizioni, representative AIE-Italian Publishers Association; Yi De Agon, South Korea.
Organised by
AIE - Italian Publishers Association, Bologna Children’s Book Fair
In cooperation with
SNE - Syndicat National de l’Édition, FEP - Federation of European Publishers, IPA - International Publishers Association, IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Organised by
China Publishers
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
La meraviglia di scoprire la bellezza della Natura e il prepotente desiderio di proteggerla: può un albo illustrato contenere tutto questo?
Panel
Giulia Pancot, illustratrice; Francesca Bianchi, autrice; Viviana Sgorbini, editrice.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Bjørn Arild Ersland, author, Norway; Ragnhild Holmås, author, Norway
Organised by
NFFO-The Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Sala Suite
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Panel
Kitty Crowther, autrice di Madre Medusa, Belgio
David B., fumettista, Francia
Organised by
Sigaretten
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Sunkyung Cho, illustrator, picture book author, South Korea.
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Accessible fixed-layout e-books are an emerging frontier in inclusive digital publishing. This event will explore the opportunities and challenges faced by publishers working with complex-layout books—such as illustrated titles, children’s books, educational materials, and other richly formatted publications. The session, by Fondazione LIA, will offer participants insights into the ongoing work aimed at enabling publishers to create accessible fixed-layout EPUBs, as well as guidance on how to leverage their accessibility features during reading, in line with the requirements and recommendations of EPUB Accessibility 1.1.
Moderator
Elisa Molinari, Project Manager, Fondazine LIA, Italy
Panel
Gregorio Pellegrino, Chief Accessibility Officer Fondazione LIA, Italy; Sebastiano Bagarotto, Head of AI Strategy & Innovation, Mondadori Education, Italy; Gautier Chomel, Project manager EDRLab, Italy; Gautier Chomel, Head of Accessibility & Quality Management Edrlab , Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Un titolo autopubblicato può arrivare in libreria in modo strutturato e sostenibile? E a quali condizioni? Dopo il primo confronto ufficiale tra operatori della filiera, presentiamo criticità emerse, nodi irrisolti e possibili strade: dalla selezione dei titoli più solidi ai modelli di distribuzione già esistenti, fino al ruolo – decisivo – del libraio. Un momento aperto per capire se il dialogo tra self publishing e filiera tradizionale può diventare un percorso concreto, e non solo un’eccezione.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
In un mondo che suscita interrogativi sempre più grandi su cosa sia giusto e su cosa sia umano, raccontare buone storie ai bambini e ai ragazzi è una responsabilità. Qual è l’impegno quotidiano di chi scrive e di chi illustra? Costruire immaginari alternativi, allenare alla vigilanza e all’empatia, saper guardare gli altri. Di questo, e dell’inscindibile rapporto tra realtà e ruolo della letteratura dialogheranno Beatrice Alemagna e Timothée de Fombelle, guidati dalla giornalista e scrittrice Concita De Gregorio.
Moderator
Concita De Gregorio, giornalista, scrittrice, Italia
Panel
Beatrice Alemagna, scrittrice, illustratrice, Italia; Timothée de Fombelle, scrittore, Francia.
Organised by
Terre di mezzo
Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition
HALL 29
Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.
Panel
Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, The Society of Illustrators
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Andrea Mazzolani, Direttore Editoriale, Magic Store Srl-MS Edizioni, Italia
Panel
Silvia Fossati, Digital Content Creator, Escilgioco, Italia; Stefano Stievano, autore, Content Creator, House of Games, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Play Trade
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Matthew Forsythe, illustrator, designer, author, Canada.
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Panel
Francesca Zucchi, Art Director, Junior Poetry Magazine, Italy
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Panel
Paolo Tinti, Elena Mengotti, Martina Contessi, Giovanna Malgaroli, Enrica Menarbin, Francesca Cadeddu
Organised by
Associazione Italiana Biblioteche e LeggiAMO 0-18
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Valentina Stoeva, Founder and Chairperson, Children’s Books Foundation, Co-chair EURead, Bulgaria
Panel
Taylor Norman, Editorial Director, Neal Porter Books, USA; Matthew Parkinson Bennett, CEO and Publisher, Little Island Books, Ireland; Anita Wincencjusz-Patyna, Assistant Professor, The Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design, Poland.
Organised by
The Polish Book Institute
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Panel
Rebecca Valente e Dario Sostegni
Organised by
Scuola Internazionale di Comics
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Arianna Di Pietro
Panel
Alice Bigli e Marco Magnone
Organised by
Mondadori
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29
Moderator
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK
Panel
Dr. B Chandra Mohan, I.A.S, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, India
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Thomas Minkus, Co-founder, Veristage, USA
Panel
Caroline Fortin, President, Groupe Québec Amérique, Canada; Mauro Morellini, CEO Morellini Editore, Manager Extended Book, Partner Punto Media, Councilor Gruppo Varia, Member of Commission for Innovation (AIE), Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Join us for this highly anticipated celebratory ceremony of the 8 th edition of the Bologna Licensing Awards, where we will announce the winners of the best-in-class awards in the licensing industry for their outstanding projects developed in 2025. A drink will follow to continue celebrating this unique industry and its community.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Livio Gambarini, autore, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Rotte Narrative
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Panel
Hervé Tullet , artista, scrittore, illustratore, Francia; Valentina De Poli, giornalista, Italia.
Organised by
Franco Cosimo Panini Editore, Erickson, Il Saggiatore
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Agata Dudek, illustrator, Poland; Zosia Dzierżawska, illustrator, Poland; Kasia Minasowicz, illustrator, Poland; Kasia Walentynowicz, illustrator, Poland.
In cooperation with
The Adam Mickiewicz Institute
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Timeless fairy tale, the story of Hänsel and Gretel continues to fascinate readers and authors. Beginning with the edition published by Orecchio Acerbo, illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti, and including Stephen King’s story published by Adelphi with Maurice Sendak’s illustrations, the event reflects on the contemporary relevance of a fairy tale that, between dark tones and mysterious meanings, can be reread even today with a always-new perspective, capable of questioning the present and offering new interpretations.
Moderator
Ivan Canu, Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italy
Panel
Lorenzo Mattotti, artist, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Mimaster Illustrazione
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Panel
Renad Qubbaj, General Director, Tamer Institute for Community Education, Palestine.
Organised by
Tamer Institute for Community Education
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
In a year celebrating literature from Northern Europe, Beatrice Alemagna and Emma Adbåge guide us on a journey of discovery through the poetic universe of Eva Lindström. With subtle irony, melancholy, and unparalleled freedom of expression, two of the most innovative contemporary illustrators explore the legacy of a true master of illustrated books.
Moderator
Emilio Varrà, President, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Beatrice Alemagna, author, illustrator, Italy; Emma AdBåge, illustrator, Sweden.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Camelozampa, Alfabeta, Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
With the support of
Creative Europe Programme for "Reading Diversity"
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Meeting during a portfolio review at BCBF can lead to real collaborations and published books. Illustrators and publishers show how a simple encounter can become a creative partnership.
Moderator
Benedetta Lelli, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italy
Panel
Daniela Valente, Coccole Books, Italy; Clara Leonardi, illustrator, Italy; Gaia Stock, Edizioni EL, Italy; Veronica Genovese, illustrator, Italy.
Sala Wagner
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Organised by
Gribaudo
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Noletta Chiu, CEO, Mind’s I Ltd, Hong Kong; Alicia Liu, Founder and CEO, Singing Grass Communications, UK.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
AI as the New Apex of Human Creativity, Speaker: Nadim Sadek, Founder & CEO of Shimmr AI and author of Shimmer, don’t Shake and Quiver, don’t Quake , two best-selling guides on AI.
Panel
Nadim Sadek, Founder, CEO, Shimmr Ai.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Service Center
Services Centre
Apertura e iscrizioni al tour da sabato 21 marzo, ore 9:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Moderator
Eva Valvo, literary translator, editorial scout, expert in Nordic literature, Italy
Panel
Stian Hole, author, illustrator, Norway; Øyvind Torseter, author, illustrator, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Una panoramica sulla scrittura, l'illustrazione e l'editoria in Italia oggi. La prima parte dell’evento sarà condotta da Javier Sobrino, coordinatore di PEONZA, e analizzerà lo stato attuale della letteratura per bambini e giovani lettori in Italia, includendo contributi di specialisti, scrittori, illustratori ed editori.
Panel
Javier Sobrino, coordinatore di PEONZA, Spagna; Alice Barberini, ilustratrice, Italia; Arianna Squilloni, Editrice, A buen paso, Italia; Guia Risari, scrittrice, Italia; Davide Cali, scrittore, Italia; Allegra Agliardi, scrittrice, illustratrice, Italia; Anna Castagnoli, scrittrice, illustratrice, Italia; Marcella Terrusi, Professoressa, Università di Bologna, Italia; Pía Valentinis, illustratrice, Italia; Eva Montanari, illustratrice, Italia; Francesca Dell’Orto, illustratrice, Italia; Valentina Fasola, Editrice, Hopi Edizioni, Italia; Teresa Scala, Editrice, Parapiglia, Italia.
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair, editori, scrittori e illustratori italiani
Under the auspices of
Case editrici spagnole, Ministero della Cultura della Spagna
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
An interactive workshop exploring the art of sprayed edges.
Panel
Francesca Orlando, illustrator, Nola Sprayed Edges, Italy.
The Content Café
HALL 30
An immersion in the Norwegian comics scene, among the most innovative in Europe. Some of its protagonists recount the evolution of this language, from author graphic novels to comics for children. Amid Nordic atmospheres, humor, and visual experimentation, we discover why Norway is one of the new laboratories of visual storytelling.
Moderator
Hans Ivar Stordal, comics editor, Strand Forlag, Norway
Panel
Nora Dåsnes, cartoonist, Norway; Kjersti Sinneva Moen, cartoonist, Norway; Håkon Strand, Founder, Strand Comics, Norway; Tonje Tornes, editor, TNT, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026, Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Agentic systems are beginning to influence editorial, design, production, and marketing. This fireside-style session explores real examples of AI agents embedded in publishing operations—and the human side of adoption.
Moderator
Searsha Sadek, Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI, UK
Panel
Sara Lloyd, Group Communications Director & Global AI Lead, Pan Macmillan, UK; Njål Hansen, Founder and CEO, Beat Technology, Norway; Mauro Morellini, CEO Morellini Editore, Manager Extended Book, Partner Punto Media, Councilor Gruppo Varia, Member of Commission for Innovation (AIE), Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Panel
Anna Castagnoli, children books authorand critic, Italy; Giacomo Benelli, coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Sala Minuetto
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Yuri Garrett
Panel
Haider Bucar, Emanuele Benetti, Daniela Greco, Alessandro Niero, Olga Ptashnik, Laura Scivoli, Sara Rodeghiero, Elena Sadkasova
Organised by
Caissa Italia
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Kanji Kazahaya, President and CEO, Culture Connect Co., Ltd, Japan
Panel
Jun Mitani, President and CEO, Hiraku Studio, Japan; Sébastien Célimon, Partner and Co-founder, PLeaSe Comics Rights & Events Agency, France.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Non-Fiction Winner: أنا (Who Am I?), text by Qais Hinti, illustrations by Esraa Hedery, Al Salwa Publishers, 2025, Jordan; Opera Prima Winner: Dove andiamo quando moriamo? (Where Do We Go When We Die?), text and illustrations by Samy Ramos, Corraini Edizioni, 2025, Italy
Moderator
Francesca Mignemi, Independent researcher in children's literature, Italy.
Panel
Salwa Shakhshir, Publisher, Al Salwa Books, Jordan; Esraa Hedery, illustrator, Egypt; Pietro Corraini, Publisher, Corraini Edizioni, Italy; Samy Ramos, author and illustrator, Mexico;
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Oliver Møystad, Senior Advisor, Main contact Fiction, Children/YA and Non-Fiction, NORLA, Norway.
Panel
Arne Lindmo, teacher, author, Norway; Cathrine Sandmæl, illustrator, author, Norway; Fabian Christensen, actor, author, Norway; Gøril Sæther, author, journalist, Norway; Julia Lossius Kahrs, writer, Norway; Pernille Radeid, author, Norway, Veronica Salinas, author, professor, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Translators Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Margit Walsø, Director, NORLA
Panel
Jostein Gaarder, writer; Andrea Romanzi, translator and university lecturer; Kristin Roskifte, writer and illustrator.
Organised by
NORLA − Norwegian Literature Abroad, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Caterina Ramonda, expert in children's literature and reading education, translator, Italy
Panel
Adolfo Córdova, writer, journalist, Linternas y Bosques blog, Mexico; Elisa Mazzoli, author, Italy; Teresa Porcella, author, Italy; Ángeles Quinteros, author, publisher, Libros del Escuincle, Chile; Alain Serres, author, publisher, Rue du Monde, France.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Miriam Fracavallo, CEO, Charlie Creative Lab - Literary Agents and Publishing Company, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Charlie Creative Lab
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
UN Publications
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Samir Patil, Founder and CEO, Scroll Media Inc. India
Panel
Gavin Marcus, CEO and Co Founder, Storywise, Israel; Arsim Shillova, CEO, Libraro, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
As Indian storytelling finds a growing audience across global markets, the session will explore the rising international appetite for Indian narratives. It will highlight key genres gaining traction, unpack what global editors and publishers are actively seeking from India, and share market-led insights from leading Indian publishers. The discussion aims to decode emerging trends, opportunities, and pathways for Indian content to travel, translate, and succeed worldwide.
Moderator
Mr. Ajay Mago, Co-Chair, FICCI Publishing Committee & Publisher, Om Books International, India
Panel
Mr. Anuj Chawla, Director, Dreamland Publications, India; Ms. Payal Jaipuria, Executive Publisher, Wonder House Books, Prakash Books, India; Ms. Mudit Mohini, Managing Director, Delhi Press and Vishv Books, India.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Moderator
Flora Ward, PhD, A Book a Day
Panel
Sibylla Shekerdjiska Benatova, Executive Director, A Book a Day, USA; Val Stoeva, Founder, Detski knigi Foundation, Bulgaria; Tarsila Krüse, illustrator, Brazil; Chris Haughton, illustrator, Ireland; Elaina Ryan, CEO, Children’s Books Ireland/Leabhair Pháistí Éireann.
Organised by
A Book a Day
In cooperation with
Children’s Books Ireland/Leabhair Pháistí Éireann, Detski Knigi Foundation
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Hear from the Phaidon Kids Publisher, Executive Art Director, Associate Publisher and creators on crafting novelty book concepts and executing beautifully innovative formats for young readers.
Moderator
Sarah Baker, Executive Director, SCBWI - The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, USA
Panel
Netta Rabin, publisher, Children’s Books, Phaidon, USA; Meagan Bennett, Executive Art Director, Children’s Books, Phaidon, USA; Maya Gartner, Associate Publisher, Children's Books, Phaidon, USA; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA.
Organised by
Phaidon
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Insights on how to inspire and strengthen reading engagement from early childhood through the school years.
Moderator
Per Henning Uppstad, Professor, University of Stavanger, Norway
Panel
Trude Hoel, Professor, University of Stavanger, Norway; Lisa Nagel, Editor, Aschehoug Publishing House, Norway; Siri Risdal, Senior Adviser, Rogaland County Library, Norway; Katarzyna Tunkiel, Associate Professor, Norwegian Reading Centre, Norway; Bente Rigmor Walgermo, Associate Professor, Norwegian Reading Centre, Norway.
Organised by
NORLA − Norwegian Literature Abroad, Norwegian Reading Centre, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Ines Galling, language specialist for German and Scandinavian children's literature, International Youth Library, Germany
Panel
Nora Dåsnes, comic book artist, Norway; Hilde Kramer, Professor of Illustration, The Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books, Norway; Michael Groenewald, Publisher, Kibitz Publishing, Germany.
Organised by
International Youth Library
In cooperation with
The Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books
With the support of
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Joachim Knödler, Head of Licensing, Studio 100 International, Germania; Gianluca Ferrara, Head of Italy & International Head of Toys, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Italia; Cristian Jezdic, Fondatore, YiQi Culture Media e beQ Entertainment, Italia; Jeannie Yong, Licensing Manager, Jimmy Spa Co. Ltd, Taiwan.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Marking the centenary of Agatha Christie’s passing, this talk explores her literary success from an editorial perspective alongside the visual design of her book covers, exploring the intertwined threads that keep the Queen of Crime a timeless icon.
Panel
Ivan Canu, illustrator, author, Italy; Cecilia Flegenheimer, Art Director, Mondadori, Italy; Paolo Verri, Director, Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Author Maja Lunde, author, Norway; Siri Sjøgren Selmer, author, Norway; Scott Rettberg, Professor, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Senja Požar, Managing Editor, JAISD & International Projects Coordinator, IRCAI - International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence under the auspices of UNESCO, Slovenia; Nadim Sadek, Founder, CEO, Shimmr AI, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Giorgia Indipendenza, Social Media and Digital Strategist, Italia
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
DgLine
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Chiara Carminati, author, Italy; Pia Valentinis, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Panel
Alberto Pellai e Barbara Tamborini
Organised by
De Agostini
Translators Café
HALL 30
Panel
Dan Beeke, EU Read; Debbie Bibo, Kid Lit Literary Agent; Alexandra Büchler Literature across Frontiers/ ENLIT – European Network for Literary Translation; Francesca Novajra CEATL, AITI
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Fables & Fairy Tales Winner 오누이 이야기 (The Story of a Brother and a Sister), text by Lee Uk Bae, illustrations by Lee Uk Bae, Sakyejul Publishing, 2020 South Korea
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Katia Canton, writer, visual artist, curator and juror of the BRAW 2026, Brazil; Mary E. Glenn, Chief, United Nations Publications, UN Department of Global Communications, USA; Ukbae Lee, author and illustrator, South Korea; Jaewon Jeong, interpreter, South Korea.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Illustrators Survival Corner - The Original Art Exhibition
HALL 30
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Clare Pernice, Children's Program Creator, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
2026 marks the move from ethics discussions to real enforcement and operational change. As Europe advances regulation and US creators press for clearer protections, publishers now face concrete decisions about licensing, data use, and compensation. This panel unites US, EU, and international creator perspectives to examine what responsible rights management looks like in practice — and how publishers can protect creative value while embracing intelligent, AI-driven workflows.
Moderator
Regina Brooks, CEO, Serendipity Literary Agency, President, Association of American Literary Agents, USA
Panel
Piero Attanasio, AIE, Member IPA Copyright Policy Committee, Italy; Rafał Kosik, BolognaBookPlus Author Ambassador, Poland; Friederike Fuxen, Rights Manager, dp DIGITAL, Germany.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Sala Notturno
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Eros Miari
Panel
Nancy Chambers, Elena Pasoli, Elisabetta Lippolis, Deborah Cogan Thacker, Dirk Terryn, Gabriela Zucchini, Giuditta de Concini, Beatrice Masini, Elena Guerzoni, Nicola Galli Laforest, Peppo Bianchessi
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair e Equilibri
In cooperation with
IBBY Italia
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Silvia Vecchini
Panel
Anna Ballerini e Luigi Ballerini
Organised by
Editrice Il Castoro
Sala Wagner
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Panel
Joe-Todd Stanton
Kristien Aertssen
Julien Beziat
Philip Waechter
Sara Gomel
Alessia Canducci
Organised by
Babalibri
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Christian Fonnesbech, Founder & Head of IP Development, Leverage Partnership, Denmark.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
In cooperation with
Scaffale Basso di Maria Polita e Gallucci Editore
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Dal conduttore di Report Sigfrido Ranucci, Navigare senza paura , la prima guida per giovani esploratori del web, uno strumento unico per orientare i giovani nella complessità del mondo digitale: intelligenza artificiale e le fake news, il nuovo gioco online e la condivisione di informazioni personali. Perché la sicurezza dei ragazzi passa soprattutto da una buona informazione.
Panel
Sigfrido Ranucci, giornalista, Italia; Alice Bigli, lettrice, formatrice, esperta di letteratura per ragazzi, Italia.
Organised by
Ape Junior
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Sala Suite
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Silvana Sola
Panel
Guido Sgardoli, Elisabetta Morosini, Alessandro Riccioni
Organised by
IBBY Italia
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Leonard Marcus, Children’s literature historian and author, USA
Panel
Cátia Chien, Multi award winning Illustrator, Caldecott Medalist 2026 and Two Time Society of Illustrators Original Art Gold Medalist 2020 & 2025, Brazil; Beatrice Alemagna, Multi award winning illustrator, 2022 Bologna Children’s Book Fair The Extraordinary Award for an Extraordinary Artist, Two Time Society of Illustrators Original Art Gold Medalist 2017 & 2024, Italy.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Moderator
Ragnfrid Trohaug, Head of Children's and YA publishing, Cappelen Damm Publishing House, Norway
Panel
Trine Skei Grande, Director of the Norwegian Publishers' Association; Anna Fiske, author, illustrator, Sweden; Alexander Løken, Chair, Norwegian Writers for Children, Norway; Andrea Romanzi, translator, university lecturer, Italy.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Daniela Fav, CEO, Kosmos Language & Technology, Italia
Panel
Sara Allegrini, avvocatessa, Italia; Gianluca Piroli, Direttore Editoriale, Arsfolio, Luxury Lovers e Casa ed Eleganza, Italia; Antonio Scuderi, Fondatore, Capitale Cultura Group, Docente di Digital Heritage, Italia; Cristiana Paolini, Responsabile di Progetto Senior, Kosmos Language & Technology, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Elaina Ryan
Panel
Eira Kluge; Rachel Boden; Valentina Stoeva.
Organised by
Foundation READ, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Kate Cosgrove shares how to build textured environments and memorable characters. She demonstrates simple techniques for inclusive draw-alongs. Participants will create drawings for a tri-fold.
Panel
Kate Cosgrove, #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Nicola Peruzzi, Panini Comics, Italy
Panel
Zachary Clemente, Founder and Publisher, Bulgilhan Press, USA; Tucker Stone, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, Fantagraphics Books, USA; Patrick Crotty, Founder and Publisher, Peow! Studio, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Leadership discussions on the economics and governance of AI adoption in publishing: leadership, ROI, and first-mover advantage. How forward-thinking houses are integrating intelligent creativity responsibly and competitively.
Moderator
Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK
Panel
Paul Kelly, CEO, DK, UK; Mary McAveney, President and CEO, Agrams Books, USA; Edward Nawotka, Senior News & International Editor, Publishers Weekly, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Moderator
Emilio Varrà, President, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA; Øyvind Torseter, cartoonist, illustrator, Norway.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Hamelin and Steven Guarnaccia
With the support of
NORLA-Norwegian Literature Abroad
In the framework of
Talking Pictures
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Pierdomenico Baccalario, CEO, Book on a Tree, Italia; Carolina Benvenga, Talent, Italia; Diego Malara, Creative Producer, Fabula Pictures, Italia; Cristiana Buzzelli, COO, Movimenti Production, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
The Norwegian Festival of Literature
Organised by
The Norwegian Festival of Literature, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Sabrina Perrero, responsabile marketing, Passione Scrittore, Italia
Organised by
Passione Scrittore
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Presentation of the new poetry collection published by Kalandraka.
Moderator
Marta Marchi, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Lola Barceló, publisher, translator, Italy/Spain; Franca Perini, poet, Italy; Anna Pedron, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Moderator
David Tolin, Fondatore, Pension Lepic, Italia
Panel
Thierry Magnier, Direttore, Éditions Thierry Magnier, Francia; Charline Vanderpoorte, Responsabile Editoriale, Éditions Thierry Magnier, Francia; Sara Saorin, traduttrice e Co-fondatrice, Camelozampa, Italia; David Tolin, Fondatore, Pension Lepic, Italia; Flavio Sorrentino; Direttore Editoriale, Faros Edizioni, Italia.
Organised by
Pension Lepic
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Valentina De Poli
Panel
Roberta Balestrucci, Laura Carusino, Elisabetta Dami, Michele D’Ignazio, Angelo Mozzillo, Francesco Muzzopappa, Davide Panizza, Teresa Porcella, Lisa e Margherita Riccardi, Filippo Taddia.
Organised by
Mondadori
Translators Café
HALL 30
Fairy tales have ancient origins and have been passed down through the ages, undergoing numerous reinterpretations and rewritings, as well as new ‘translations’ in a dialogue between text and illustrations.
Moderator
Silvia Albesano
Panel
Fabian Negrin, writer and illustrator (Cappuccetti Rossi); Cora Presezzi, Adelphi (Stephen King, Hansel e Gretel); Giusi Quarenghi, writer (C’era una volta, c’è ancora); Federico Salvan, Edizioni BD & J-POP Manga (Takashi Murakami, Pino Manga)
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Norway GoH Area
Services Centre
Panel
Nora Dåsnes, author, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Alice Bigli
Panel
Alberto Pellai
Organised by
Edizioni Sonda
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Per Henning Uppstad, Professor, Norway
Panel
Bjørn Arild Ersland, Associate Professor Bente Walgermo, Norway
Organised by
Norwegian Reading Centre, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Joe Matthews, CEO, Independent Publishers Group, USA; Sanjee de Silva Publisher, Sweet Cherry Publishing, UK; Courtney Kerrigan, VP Operations, Topix Media, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
In today's world, infographics are everywhere. Rooted in Otto Neurath's Isotype project, Marie Neurath brought them into visual books, blending the useful with the pleasant.
Panel
Riccardo Falcinelli, graphic designer, Italy.
Organised by
Quinto Quarto Edizioni
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Semra Alkan, pedagog, Multibem Publishing, Turkey
Panel
Berrin Tercan, author, Multibem Publishing, Turkey; Özgül Önalan, illustrator, Multibem Publishing, Turkey.
Organised by
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
A 50-minute panel discussion will examine how gender stereotypes are created, reinforced, or challenged across the children’s book value chain—from writing and illustration to editing, publishing, and distribution. Bringing together a writer, a publisher, and gender equality experts, the discussion will focus on shared responsibility, practical challenges, and opportunities for transforming children’s literature into a driver of gender equality. We aim to explore how gender stereotypes emerge—often unintentionally—in children's literature. We want to spotlight concrete examples of books and publishing practices that challenge discriminatory social norms. We seek to discuss the shared responsibility of writers, publishers, institutions, and international organizations in shaping powerful, inclusive narratives that promote equality. Ultimately, we hope to inspire authors, illustrators, and publishers to integrate gender-transformative approaches into their work.
Panel
Paula Erizanu, writer, journalist, author of the Courageous Little Hearts by the EU 4 Gender Equality, Moldova; Olga Popovych, Kalamar Publishing House, Ukraine; Olga Osaulenko, Programme Manager, EU 4 Gender Equality programme, UN Women ECA, Turkey.
Organised by
UN Women
In cooperation with
IPA - International Publishers Association
In the framework of
The EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence programme
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Yana Genova, cultural manager, Bulgaria;
Panel
Zornitsa Hristova, translator, publisher, author, Bulgaria; Gergana Pancheva, Sales Manager Foreign Rights & Managing Director, Sofia Literary Agency, Bulgaria.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Andrea Chiarvesio, Designer e Co-fondatore, Try a Game, Srl, Italia; Silvio Negri Clementi, CEO, Pendragon Game Studio, Italia; Luca Cattini, Country Manager, Asmodee Italia, Italia; Massimo Bianchini, Country Manager, Asmodee Italia, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Play Trade
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Announcement of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2026, broadcast live from Stockholm.
Organised by
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Kristine Rui Slettebakken, author, Norway; Alice Tonzig, translator, Italy.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Book discoverability is harder than ever, in a content-laden world. We'll show you how to use reader behaviour data to build positionings, descriptions and metadata that will boost your book's reach across markets and formats.
Panel
Searsha Sadek – Founder and Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
Shimmr AI
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Come si cattura davvero l’attenzione di un agente? In questo incontro un agente letterario spiegherà cosa rende un manoscritto interessante, come costruire una proposta efficace e quali errori evitare nella fase di invio. Un’occasione per capire dall’interno le dinamiche dell’agenzia, i criteri di selezione e il percorso che può portare dalla proposta alla pubblicazione.
Panel
Jacopo Viganò, agente letterario, Lorem Ipsum, Italia; Stefania Maruelli, agente letterario, Lorem Ipsum, Italia.
In cooperation with
Lorem Ipsum
Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition
HALL 29
Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.
Panel
Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Society of Illustrators Annual
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Childhood, for Sophie Blackall, is not just a stage of life, but a way of looking at the world. In the books of this multi-award-winning author, children are attentive and visionary observers, capable of grasping deep connections, imagining new possibilities, and inhabiting reality with curiosity and wonder. In works such as If You Come to Earth and If I Was a Horse , imagination becomes a space of freedom. Her stories portray a universal childhood, one that greatly inspired the genesis of the essay Se vivi sulla terra by Antonella Capetti, as well as the idea of the picture book as an ideal educational tool for learning and growth at school, grounded in listening to children. Sophie Blackall in conversation with Antonella Capetti and Francesca Mignemi.
Moderator
Francesca Mignemi, Independent researcher in children's literature, Italy
Panel
Sophie Blackall, author, illustrator, Australia; Antonella Capetti, teacher, curator of editorial projects, Italy.
Organised by
Editrice Il Castoro
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Elena Ruffino, Italy Consumer Goods General Director, Intertek Italy Spa, Italy; Giovanni Servadei, Toy Lab Manager, Intertek Italy Spa, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Vibeke Røgler
Panel
Caroline Hill, Daan Beeke
Organised by
Foundation READ, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Content Café
HALL 30
L’evento approfondirà il lavoro redazionale in una casa editrice di fumetti, includendo attività come editing, traduzione, progettazione grafica e curatela editoriale.
Moderator
Enrico Fornaroli, Direttore, Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna
Panel
Alessandro Gucciardo, Direttore Artistico, Panini Comics, Italia; Marco Amici e Davide Astegiano, consulenti editoriali, Oscar INK Mondadori, Italia; Lorenzo Raggioli, editor, Comicon Edizioni, Italia.
Organised by
Commissione Comics e Graphic Novels di AIE - Associazione Italiana Editori
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Discovering the artist on the centenary of his birth.
Moderator
Vanja Passerini, curator, Fondo Sergio Silva libri illustrati and Passerini Parma collection
Panel
Leonard S. Marcus, Children's Book historian, author and critic, USA; Kyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum, Tokyo; Ayami Moriizumi, coordinator, researcher, curator, Itabashi Art Museum, Tokyo; Elena Rambaldi, publisher, kira kira edizioni, Italy.
Organised by
Bibliomondo famiglie volontarie aps, Parma
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
With the support of
Emilia-Romagna Region, Cultural Heritage Sector
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Presentation of the winners, the honorable mentions of the Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest 2026, and the artists selected for the traveling exhibition.
Moderator
Chiara Tomasi, Artistic Director, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest, Italy
Panel
Erino Nicolodi, President, Notte di Fiaba Festival, Italy; Beatrice Fini, Publishing Director, Giunti Ragazzi, Italy; Francesca Tancini, Jury President, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest, Italy; Eleonora Cumer, Jury Member, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest, Italy; Svjetlan Junakovic, Jury Member, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest, Croatia; Matteo Gubellini, Jury Member, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest, Italy, Brian Feschi, Children’s book author, Italy.
Organised by
Notte di Fiaba (Associazione Manifestazioni Rivane)
In cooperation with
Giunti Editore,Museo Alto Garda
With the support of
Cartiere del Garda
In the framework of
Notte di Fiaba Festival 2026
Under the auspices of
Municipality of Riva del Garda, Autonomous Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige Region
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
This seminar explores the "renaissance" of poetry in the digital age, specifically focusing on the cross-cultural exchange between the Chinese and European markets. With a panel of international publishers and cultural strategists, we will examine how poetry transcends linguistic boundaries and what "international appeal" looks like in 2026.
Moderator
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus
Panel
Li Ruihua, Vice President, Yilin Press, China; Francesco De Luca, publisher and translator, Delufa Press; Ewa Bolińska-Gostkowska, senior foreign rights manager, Kiw Znak, Poland; China; Alicia Liu, CEO, Singing Grass UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Beppe Chia, designer, Chialab, Italy; Alex Weste, designer, Chialab, Germany
Panel
Bumi Cha, illustrator author of BCBF 2026 visual, South Korea.
Organised by
Chialab Design Studio
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Janna Morishima, Literary Agent, Janna Co, USA
Panel
Mike Lowery, author, illustrator, USA; Claudia Rueda, author, illustrator, USA; Anna Maria Jung, illustrator, Austria.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Italian artist duo Anna and Elena Balbusso join Pentagram’s DJ Stout and SI’s Arabelle Liepold to reflect on their 25-year career and upcoming New York show in a conversation moderated by Steven Guarnaccia.
Moderator
Steven Guarnaccia; Illustrator and designer, USA.
Panel
Anna and Elena Balbusso; award-winning Italian artist duo working internationally in the fields of illustration, art and design, Italy; Dj Stout, Pentagram partner, art director, designer, author and principal of the Austin, Texas office, USA; Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators New York, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators
In cooperation with
Balbusso Twins, Pentagram, Bologna Children's Book Fair
With the support of
Pentagram
In the framework of
Balbusso Twins: Illustrating with Two Souls - A Special Preview, Society of Illustrators, New York. April 15 - July 11, 2026
Sala Suite
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Patrizia Zerbi con Walter Fochesato, Gabriella Marinaccio e Imma Napodano
Panel
Marco Brancato, Emanuela Martina Bruscagnin, Bussolati, Marco Sergio Erculani, Riccardo Francaviglia, Chiara Galli, Sophie Fatus, Chiara Lo Prieno, Jessica Molinari, Emanuela Nava, Giada Negri, Giulia Orecchia, Federica Ortolan, Alessia Roselli, Anna Sarfatti, Margherita Sgarlata, Giorgia Zanin, Beatrice Zerbini
Organised by
Carthusia Edizioni
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Moderator
Marta Mazza, autrice, Italia
Panel
Bianca Pitzorno, scrittrice, autrice televisiva e traduttrice, Italia; Beatrice Alemagna, scrittrice e illustratrice, Italia; Chiara Carminati, scrittrice e traduttrice, Italia; Massimiliano Tappari, fotografo, poeta e autore, Italia.
Organised by
Mondadori
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
What does it take to build a licensing powerhouse from scratch? This panel traces the impressive journey of The Bright Agency — from its start in 2003 as a publishing-based business to its expansion into art licensing and, more recently, brand licensing. Speakers will discuss how the agency has developed its own unique brands and IP, what that model looks like in practice, and why it is increasingly attracting established artists and brands seeking a creative partner with genuine cross-sector expertise. It’s a straightforward discussion about growth, change, and the future of licensing for independent agencies.
Panel
Vicki Wilden-Lebrecht, Creative Director and Founder, The Bright Agency, UK; Paul Black, Brand Partnerships Director, The Bright Agency, UK.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Translators Café
HALL 30
Three modern fairy tales that pay homage to tradition and retell age-old stories in a fresh new way.
Panel
Luigi Berio, translator (Una barca nel cielo, Quentin Blake); Claudia Tatasciore, translator (Gianningegno, Noémi László); Milena Zemira Ciccimarra, translator (La scatola delle lacrime, Han Kang).
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Sala Vivace
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Nicoletta Gramantieri
Panel
Guido Sgardoli e Nicoletta Gramantieri
Organised by
Edizioni San Paolo
In cooperation with
Biblioteca di Salaborsa (Bologna)
Sala Notturno
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Panel
Michele De Pascale, Silvia Cuppini, Michele Torella, Paolo Tinti, Angela Dal Gobbo, Giorgio Tamburlini, Beatrice Pallotta Fornaroli
Organised by
Nati per Leggere
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Stella Tortora
Panel
Alberto Pellai e Gianluca Caporaso con Stella Tortora
Organised by
Salani Editore, Lettori si diventa
The Illustrators Survival Corner
HALL 30
Panel
èf, illustrator, Madagascar
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
A rapid succession of presentations made by authors and illustrators on the picturebooks coming out in 2026. To discover the work, inspirations and stories that lies beyond each book.
Among the events: Marco Baliani reads Il signor Ventriglia; Beatrice Zerbini and an unpublished poem; a tribute to Stefano Benni with La riparazione del nonno; L'asino Fofo, in memory of Goffredo Fofi; Ilaria Tontardini with Tomi. Un'infanzia sotto il nazismo - a tribute to Tomi Ungerer; Fabian Negrin as you've never heard him, in a karaoke version!
Moderator
Fausta Orecchio
Organised by
Orecchio acerbo editore
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Stian Hole, author, illustrator, Norway
Panel
Øyvind Torseter, author, illustrator, Norway; Akin Düzakin, illustrator, Norway; Lucio Schiavon, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Illustrators Survival Corner
HALL 30
Panel
Luisa F. Arellano, illustrator, Mexico.
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Praised around the world for her resonant, poetic stories of “resilient young people fighting to find a place where their lives can take root”, Jacqueline Woodson is the author of many books for children, adolescents, and adults, including her U.S. National Book Award-winning memoir Brown Girl Dreaming and best-selling picture books including The Day You Begin and The Year We Learned to Fly. She has served as the U.S. Young People’s Poet Laureate as well as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2018. In 2020 she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal and was named a MacArthur Fellow. Jacqueline will join editor and critic Maria Russo for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from debut novelist to winner of the world’s most prestigious literary and cultural awards; the struggles writers of the Global Majority have getting their work into the world, and why awards matter so much; and what we can all do to combat the forces of distraction, censorship, and authoritarian propaganda and sustain the culture of reading and books for young people across the globe.
Moderator
Maria Russo, editor-at-large, Union Square Kids, USA
Panel
Jacqueline Woodson, multi award winning writer, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
With the support of
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Jorge Luján, poet, Argentina
Panel
Alicia Baladan, illustrator, Uruguay; Mónica Bergna, publisher, Mexico; Flor Burgos, illustrator, Argentina; Ángeles Quinteros, author and publisher, Chile.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Sala Minuetto
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Organised by
Ketebe Publishing
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Giacomo D'Angelo, CEO, StreetLib, founder, Amlet, Italy.
In cooperation with
StreetLib
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
In an era shaped by trends, illustrators feel pressure to “find their style”. This masterclass asks instead: how do artists build a visual vocabulary that grows into a lasting, authentic voice?
Moderator
Cecilia Ruiz, illustrator, author, educator, Mexico
Panel
Eugenia Mello, illustrator, author and educator, Argentina; Vesper Stamper, illustrator, author and educator, Germany; Giacomo Benelli, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italy.
Organised by
School of Visual Arts
In cooperation with
Mimaster Illustrazione
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Elisabetta Mongardi,Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Lorenzo La Neve, Art Director, Gigaciao, Italy; Sabine Lemire, writer, Denmark; Rasmus Bregnhøi, cartoonist, Denmark.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Sinnos, Gigaciao
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Sala Wagner
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Organised by
AIE – Associazione Italiana Editori e Fondazione Cariplo
In cooperation with
Nati per leggere e Bologna Children’s Book Fair
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Silvia Dotti, illustratrice, responsabile della collana Le Tomoleggende, Italia; Beatrice Negri, illustratrice, Italia; Stefania Gualerzi, illustratrice, Italia; Viviana Sgorbini, editrice, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
Sala Ouverture
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Organised by
Edizioni EL, Einaudi Ragazzi, Emme Edizioni
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Enrico Proietti, Project Officer, Ministry of Culture, DG-CC, Creative Europe Desk, Italy
Panel
Dag Asbjørnsen, Project Manager, European Commission, Directorate-General Education and Culture, Norway; Anna Conticello, Project Advisor, Ministry of Culture, DG-CC, Creative Europe Desk, Italy; Elisa Molinari,Project Manager, Fondazione LIA, Italy; Teresa Mossbauer, Achse Verlag, Austria; Nika Susman, Miš Založba, Slovenia; Letizia Trunfio, Project Advisor, European Commission, European Education and Culture Executive Agency, Belgium.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Creative Europe Desk Slovenia
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Across Europe (and globally), boys consistently score lower than girls on reading assessments such as PIRLS and PISA. The reasons aren’t simple—but research points to a combination of factors. For instance, reading is stereotyped (and promoted) as a quiet hobby, that helps you develop your empathy skills. Does this give girls an advantage? Or is this issue an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy, in which boys lack male reading roll models at home or school, reinforcing the idea that reading is 'not for them'? And do we, the reading promoters, design our literacy and reading interventions with boys in mind? This panel discussion brings together reading promoters from across Europe to discuss effective strategies for engaging boys in reading.
Moderator
Valentina Stoeva, Founder and Chairperson, Children’s Books Foundation, Bulgaria, Co-chair EURead
Panel
Grzegorz Jankowicz, CEO, The Polish Book Institute, Poland; Tamar van Gelder, CEO, Stichting Lezen, Reading Foundation, the Netherlands; Emija Emilija Grigorjeva, expert, Children’s Literature Centre of the National Library of Latvia, Latvia; Viki Marcinová, CEO, Krajina čitateľov, The Land of Readers, Slovakia.
Organised by
EURead
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Adam Woodgate, VP Research Solutions, The Insights Family, UK.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Nell’anno dell’ottantesimo anniversario della Costituzione italiana con La Costituzione allo specchio. I principi fondamentali e le sfide del mondo di oggi , Andrea Franzoso invita studenti e docenti a rileggere i valori fondanti della Repubblica alla luce delle sfide attuali. Un percorso tra diritti, doveri e cittadinanza attiva per formare coscienze consapevoli, in conversazione con Della Passarelli e Elisabetta Morosini per progetto Bill, Biblioteca della Legalità di IBBY.
Moderator
Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani
Panel
Andrea Franzoso, scrittore, divulgatore di educazione civica, italia; Della Passarelli, Direttrice Editoriale, Sinnos Editrice, Italia; Elisabetta Morosini, magistrata, Italia.
Organised by
Salani Editore
International Bookshop
GALLERY HALL 25-26
With the support of
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Maria Haiduk, illustrator, Ukraine; Teresa Tellechea, editor, Fundación SM, Spain.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Fundación SM
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Agnese Pini
Panel
Barbara Tamborini e Giorgio Scaramuzzino con Agnese Pini
Organised by
Salani Editore
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Doug Salati, Sendak Fellowship Coordinator, The Maurice Sendak Foundation, USA
Panel
Lynn Caponera, Executive Director, The Maurice Sendak Foundation, USA; Frann Preston-Gannon, author, illustrator, UK; Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator, Member of The Maurice Sendak Foundation, Italy.
Organised by
The Maurice Sendak Foundation
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Siri Pettersen, author, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Giorgia Indipendenza, Social Media and Digital Strategist, Italy.
In cooperation with
Dgline
The Illustrators Survival Corner - The Original Art Exhibition
HALL 30
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Clare Pernice, Children's Program Creator, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Francesca Zucchi, Art Director, Junior Poetry Magazine, Italy
Panel
Mariangela Gualtieri, poet, Italy; Ilaria Rigoli, Editor-in-Chief, Junior Poetry Magazine, Italy; Giovanni Colaneri, illustrator, Italy; Marianna Coppo, illustrator, Italy; Maria Gabriella Gasparri, illustrator, Italy; Lufo, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Panel
Jon Gray, Book Cover Designer, UK; Cecilia Flegenheimer, Art Director, Mondadori, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Fabienne Gilles, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Board of Directors, The Peyo Company, Belgium; Vanda Camilus Potgens, Licensing Manager FMCG and Retail, The Peyo Company, Belgium.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Author Ambassador Rafał Kosik, in conversation with Natasha Poliszczuk
Panel
Rafal Kosik, author, Poland; Natasha Poliszczuk, Editor in Chief, BookBrunch, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Mariangela Di Grado, Lorena Lombardi, Rosangela Amato, La bottega dei traduttori, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Translators Café
HALL 30
Panel discussion with translators Eva Valvo and Andrea Romanzi, who have made two separate versions of Nobel laureate Jon Fosse’s book My oh my . Translators Laura Cangemi and Giovanna Paterniti discuss the different versions with the panel and the audience
Panel
Andrea Romanzi, translator and university lecturer; Eva Valvo, translator; Laura Cangemi; Giovanna Paterniti.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
We are witnessing a decline in reading motivation and literacy among children and young people. To address this, Norway has launched a national reading strategy and a major reading initiative and appointed a reading commission with the ambition of making children in Norway among the world’s strongest readers. What will determine success?
Moderator
Siri Risdal, Senior Advisor, Rogaland County Library, Norway
Panel
Marit Borkenhagen, Director, The Norwegian Festival of Literature, Norway; Trine Skei Grande, Director, Norwegian Publishers' Association, Norway; Maja Lunde, author, Norway; Bente Estil, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Standing Committee on Family and Cultural Affairs, Norway.
Organised by
NORLA − Norwegian Literature Abroad, The Norwegian Festival of Literature
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Some children are turning away from books, creating a real challenge for publishers, authors, and cultural organisations. This moment also opens space for new ideas. The session brings together an international organisation dedicated to connecting children with books, a festival director, a new space project, a children’s play centre, and author Timothée de Fombelle, whose 101 Ways to Read a Book Passionately celebrates reading as a joyful, free experience. The speakers will share practical ways to reconnect young readers with the joy of books. They will present projects that blend stories, images, and play, meeting children where they are and guiding them back to reading. With 2026 named the Year of Reading for Pleasure in some countries, collaborative innovation has never mattered more.
Moderator
Neal Hoskins, Writer, Director, WingedChariot, UK
Panel
Agathe Jacon, Co-Director, La Maison des Histoires, France; Selina Brown, CEO and Founder, Black British Book Festival, UK; Viccy Adams, writer and researcher, Space Chariot, UK; Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY, Switzerland; Timothée de Fombelle, author, France.
Organised by
WingedChariot
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Giulia Gatti, Trade Marketing Manager, Fedrigoni, Italy; Carolina Pacchioni, Backseller Creative Communication, Fedrigoni, Italy.
Organised by
Fedrigoni
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Moderator
Samantha Loveday, Group Editor, Max Publishing, UK
Panel
Marie-Cecile Bourdillon, Global Publishing Director, Consumer Products, Hasbro Inc, France; Erin Morris, VP Global Franchise & Retail Strategy WildBrain Brands, USA; Katie Wilkinson, Licensing Lead, Global Publishing and Promotions, Cloudco Entertainment, UK; Edgardo Di Meo, Senior Director Marketing Italia, MGA Entertainment, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
In un ecosistema in cui editoria, audiovisivo, audio e nuovi media sono sempre più interconnessi, il libro per ragazzi è spesso solo il punto di partenza di un progetto narrativo più ampio. Questo incontro propone una riflessione concreta su come una storia pensata per i giovani lettori possa trasformarsi in un vero e proprio ecosistema crossmediale: serie animate, audiolibri e podcast narrativi, esperienze interattive e prodotti licensing.
Panel
Carla Fiorentino, Direttrice Editoriale, Emons, Italia; Arianna Leonetti, Responsabile della comunicazione dei Master in Editoria Unicatt, Italia; Davide Morosinotto, autore, MoviMenti Production, Italia.
Organised by
Master in Editoria Unicatt, Bologna Children’s Book Fair
In cooperation with
Book on a Tree
Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition
HALL 29
Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.
Panel
Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Society of Illustrators Annual
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 distinguished 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.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
UN Publications, 42 Friends of the Children's Book Community
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Dalla creazione all'uso di testo, fotografie e illustrazioni alla promozione sui social, fino ai contenuti generati con l’intelligenza artificiale: quali sono le regole? Cosa è lecito fare? Quali rischi si corrono? Un incontro operativo per evitare errori.
Panel
Beatrice Cunegatti, IT, Law Firm, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Best-selling, award-winning artists break down their process, share how to work with art directors, agents, and editors, and offer insider advice to help your portfolio shine.
Moderator
Sarah Baker, illustrator, Executive Director, SCBWI, USA
Panel
Cátia Chien, multi award winning illustrator, Caldecott Medalist 2026, Two Time Society of Illustrators Original Art Gold Medalist 2020 & 2025, Brazil; K-Fai Steele, author, illustrator, USA; Suzanne Kaufman, New York Times bestselling illustrator, USA; Erin Kraan, illustrator, Canada; Dasha Tolstikova, illustrator, Russia.
Organised by
SCBWI-Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Hilde Kramer, author and illustrator; Veronica Salinas, author, Professor, Norway; Kjersti Lersbryggen Mørk, Professor, Norway.
Organised by
NBI-The Norwegian Institute for Children's Books, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Ilaria Rigoli, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Valentina De Pasca, publisher, AnimaMundi Edizioni, Italy; Sabrina Giarratana, author, Italy; Sonia Maria Luce Possentini, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Mauro Morellini, CEO, Morellini Editore, Manager Extended Book, Partner Punto Media, Councilor Gruppo Varia, Member of Commission for Innovation (AIE), Italy.
Panel
Diego Beelloni, Digital Transformation & Business Development Consultant, HarperCollins, Italy; Maruo Morellini, Founder, CEO, Punto Media, Italy; Giancarlo Russo, publisher, Sophie Verlag; Antonella Fabbrini, Editorial Director, Unicopli Editore.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
In this wide-ranging illustrated talk, historian Leonard Marcus offers a fascinating look at the history--and future--of the picture book's least appreciated illustration medium: photography. Discover this century-old tradition that master photographers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas have created expressly for young readers. Inspired by an exhibition currently on view at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
Panel
Leonard S. Marcus, Children's Book historian, author, critic, USA.
Organised by
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Simon de Jocas, Publishing Consultant, Québec, Canada
Panel
Geneviève Després, Illustrator, Québec, Canada; Matt James, Illustrator, Ontario, Canada; Sydney Smith, Illustrator, Nova Scotia, Canada; Pierre Pratt, Illustrator, Québec, Canada.
Organised by
IBBY Canada
In cooperation with
IBBY-International Board on Books for Young People
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Daniela Fujani, Co-fondatrice, Tips Ricerche, Italia; Tecla Maffioli, Consulente, Tips Ricerche, Italia; Monica Bajoni, Responsabile Ricerca, Tips Ricerche, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Following the reading of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, this chorus in defense of childhood from the world of children’s literature stands as a response to the conflicts taking place around the world in which children are so often involved.
The event is inspired by a recent incident: during an Italian television programme, a guest, confronted with data about children killed in a conflict, replied, “Please, define child.” The remark sparked widespread outrage and, in the days that followed, many people joined peaceful demonstrations, holding up Beatrice Alemagna’s children’s book What Is a Child? as a powerful, implicit answer.
That same response will resonate here, as authors and publishers from around the world read excerpts from their books, affirming the urgent need to protect and safeguard childhood—beyond any definition.
Panel
Beatrice Alemagna, author, illustrator, Italy; Adolfo Córdova, author, journalist, Linternas y Bosques blog, Mexico; Micheal Rosen, poet, author, UK; Hervé Tullet, artist, writer, illustrator, France.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Topipittori, IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Presentazione della Call for Artists "Le figure del libro": una residenza per 10 artisti under 35. a cura di ELSE, Hamelin e Mimaster Illustrazione
Moderator
Giordana Piccinini, Hamelin, Italia
Panel
Ivan Canu, illustratore, Direttore, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italia; Marco Carsetti, ELSE Edizioni, Italia; Salvatore Celentano, Hamelin, Italia.
Organised by
Un progetto di ELSE Associazione
In cooperation with
Mimaster Illustrazione, Hamelin
With the support of
MiC, SIAE
In the framework of
the programme "Per Chi Crea"
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Escono in primavera due nuove riviste di carta per bambine e bambini: Nilsson e Dot. Nilsson è un libro-rivista per giovani lettori dai 6 agli 11 anni, edito da Iperborea, da maggio in libreria. Storie, fumetti, rubriche interattive, giochi con le parole e con le mani, per la mente e per l'immaginazione, firmati da grandi autori e illustratori italiani e stranieri. Nilsson è un amico con cui ridere, scoprire, confrontarsi, e guardare il mondo da tanti punti di vista differenti. Dot, edita da Uppa e distribuita in abbonamento da aprile, è la rivista pensata per accompagnare nelle loro prime scoperte bambine e bambini fino ai 5 anni: 36 pagine di storie illustrate che invitano a immaginare e raccontare, giochi e attività per divertirsi da soli o in compagnia, pagine da colorare libere e senza regole, curiosità sul mondo spiegate con semplicità, barzellette e giochi di parole che allenano linguaggio e sorriso.
Moderator
Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani
Panel
Cristina Gerosa, Direttrice Editoriale, Iperborea, Italia; Alice Beniero, Art Director, Nilsson, Italia; Anselmo Roveda, scrittore, Vicedirettore, Andersen, Italia; Chiara Borgia, Direttrice, Magazine Uppa, Italia; Cathy Olmedillas, Fondatrice, Dot Magazine, UK.
Organised by
Iperborea, UPPA
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
From picture book to screen and beyond, this panel traces the journey of Pip & Posy — from Axel Scheffler's illustrated pages published by Nosy Crow, to an animated series, to a rich licensing programme managed by The Magic Light Pictures. Bringing together the key voices behind the brand, the discussion explores the creative and commercial decisions that have shaped a coherent, long-term IP strategy — and what it truly takes to grow a beloved children's property authentically across media.
Panel
Aidan Taylor-Gooby, Licensing Director, Magic Light Pictures, UK; Katie Woolley, Publishing Director for Licensing & Preschool Brands, Nosy Crow, UK.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Adolfo Córdova, writer, journalist, Linternas y Bosques blog, Mexico
Panel
Ali Boozari, illustrator, researcher, Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA; Eboni Waitere, writer, Director, Huia Publishers, New Zealand; Laura Erber, writer, editor, coordinator of global partnerships and fellowship programs, International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Netherlands; Mingzhou Zhang, writer, specialist, Life Tree Books, China; Paloma Valdivia, illustrator, Founder, Ediciones Liebre, Chile; Roger Mello, illustrator, theatre Director, Capa Dura in Singapore, Brazil; Volnei Canônica, writer, promoter of reading, Instituto de Leitura Quindim, Brazil.
Organised by
IMPOSSIBLES
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Established in 1967 by IBBY, International Children’s Book Day is celebrated annually on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2nd. Every year it is sponsored by a different IBBY Section, which crafts a poster and message and inspires reading activities, both locally and worldwide. 2026 is sponsored by IBBY Cyprus under the inspiring motto “Plant Stories and the World will Bloom”. From the creative process to the organization of reading campaigns, this roundtable brings together IBBY members from across Europe to discuss the importance of ICBD and the many festive ways to instil the love of reading to children.
Moderator
Charalambos Demetriou, Vice President, Cyprus IBBY, Cyprus
Panel
Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY, Switzerland; Elisabetta Lippolis, President, IBBY Italy, Italy; Elena Perikleous, Cyprus Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Cyprus; Marloes Robijn, President, IBBY Netherlands, Netherlands.
Organised by
Cyprus IBBY
In cooperation with
IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Sydney Smith, illustrator, author, Canada; Marcella Terrusi, Professor, Università di Bologna, Italy.
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA
Panel
Cynthia Alonso, author, illustrator, Argentina; Elenia Beretta, author, illustrator, Germany; Eva Marina Burckhardt, illustrator from Picturebooks Berlin, Switzerland/Venezuela; Frenci Sanna, author, illustrator, Italy.
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Michael Rosen and Benjamin Phillips discuss the research that brought to light the powerful history told in their picture book One Day, sharing the investigative work and sources that made the book possible. Michael Rosen will also reflect on a deeply personal connection to the story: the train to Auschwitz described in the book is the very same train on which his father’s uncle and aunt were deported. A compelling conversation exploring history, memory, and the process of uncovering the past.
Panel
Michael Rosen, poet, author, UK; Benjamin Phillips, author, illustrator, Canada.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Emme Edizioni
Sala Allegretto
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Organised by
Edizioni Artebambini
In cooperation with
AKI -Associazione Kamishibai Italia, Le Pecore Nere Editore
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
This tender and luminous story follows a little girl with a big wish in her heart. Through her innocent and curious perspective, the book gently explores family, longing, and tradition, accompanied by poetic illustrations that warm the soul. A tale about dreams, hope, and the search for the one who will become the keeper of the home — or perhaps the discovery that the keeper is closer than we think. A beautifully illustrated story that weaves together sweetness, culture, and wonder, created to enchant young readers and their families.
Moderator
Amina Zhemeney, Founder & Director, East Publishing, Kazakhstan
Panel
Aisulu Almasbay, author, illustrator, graphic designer, and visual artist, Kazakhstan; Nargis Karimova, author, illustrator, and visual artist, Uzbekistan; Dauren Tasbulatov, illustrator, graphic designer, and visual artist, Kazakhstan.
Organised by
Nomad Culture Foundation
In cooperation with
Steppe & World Publishing
With the support of
Steppe & World Publishing
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Kuo-Yu Liang, Founder and President, Ku Worlwide
Panel
Quynh Than, Du Bút Books, Vietnam; Toni Velasco, Black Ink, Filippine; Kunihiro Mishima, Founder, Mishimasha, Japan.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Hsu-Kung, Liu, artist, Taiwan.
Organised by
Taiwan Creative Content Agency
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
From seeds of ideas to the final vision. A journey through the patience of waiting, the fear of failure, and the courage to show ageless artwork to the public.
Moderator
Marta Bracciale, Camelozampa, Italy
Panel
Emma AdBåge, illustrator, Sweden.
Organised by
Camelozampa
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
In the framework of the cycle of three talks on children’s literature, fashion, and costume, connected to the international exhibition The Fabulous Wardrobe and The Never-Ending Twist, this event is dedicated to the artistic universe of Albertine, exploring fashion, illustration, design and imagination. The Swiss artist, multi award winning and recipient of the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, is illustrator, animator and author. Her work often centres on clothing, offering an ironic and cross-cutting reflection on fashion and the creation of unexpected, imaginative designs. Among her projects is a fashion show featuring garments brought to life from her illustrations. Joining the discussion are Giulia Rossi, fashion semiologist and university lecturer, and Marcella Terrusi, curator, author of The Fabulous Wardrobe (Carocci, 2025), and lecturer at the University of Bologna.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Albertine Zullo, illustrator, Switzerland; Giulia Rossi, semiologist of fashion, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Marta Breen, author, Norway; Eivor Vindenes, author, Norway.
Organised by
Foundation READ, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Un nuovo progetto del programma OFF FAIR, inaugurato ad Arte Fiera ’26 che prosegue a Gibellina, capitale Arte Contemporanea ’26, per diventare progetto stabile a Calenzano, nella Firenze metropolitana. Pagine di pittura, scultura, architettura, design, cinema, fotografia e fumetto, frutto del lavoro del BolognaRagazzi Award, costituiscono il primo fondo internazionale.
Moderator
Grazia Gotti, ex libraia, autrice, curatrice, consulente, Italia
Panel
Francesca Corrao, Presidente Orestiadi, Italia; Martina Banchelli, Vicesindaca, Assessora all'Ambiente, Comune di Calenzano.
Organised by
Accademia Drosselmeier
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Contemporary Eastern European literature has aroused palpable interest in the last few years. The market saw a wave of titles from the region translated to “big” languages. It’s encouraging to observe also the regional exchange of titles--neighbouring countries have seen more translated local books hitting the shelves recently than in the past 3 decades. Are there any specific mechanisms behind this? Is it important to base strategies on awards, grants, exchange programs or newly emerged and more enthusiastic literary translators.
Moderator
Benas Berantas, Founder, Senior Rights Agent and Scout, Book Smugglers' Agency.
Panel
Manca Masnik, International Cooperation Manager, Foreign Rights Manager, Goga Publishing, Slovenia; Nevena Milojevic, Foreign Rights Manager, Laguna, Serbia; Gergana Pancheva, Sales Manager Foreign Rights & Managing Director, Sofia Literary Agency, Bulgaria.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Designer Studio
HALL 29
The connections between the publisher, the illustrator, and The World of DOT studio—from the initial brief to the collaborative exchange that transforms a book’s text into its cover.
Panel
Francesca Leoneschi, Art Director, the World of DOT, Italy; Mauro De Toffol, Graphic Designer, the World of DOT, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Translators Café
HALL 30
Panel
Leah Janeczko, translator.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Emanuele Di Giorgi, Managing Director, Tunuè, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Please register by sending an email to portfolio@francescazucchi.it.
Panel
Francesca Zucchi, Art Director, Junior Poetry Magazine, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
This panel brings together women in publishing taking their first leadership steps. Speakers share candid insights on transitioning from contributor to manager, navigating new responsibilities, building confidence and credibility, and leading effectively. A practical, relatable discussion designed to support women shaping their leadership identity in the industry.
Moderator
Vivian Lavín, Literary Agent & Consultant, VLP Agency and PublisHer Guest Writer
Panel
Ana María Bermúdez, Publisher, Penguin Random House Mexico, Founder, Book Ally and Lecturer, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares; Sarah Sader, Head of Communications, Dar Sader; Ana María Cabanellas, President and Publisher, Editorial Claridad.
Organised by
PublisHer
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
As women in publishing across Africa, we are passionately creating children’s books, often in contexts where writers, illustrators, and publishers cannot rely solely on children's literature for their livelihood. However, we come from extraordinarily rich storytelling traditions that deserve broader and more diverse visual and narrative expression. In this conversation, we will share our experiences as publishers and ecosystem builders, reflecting on how we nurture readers at home while leveraging platforms such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair to expand opportunities for African children’s stories, creators, and markets.
Moderator
Agnès Debiage, ADCF Africa, France
Panel
Sandra Tamele, Editora Trinta Zero Nove, Mozambique; Lola Shoneyin, Book Buzz Foundation, Nigeria; Joan Onyando, Ekitabu, Kenia; Anja Ravakiniony Tahirimihamina, Editions Karné, Madagascar; Fatou Diomandé, Éditions Calebasse, Ivory Coast.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
ADCF Africa
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA
Panel
Jadwiga Jędryas, Co-founder and Publisher, Dwie Siostry, Poland; Camille Vasseur, Publisher, Éditions La Partie, France; Hans Petter Bakketeig, literary agent, Stilton Literary Agency, Norway.
Organised by
The Polish Book Institute
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Lynn Caponera, Executive Director, The Maurice Sendak Foundation, USA; Aria Ungerer, Creative Lead, Curator & Project Co-Ordinator, Tomi Ungerer Estate, Ireland; Ai Komagata, Director, Gallery Komagata, Japan.
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Helene Voldner
Panel
Nicole Pfister Fetz, Willemien Cazzato-Wagner, Anne Bergman, Andrew Cranfield.
Organised by
Norwegian Library Association, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Jim S. Hansen, Filmmaker and Founder and CEO, Playful Rebels AS, Norway; Viktor Enoksen, Producer and Co-founder, Playful Rebels AS, Norway.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Cho Sunkyung, artist, designer, SI Picture Books School, Somebooks, South Korea; Jenni Erkintalo, graphic artist, illustrator, Etana Editions, Finland; Alīse Nigale, CEO, Liels un Mazs, Latvia; Daniela Olejníková, illustrator, Slovakia; Riccardo Vecchio, visual artist, Chair, MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, School of Visual Arts, New York City, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK
Panel
Yana Genova, cultural consultant and Founder, Sofia Literature and Translation House, Bulgaria; Anja Kamenarič, doctoral student in Publishing Studies, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Mihael Kovač, Professor of Publishing Studies, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Rudiger Wishenbart, publishing consultant, author of the Global 50 Publishing Ranking, Austria.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Moderator
Claudia Camicia, Presidente GSLG, Italia
Panel
Daniela Marcheschi, Presidente Edizione Nazionale delle Opere di Carlo Lorenzini, Italia; Angelo Nobile, Direttore, rivista Pagine Giovani, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Illustrating poetry.
Moderator
Grazia Gotti, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Mo Gutierrez Serna, illustrator, Mexico; Jacqueline Molnár, illustrator, Hungary; Paola Quintavalle, author, Italy; Miguel Tanco, illustrator, Spain; Giulia Orecchia, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Antonello Grassi, autore, sceneggiatore, docente, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia.
Organised by
Fondazione Bottega Finzioni
Designer Studio
HALL 29
An exploration of visual synthesis with Pablo Amargo: how image and book design merge into a poetic, rigorous aesthetic.
Panel
Pablo Amargo, illustrator, graphic artist, Spain; Elizabeth Pérez Fernández, Publisher, Bonito Editorial, Spain.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Translators Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Jan Christopher Næss, author, Norwegian Association of Literary Translator
Panel
Francesca Novajra, CEATL; Kaja Bakkejord, translator; Della Passarelli, Sinnos Editrice.
Organised by
NORLA − Norwegian Literature Abroad, The Norwegian Association of Literary Translators, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Marit Alette Utsi
Panel
Elisabeth Sheehy, Margit Walsø, Harald Gask
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Illustrators Survival Corner - The Original Art Exhibition
HALL 30
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Clare Pernice, Children's Program Creator, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Colm Tobin, Producer, Writer, Creator, and Co-founder, Turnip + Duck, Ireland; Stani Milev, Co-founder and Head of Studio, Chase a Cloud, Bulgaria; Robert Anderson, Founder and Creator, House of Strauss Studio, Austria; Ubaldo Giusti, Founder, Keep Digging Production, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Sala Suite
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Maria Chiara Bettazzi
Panel
Angela Dal Gobbo, Silvia Giuliani e Andrea Vico
Organised by
Editrice Il Castoro
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Moderator
Franca De Sio (Redazione Pepeverde)
Panel
Francesco D'Adamo (scrittore)
Beatrice Bramini (docente MCE)
Organised by
Pepeverde
Sala Wagner
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Isabella Del Monte, Responsabile Progetti Culturali BCBF, Coordinatrice Premio Carla Poesio
Panel
Emma Beseghi, Università di Bologna
Pino Boero, Università di Genova
Lorenzo Cantatore, Università Roma Tre
Elena Faccinelli, vincitrice Premio Carla Poesio 2026
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Centro di Ricerca in Letteratura per l’Infanzia - Università di Bologna (CRLI)
Sala Ouverture
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Panel
Francesca Cadeddu, Elena Corniglia, Maria Vittoria Gatti
Organised by
Associazione Italiana Biblioteche
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Martina Russo, Eva Valvo, Karen Frøsland Nystøyl
Organised by
Andersen, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Digital narratives reshape how young readers discover and engage with stories. Interactive books, transmedia storytelling, immersive experiences and artificial intelligence are transforming the ways stories are read, lived and shared. In this context, the Digital Narratives Observatory — a joint initiative by Literacy Italia and Bologna Children's Book Fair — will launch its first Report, mapping emerging trends in digital storytelling for children and young adults. An international roundtable bringing together researchers, authors and publishers will discuss real-world examples and quality criteria, asking what sets a quality digital narrative apart from a literary standpoint.
Moderator
Pier Cesare Rivoltella, University of Bologna, Italy; Tiziana Mascia, Associazione Literacy Italia, Italy; Jennifer Rowsell, University of Sheffield, UK
Panel
Dag Asbjørnsen, European Commission, Creative Europe (DG EAC), Norway; Scott Rettberg, University of Bergen, Center for Digital Narrative, Norway; Kate Pullinger, author, Canada-UK; Davide Morosinotto, author, Italy; Federica de Quagliatti, Senior Journal Specialist, Frontiers for Young Minds, Switzerland.
Organised by
Associazione Literacy Italia, Bologna Children’s Book Fair
In cooperation with
NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad
In the framework of
Digital Narratives Observatory
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Award-winning Dutch illustrator Mark Janssen demonstrates the effective use of light and dark in illustrations, an element that makes your work clear, powerful and impactful for the viewer.
Panel
Mark Janssen, illustrator, Netherlands.
Organised by
Dutch Foundation for Literature
In cooperation with
Embassy and Consulate General of the Netherlands in Italy
In the framework of
La Scoperta dell'Olanda continua
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Isabelle Arsenault, illustrator and Founder, Leporello, France; Sophie Blackall, illustrator, author and Founder, Milkwood, USA; Lynn Caponera, Executive Director, The Maurice Sendak Foundation, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
Editrice Il Castoro, Leporello, The Maurice Sendak Foundation
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Dive into the creative process of the chinese master Wang Zumin.
Panel
Wang Zumin, illustrator, China.
In the framework of
Chinese Excellence in Children's Illustration
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Literature in translation enables the the circulation across borders of diverse contemporary European literature. Prizes assist in the promotion of these, in particulare the The European Literature Prize (Prix Européen de Littérature). The discussion between authors, publishers and experts in translation will shine a light on the wealth of hidden gems across Europe.
Moderator
Emma House, CEO, Oreham Group, UK
Panel
Anne Bergman-Tahon, Director, FEP-Federation of European Publishers, Belgium; Kasia Bidston, Production Manager, First Editions, UK; Philippe Marczewski, author; Rūta Nanartavičiūtė, Head of international Programs, Lithuanian Culture Institute, Lithuania.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
It is published for the first time in Italy: The Dangerous Journey , the last illustrated album by Tove Jansson on the Moomins. A 1977 artistic and literary gem, a special classic now available in Iperborea’s Miniborei series. With her ironic and poetic, acute and subversive gaze, Tove Jansson takes us on an adventure through a world aflame and stormy, beside a girl and the many friends she meets along the way, all the way to the magical Valley of the Moomins. Cristina Marasti of Iperborea and Sara Ehnholm Hielm of Förlaget, publisher of Tove Jansson in her homeland, present the book, its story, and its value in the oeuvre of the great Finnish author
Moderator
Francesca Mignemi, independent researcher of children’s literature, Italy.
Panel
Cristina Marasti, editor, Iperborea, Italy; Sara Ehnholm Hielm, Editor, Förlaget, Finland.
Organised by
Iperborea
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; José Manuel Cidad, President, Fundación SM, Spain; Walter Fochesato, Lecturer, Ars in Fabula Master, scholar of children's literature and the history of illustration, Deputy Director, Andersen Magazine, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Massimo D’Anolfi, autore, Italia; Giulia Pastorino, illustratrice, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Mauro Morellini, CEO, Morellini Editore, Italia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Panel
Alessandra Valtieri, translator, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Translators Café
HALL 30
Panel
Emmanuelle Caillat, translator.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Designer Studio
HALL 29
A reflection on the book as a crafted design object, where paper plays a defining role—not just as a container of creativity but as content itself—starting from the presentation of Best of Publishing, Fedrigoni’s tool for choosing the right paper for editorial projects.
Panel
Luca Amoroso, Backseller Creative Communication, Fedrigoni, Italy; Pietro Corraini, Corraini Edizioni, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, Fedrigoni
In cooperation with
Corraini Edizioni
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
This session presents Herstory , curated by Grazia Gotti for the OFF Fair programme. The exhibition and publishing collection celebrate women who have shaped children’s publishing worldwide, highlighting diverse careers, achievements, and leadership. Attendees will discover the stories and contributions of women driving innovation and excellence in the industry.
Panel
Grazia Gotti, former children's bookseller, author, critic, curator, advisor; Beatrice Masini, Editorial Director, Bompiani, author, translator, journalist.
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Sala Suite
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Loredana Baldinucci e Giuditta de Concini
Panel
Sualzo e Silvia Vecchini
Organised by
Editrice Il Castoro
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Agents Kirsten Hall and Erica Rand Silverman lead a discussion on how authentic connection defines strong representation and drives success in today’s increasingly automated children’s book industry.
Moderator
Kirsten Hall, Founder and President, Catbird, USA; Erica Rand Silverman, V.P. of Children’s Publishing & Senior Literary Agent, Stimola Literary Studio, USA
Panel
Susan Rich, Editor-at-Large, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, Canada; Matthew Burgess, award-winning author, USA; Felicita Sala, award-winning illustrator, Italy.
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Elisabetta Mongardi, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Liliana Cupido, curator, Canicola, Italy; Arthur Derrouaz, Rights Manager, Jungle, France; Yolanda Dib Cabello, Head of Marketing, International Rights Sales, Grafito Editorial, Spain; Antoine Dole, artist, France.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
From local to national resource
Panel
Camilla Michelle Brand, Eira Kluge
Organised by
The Norwegian Festival of Literature, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Panel
Veronica Buide, Founder, Pulpa Rights, Spain.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Presentation of the new poetry collection published by EDT Giralangolo.
Moderator
Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Pino Pace, author, Italy; Gianni Puri, illustrator, Italy; Alessandra Racca, author, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
The audiobook market continues to grow at pace, offering authors new ways to expand their audience and revenue streams. This session provides a practical overview of what authors — especially self-published writers — need to consider before moving into audio: production routes, distribution models, rights management, and realistic expectations in a fast-evolving market.
Panel
Marco Ferrario, Director, Bookwire Italy, CEO, Bookrepublic, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
Bookwire
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Moderator
Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani, Italia
Panel
Daniela Marcheschi, Presidente, Edizione Nazionale delle Opere di Carlo Lorenzini, Italia
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Un dialogo tra Lorenzo Mattotti, maestro dell’illustrazione italiana, e Nicole Tecchio, giovane artista selezionata tra le 24 opere vincitrici del concorso internazionale dedicato a Le avventure di Pinocchio. Un incontro che celebra il bicentenario di Carlo Collodi e la continua reinvenzione del celebre burattino attraverso lo sguardo degli illustratori di ieri e di oggi.
Moderator
Grazia Gotti, ex libraia, autrice, curatrice, consulente, Italia
Panel
Lorenzo Mattotti, artista, Italia; Nicole Tecchio, illustratrice, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition
HALL 29
Panel
Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
The banning and challenging of children’s and young adult books have been rising dramatically in various parts of the world. Not just in USA, similar things are also unfolding all over the world. What is at stake when stories for young readers are restricted and who gets to decide? This panel brings together editors, literary scholars, and librarians to examine contemporary book bans in a broader historical and cultural context. We will explore how today’s challenges, often driven by well-organized advocacy groups, echo longer histories of censorship, while also highlighting the vibrant resistance movement defending the freedom to read. The discussion will showcase initiatives such as international banned book networks and libraries specializing in banned books. Simultaneously, the panel will also address more complex questions such as: How do we distinguish between censorship and the re-editing of older texts to remove stereotypes? And how can we support young readers’ access to diverse, challenging, and empowering stories in an increasingly polarised climate?
Moderator
Chrysogonus Siddha Malilang, editor, Bookbird, Sweden
Panel
Marc Aronson, Professor, Rutger University, USA; Sarah Pyke, researcher, Universität Münster, UK; Nayan Mehrotra, editor, IBBY India, India; Ulrika Ahlberg, librarian, Dawit-Isaak Biblioteket, Sweden.
Organised by
Bookbird, IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Introducing Zig Zag Festival: a program celebrating "graphic alliances" between Italy and the US, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Moderator
Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin
Panel
Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer; Felicita Sala, illustrator; Marianna Coppo, illustrator; Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators.
Organised by
A project by BolognaFiere, Hamelin, Steven Guarnaccia
In cooperation with
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di New York
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Moderator
Mohammed Laatar,
Panel
Gvantsa Jobava, President, International Publishers Association, Georgia; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Ragnhild Malfang, librarian and former long-term leader of IBBY Norway
Panel
Cha Sandmæl, author, illustrator; Cathrine Sandmæl; author, illustrator.
Organised by
IBBY Norway, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Children's content has never lived on a single screen — yet the industry's approach to building it often still does. This open discussion brings together leading event organisers, audiovisual producers, and gaming companies to ask: how do we move from siloed production to a truly integrated, cross-media approach? The session invites frank dialogue on the steps needed to build ecosystems where storytelling, gameplay, and audience engagement evolve together — and explores how event organisers can serve as the connective tissue that makes those conversations happen. Come ready to share, debate, and help shape the future of children's media.
Moderator
Thierry Baujard, Co-Founder, Spielfabrique, Germany; Cristina Angelucci, Consultant, Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and Publisher, Licensing Magazine and The Animation Journal, Italy
Panel
Joanne Oldenbeuving, Director, Cinekid, Netherlands; Greg Childs, Editorial Director, The Children’s Media Conference, UK
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Spielfabrique
The Content Café
HALL 30
Organised by
China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Corporation
In cooperation with
Lifetree Culture Promotion Center
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Sølvi Riise, author, Norway; Morten Olsen Haugen, author, Norway.
Organised by
Nordland and Trøndelag county libraries, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, Coordinator, The Illustrators Survival Corner
Panel
Zheng Feng, illustrator, China.
Translators Café
HALL 30
Panel
Coordinators: Laura Cangemi, Alba Mantovani, Giovanna Paterniti, Roberta Scarabelli, Loredana Serratore (translators)
Organised by
AITI e StradeLab
In cooperation with
FAAM Lab
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Giacomo Manzotti, animator and motion designer, Italy; Tamlyn Young, illustrator, visual storyteller, South Africa.
With the support of
LSAD-Limerick School of Arts and Design
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus; Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Technology, Sweden
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Una selezione di società produttrici dell'Emilia-Romagna presenta progetti e contenuti da sviluppare nell'editoria in un'ottica innovativa e crossmediale.
Panel
Mike Cimini, Fondatore, Almost Famous Srl, Italia; Claudio Giapponesi, Produttore e Co-fondatore di Kiné Società Cooperativa, Italia; Marianna Panebarco, Produttrice, Panebarco Srl, Italia; Mariachiara Illica Magrini, autrice, Wendy Film, Italia; Gianpaolo Bigoli, Fondatore, Wendy Film, Italia; Giuseppe Cassaro, Produttore e Fondatore, Echivisivi Produzione Cinematografica Srl, Italia; Giusi Santoro, Produttore, Popcult Srl; Ubaldo Giusti, Fondatore, Keep Digging Production, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
CNA Emilia-Romagna
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
CLAUDIA CAMICIA - GSLG
Panel
Cosimo Rodia, saggista e cultore di letteratura giovanile; Angelo Nobile, docente di Letteratura per l'infanzia, Università di Parma.
Organised by
Gruppo servizio letteratura giovanile - ASS. DI PROMOZIONE SOCIALE
In cooperation with
PAGINE GIOVANI Rivista di letteratura giovanile
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Scrivere è un atto individuale, ma oggi fare rete è una scelta strategica. L’incontro approfondisce perché associarsi e creare network rafforza diritti, rappresentanza e opportunità professionali. Dalla tutela contrattuale alla condivisione di competenze, l’associazionismo diventa uno strumento concreto per affrontare le trasformazioni del mercato editoriale.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
In cooperation with
FUIS - Federazione Unitaria Italiana Scrittori
Sala Notturno
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Organised by
Associazione Italiana Biblioteche - Commissione biblioteche ragazze e ragazzi
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
An accessible introduction to publishing rights and the fundamentals every publisher should understand. This session explores how collective management works in practice and how it supports publishers in protecting and maximizing the value of their rights.
Panel
Dr Sharon Wong, Vice Chair, Asia Pacific Committee, International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) and Executive Director, Hong Kong Reprographic Rights Licensing Society (HKRRLS)
Organised by
PublisHer
In cooperation with
IFRRO - International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Panel
Marco Dallari
Organised by
Erickson
Sala Allegretto
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Moderator
Equilibri
Panel
Gabriela Zucchini (Equilibri), Cristina Busani (Equlibri), saluti iniziali di Della Passarelli (presidente ADEI)
Organised by
ADEI - Associazione degli editori indipendenti
The Illustrators Survival Corner
HALL 30
Panel
Constantin Adadja, cartoonist, comic book artist, Benin.
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Ilaria Rigoli, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Andrea Molesini, Publisher, Italy; Beatrice Masini, author and Publisher, Italy.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Sala Ouverture
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Under the auspices of
CEPELL - Centro per il Libro e la Lettura
The Illustrators Survival Corner
HALL 30
A group of max 20 participants carries out a live sketching session within the spaces of the fair. The images produced will create a visual diary of the fair.
Panel
Ola Artymowska, author, illustrator, Poland; Joanna Bartosik, author, illustrator, Poland.
In cooperation with
The Adam Mickiewicz Institute
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Moderator
Grazia Gotti, ex libraia, autrice, curatrice, consulente, Italia
Panel
Cristina Manetti, Assessora Cultura, Regione Toscana, Italia; Claudia Sereni, Sindaca Scandicci, Italia; Fiorenza Poli, Assessora Scandicci, Italia.
Organised by
Accademia Drosselmeier
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Francesca Sophie Giona, translator, Italy
Panel
Jan Christopher Næss, author, Norway; Are Tijihkkom, Eva Valvo, translator, Italy.
Organised by
CEATL-European Council of Literary Translators’ Associations, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Norway GoH Area
Services Centre
Panel
Øyvind Torseter, author, illustrator, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
A 45-minute public talk with 10-min audience Q&A will explore how children’s books can challenge gender stereotypes and inspire a new generation of women. It will bring together leading voices in storytelling, publishing, and social change. The objectives are to explore the role of children’s books in shaping gender norms, highlight real examples of inclusive storytelling that positively influence girls’ and boys’ aspirations, and bridge perspectives between writers, institutions, and the development sector on combating gender stereotypes.
Panel
Francesca Cavallo, bestselling author of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Italy; Alexandre Lordkipanidze, poet, playwright, novelist, Georgia.
Organised by
UN Women
In the framework of
The EU 4 Gender Equality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women and UNFPA across the Eastern Partnership Countries
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Duncan Bruce, Director for Audiobook Partnerships and Licensing, Spotify, Sweden; Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Techology, Norway.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Incontro con la Giuria 2026 e presentazione del “Concorso Lucca Junior-Premio di Illustrazione Editoriale Livio Sossi” per la realizzazione di albi illustrati. Un'opportunità concreta per pubblicare.
Moderator
Sarah Genovese, curatrice del concorso, Lucca Comics & Games, Italia
Panel
Paolo d’Altan, Presidente di Giuria, Italia; Daniele Bonomo (Gud), Art Director, Book on a Tree, Italia; Rosaria Punzi, Direttrice Editoriale, Lapis Edizioni, Italia; Sergio Olivotti, illustratore, autore, Italia; Marcella Peluffo, Presidente, Autori di Immagini, Italia; Daniele Movarelli, autore del testo 2026, Italia.
Organised by
Lucca Comics & Games
In cooperation with
Book on a Tree, Lapis Edizioni
Designer Studio
HALL 29
During this workshop on illustration and graphic journalism, participants will develop an editorial cover by transforming real events into a powerful visual concept.
Panel
Michela Rossi, Art Director, illustrator, comic book artist, Italy; Simone Rea, illustrator, Italy.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
With the support of
Domani
AIE Theatre - BBPlus area
HALL 29 MALL 1
Since 1995, Reggio Children gives voice to the children of Reggio Emilia’s different knowledge, expressive languages, thoughts and ‘wonder of learning’, through publications and exhibitions translated into 27 languages, also promoting the determining role of education and public schooling in contemporary society.
Panel
Annamaria Mucchi, editorial coordinator, Reggio Children
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Szymon Holcman, Head of PR Department, Kultura Gniewu, Poland
Panel
Przemek Trusciński, cartoonist, Poland; Jacek Świdziński, cartoonist, Poland; Tomasz Kontny, cartoonist, Poland; Krzysztof Gawronkiewicz, cartoonist, Poland.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, The Polish Book Institute
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Eira Kluge, author, Norway; Therese Garshol, author, scholar, Norway.
Organised by
The Norwegian Festival of Literature, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Annuncio del libro vincitore nella categoria "Narrazione per immagini" e per il primo anno a BCBF, annuncio del premio" Libro d'esordio".
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Fondazione Bellonci
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Richard Addis, Staff Content Services Engineer, Dolby, UK; Ben Drury, Co-Founder and CEO, Yoto, UK; Adam Fritz, CEO, Pozotron, Canada; Dayella Rademaker, Product Owner, Fluister, Netherlands.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Non solo dalla pagina allo schermo, ma anche il viaggio dall'audiovisivo alla carta. Non è semplice proporre opere audiovisive agli editori per un adattamento che funzioni nell'ambito editoriale. In questo panel, proviamo a fornire alcune linee guida, consigli e indicazioni per proporre opere audiovisive agli editori in modo efficace, e poterle sviluppare su carta, espandendo le opportunità crossmediali.
Panel
Riccardo Fiore, Fondatore e Direttore Editoriale, Calamaro Edizioni, Italia; Michela Bennici, Agente Letterario e Co-fondatrice, Just Right, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
CNA Emilia-Romagna
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Panel
Loreto Colucci, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy;Elena Musti, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italia; Giulia Zucchini, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy; Arianna Squilloni, publisher, A buen paso, Spain.
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Political instability and economic crises have long been defining features of many Latin American countries. The publishing industry has followed these ups and downs, strongly shaped by the decisive role that institutional book purchases play in stimulating the market across most countries in the region. At the same time, recent years have also been marked by significant editorial and creative renewal, highlighting a new generation of authors and illustrators. One clear sign of this shift is the emergence of small independent publishers focused on bold projects—both in terms of book materiality and thematic approaches. Another indication is the notable presence of young illustrators at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in recent years. This movement has challenged the long-standing institutional canon and brought Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and minority perspectives to the center of the conversation. In this roundtable, we will discuss these developments and present an overview of how several Latin American countries are confronting and responding to these challenges.
Moderator
Dolores Prades, Founder, Director, Instituto Emília, consultant at BCBF, Brazil
Panel
María Celina Alonso, Founder and Editorial Director Lecturita Ediciones and the Lecturita Book Club, Argentina; Hazel Hernández Astorga, Regional Coordinator IBBY Latin America and the Caribbean, Member of the IBBY Executive Committee, Founder and Executive Director of Fundación Leer / IBBY Costa Rica, Costa Rica; Nat Cardozo, author, illustrator, Uruguay; Anabella López, author, illustrator, Argentina; David Unger, author, Guatemala; Paloma Valdivia, author, illustrator, Chile.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Instituto Emília
Sala Ronda
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C
Panel
Giulia Orecchia, Maria Elena Rosati, Lorenzo Tozzi
Organised by
Erickson
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Moderator
Federica Zanetti, Docente, Università di Bologna, Italia
Panel
Franco Lorenzoni, autore, Italia; Letizia Soriano, autrice, Italia; Francesco Viliani, autore, Italia; Luciano Landini,ex allievo della scuola di Barbiana e volontario della Fondazione Don Lorenzo Milani.
Organised by
Sellerio, Lapis, Fondazione Don Milani
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Presentation of the essay "Telling Children: The Life and Work of H.C. Andersen on the 150th Anniversary of His Death"(edited by Angelo Nobile and Claudia Camicia), published by Schole. The presentation of the monographic essay will take place on April 15, 2026, at 4 pm, in the Bolero Room (Block B). An original and singular author, capable of both independent creations and reworking tales drawn from popular folklore, Andersen is widely celebrated as the "prince of children's writers," according to the perceptive scholar Paul Hazard. This volume, which brings together contributions from sixteen Italian and international scholars of varying backgrounds and disciplines, aims to illuminate and explore, from a variety of perspectives, on the 150th anniversary of his death, the figure and work of this "splendid and poor lord of the fairy tale" (Cibaldi), also exploring aspects usually less explored by critics. For info: Claudia Camicia 3495626846 claudiacamicia@libero.it
Moderator
CLAUDIA CAMICIA - GSLG
Panel
A. Nobile, Università di Parma; D. Caroli, Università di Bologna; C.B. Lomi, ARPA JUNG; R.T. Bruno, sociologa; G. Franchi, Università di Tor Vergata (RM); G. Capozza, studioso di letteratura giovanile.
Organised by
GSLG - GRUPPO SERVIZIO LETTERATURA GIOVANILE-APS
Translators Café
HALL 30
A project supporting lesser-used languages as a strategic resource for dialogue between peoples and cultures, promoting peace, reconciliation processes, and sustainable development.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
From Stian Hole’s atmospheres to Kristin Roskifte’s organized chaos: how visual design and philosophy unite to pose life’s big questions to young readers.
Panel
Stian Hole, author, illustrator, Norway; Kristin Roskifte, author, illustrator, Norway.
With the support of
NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
The Illustrators Survival Corner - The Original Art Exhibition
HALL 30
Panel
Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators, USA; Clare Pernice, Children's Program Creator, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
The Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Original Art Exhibition
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Il cinema d'autore italiano sta elaborando narrazioni sulle nuove generazioni con una profondità che può offrire all'editoria spunti preziosi: non solo storie da adattare, ma anche modelli di sguardo e di sensibilità stilistica da cui partire. Il panel prende le mosse da due progetti emblematici, prodotti grazie al sostegno della Regione Emilia-Romagna attraverso Emilia-Romagna Film Commission: Le Bambine di Valentina Bertani e Nicole Bertani — prodotto da Emma Film, Menzione Premio Giovani a Locarno 2025, sviluppato con Maria Sole Limodio — e Piercing , il nuovo film di Margherita Ferri, prodotto da Tempesta Film, entrambi incentrati sull'identità e sull'esperienza delle giovani generazioni, raccontate con uno sguardo autoriale e senza retoriche. Attraverso il confronto tra registe, produttori e istituzioni, il panel esplora come il processo creativo cinematografico possa stimolare l'industria editoriale nella scelta dei soggetti, nella costruzione dei personaggi e nel trattamento di temi sensibili con rigore e autenticità.
Panel
Margherita Ferri, regista, Italia; Carlo Cresto-Dina, produttore cinematografico, Tempesta Film, Italia; Valentina Bertani, regista, Italia; Nicole Bertani, regista, Italia; Maria Sole Limodio, autrice, sceneggiatrice, Italia; Fabio Abagnato, responsabile, Emilia-Romagna Film Commission, Vicepresidente Associazione Italian Film Commission, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
The Content Café
HALL 30
Moderator
Alberto Falco,Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Barbara Yelin, cartoonist, Germany
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Reprodukt, Istituto Storico Parri, Accademia Tedesca Roma Villa Massimo
In the framework of
Comics Corner
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Madeline Shue, Head of Publisher Partnerships, ElevenLabs, Norway.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Moderator
Steffen Sørum
Panel
Sanne Mathiassen; Ole Ivar Burås Storø; Irene Marienborg; Håkon Marcus, Norway.
Organised by
NBI-The Norwegian Institute for Children's Books, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Sydney Smith, illustrator, author, Canada.
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
To celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Illustrators Exhibition, we meet some of the protagonists of this incredible story that has lived in the heart of the BCBF since 1967 and is one of the most anticipated events by publishers, artists, and professionals in children’s publishing. Over the years, the Exhibition becomes a privileged observatory with a continually evolving view of the trends in contemporary visual language and, together, a place of discovery, comparison, and dialogue between cultures. In Bologna, illustration proves to be not only a protagonist of children’s books but a form of art capable of telling stories, crossing languages, and building bridges between generations and countries. This Exhibition, with its Annual, is nothing but the Family Album of the great Family of children’s books in the world.
Panel
Azul Lopez, illustrator, Mexico; Leonard S. Marcus, Children's Book historian, author and critic, USA; Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair, Italy; Hedwige Pasquet, President, Gallimard Jeunesse, France; Sydney Smith, illustrator, Canada; Paola Vassalli, expert in children's literature, author, and curator, Italy; Riccardo Vecchio, visual artist, President, MFA Illustration, School of Visual Arts, New York City, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Is the audiobook option a ready-made bridge for publishers to reach and entice reluctant readers? In this National Year of Reading (UK), the panel will discuss the methods, formats and options for encouraging everyone from disinclined children to time-poor adults into great books, whatever their format.
Moderator
Edward Nawotka, Senior News and International Editor, Publishers Weekly, USA
Panel
André Calgaro, Founder, Narratix, Brazil; Bruno Giancarli, Research Office, AIE, Italy; Barbara Knabe, Head of Content Acquisition EU, Audible, Germany; Becca Souster, Head of Audio Sales & Strategy, Pan Macmillan, UK.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing
HALL 30
Upon reservation only
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Giunto alla sua X edizione, il Premio Luigi Malerba per l'albo illustrato si conferma punto di riferimento nazionale per la segnalazione di opere pensate per l'infanzia e l'adolescenza di particolare rilievo dal punto di vista letterario, artistico e formativo. La crescita - qualitativa e quantitativa - del settore editoriale dei picture book è confermata dalle opere giunte al concorso, i cui vincitori saranno resi noti nel corso di questo incontro presso BCBF, e dalla loro forma “ibrida”, che le rende adatte a un pubblico assai più ampio di quello dei bambini e delle bambine.
Moderator
Gioacchino De Chirico, giornalista, Italia
Panel
Simone di Biasio, Università Roma Tre, Italia; Martino Negri, Università Milano Bicocca, Italia; Cristina Taglietti, Corriere della Sera, Italia.
Organised by
Associazione Luigi Malerba, Università Roma Tre
With the support of
Università Roma Tre, dipartimento Scienze della Formazione, MuSED - Museo della Scuola e dell'Educazione "Mauro Laeng"
Licensing Conference Room
HALL 29 MALL 2
Un corto d'animazione nato in Italia, arrivato fino a Los Angeles, dopo una lunga corsa ed una shortlist “storica”. Questo panel ripercorre il percorso produttivo e distributivo di Playing God , analizzando le scelte creative e tecniche che hanno reso il progetto competitivo e unico a livello internazionale. Un dialogo con il regista e la produttrice sul processo artigianale alla base dell'opera, sul circuito festivaliero come strumento di visibilità e sul posizionamento dell'animazione italiana nel panorama internazionale.
Panel
Matteo Burani, regista, Studio Croma, Italia; Arianna Gheller, produttrice e animatrice, Studio Croma, Italia; Fabio Abagnato, responsabile, Emilia-Romagna Film Commission, Vicepresidente, Associazione Italian Film Commission, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids
In cooperation with
Emilia-Romagna Film Commission
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Author Bodour Al Qasimi in conversation with Marcella Terrusi. The House of Wisdom , winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Award Fiction 2025, celebrates the importance and central role of culture in the history of humanity, as its cornerstone and as the premise of our future. With elegant writing and images that reinvent Islamic miniature painting in a contemporary key, this picturebook recounts the rise and destruction of the Library of Baghdad, an ancient crossroads of languages and cultures. A tribute and at the same time a warning: books and literature safeguard the possibility of dialogue and peaceful coexistence. A luminous and necessary work, which speaks to the present with striking urgency.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Organised by
Editrice Il Castoro
Translators Café
HALL 30
Children grow up between languages—sometimes literally, sometimes metaphorically. How do stories travel between languages and what changes along the way? What happens to humor, wordplay, and culturally specific references when they move into another linguistic world? Are some things in children’s books simply untranslatable—and what do translators do then? In this conversation, we will explore how children's book translators guide growing readers between cultures, experiences, and emotions. The discussion will also touch on multilingual childhoods and the role of books in helping young readers navigate complex realities. How do stories speak to children who grow up between several languages? How can literature address experiences of migration, war, or displacement without losing tenderness, imagination, and hope? Together, the participants will share examples of creative solutions, surprising losses and discoveries in translation, and the small “miracles” that allow stories to cross borders. After all, everything between us is a translation: between the language of adults and the language of children, between the world we inherit and the one we are learning to name.
Moderator
Yuliia Кozlovets, Director, International Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv, Ukraine
Panel
Lawrence Schimmel, writer, editor and translator; Richa Jha, author and editor, founder and publisher of Pickle Yolk Books; Eva Valvo, translator, literary scout and expert in Nordic literature
Organised by
International Book Arsenal Festival, Ukraine
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Michele Cogo, Direttore, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia; Cristina Petit, autrice, docente per la scrittura dell’albo illustrato, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia; Mario Bellina, sceneggiatore, docente per la scrittura d’animazione, Fondazione Bottega Finzioni, Italia.
Organised by
Fondazione Bottega Finzioni
Designer Studio - The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition
HALL 29
Join us for a guided tour of the Society of Illustrators Annual Book Award exhibition, featuring winning works from the past five years and insights into the competition and innovation in publishing.
Panel
Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators, USA.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, the Society of Illustrators
In the framework of
The Society of Illustrators Annual
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Panel
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Roger Mello, illustrator, Brazil
Panel
Fernando Arce, graphic design, Peru; Samuel Castaño, illustrator, Colombia; Carlos Diaz Consuegra, illustrator, Colombia; Anabella Lopez, illustrator, Argentina/Brasil.
Organised by
Imaquinario Ilustración
In cooperation with
Instituto de Leitura Quindim
Sala Bolero
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of "Pagine giovani", a specialized magazine of children's literature, accredited by ANVUR in class A, we will retrace its history and illustrate its commitment and salient characteristics, also recalling the dossiers and monographic inserts published over time, referring to the specific Wikipedia entry https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagine_giovani
With the participation of representatives and chief editors of other Italian and international periodicals in the field, who will briefly introduce their journals, will be highlighted the role and valuable function of children's literature magazines in the service of research, information, and dissemination. During the meeting, attendees will be provided with a printed index, organized by subject, of the most significant articles published in the magazine over its 50 years of publication, for the benefit of scholars, teachers, students, librarians.
Moderator
Dorena Caroli, Università di Bologna
Panel
Liber, Andersen, Hamelin, Bookbird, Pepeverde, Corsaro nero, Il folletto, HECL, Librietliberi, Eselohr, IJB, Children's Literature Hollins, Joie par les livres.
Organised by
GSLG - GRUPPO SERVIZIO LETTERATURA GIOVANILE-APS
In cooperation with
IBBY ITALIA
Under the auspices of
CENTRO PER IL LIBRO E LA LETTURA - CEPELL
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
Panel
Videl Bar-Kar, Vice President Audio, Bookwire, Germany
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
BolognaBookPlus Theatre
HALL 29 MALL 1
New markets and mature markets have different ears and different needs. This international panel juxtaposes actors and AI directly and addresses, the creative aims vs the need for speed and availability.
Moderator
Jessica Barnfield, Head of English Language Content, Audiobooks, Zebralution, UK
Panel
Mathilde Davignon, Head of Audiobook Development, Madrigal, France; Robin Lai, SVP & Custom Shop Head, John Mashall Media, USA; Madeline Shue, Head of Growth, ElevenLabs, USA; Rain Siemer, CEO, Rahva Raamat, Estonia.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Panel
Grzegorz Jankowicz, Director, The Polish Book Institute, Poland; Olga Brzezińska, Deputy Director, Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Poland; Magdalena Kłos-Podsiadło, exhibition curator, Poland.
Organised by
The Polish Book Institute
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair, BolognaBookPlus
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Content Café
HALL 30
This panel brings together SDG Book Club chapters to discuss why stories about climate action and conflict resolution are more essential than ever, and how young readers benefit from understanding sustainability, peace, and justice early on. With book bans on the rise, panelists will explore how SDG Book Clubs can support one another in keeping sustainability at the core of children’s learning everywhere. Speakers will share their experiences as publishers and SDG Book Club organizers in a fast-changing landscape and what has helped them to continue advocating for action toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Organised by
UN Publications, IPA - International Publishers Association
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
To conclude the series of three talks linked to the international exhibition The Fabulous Wardrobe and the Never-Ending Twist, international authors and illustrators explore how thread, fabric and fashion intertwine in their picturebooks. Fashion dresses the classic fairy tale with Guarnaccia, thread tells childhood with Benini and reinvents it in a fabulous way with Facchini. Semikina illustrates the art of weaving, while Roskifte, from Norway, counts the characters in the illustrations like stitches in a knit. Countless intertwinings connect books and thread, artistic gestures and the fashion industry, illustration and design. Countless threads and fabrics draw and tell the world in children’s books. Moderated by Marcella Terrusi, curator and author of The Fabulous Wardrobe (Carocci, 2025) and lecturer at the University of Bologna.
Moderator
Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Panel
Sophie Benini, illustrator, author, Italy; Vittoria Facchini, illustrator, Italy; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer, USA; Kristin Roskifte, author, illustrator, Norwey; Viktoria Semikina, illustrator, Russia.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
WritersLab
HALL 29 MALL 1
Award ceremony of the international recognition dedicated to the best cover of a self-published children’s or young adult book. An award celebrating the creative and strategic role of the self-publishing author, highlighting the book cover as a powerful space of visual storytelling and editorial positioning.
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Moderator
Pier Domenico Baccalario, CEO, Book on a Tree, Italy
Panel
Rosa Maria Pavan, Rights Manager Book on a Tree, Italy; Davide Merlitti, CEO, Informatica Umanistica, Italy.
Organised by
Book on a Tree
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Panel
Celina Alonso, Argentina; Azul López, illustrator, Argentina; Alessi Schreiber, Founder Nothe.ai, Managing Director, Ischìre.
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Moderator
Carlotta Artioli, PR and Event Manager, BOit! International Illustration Contest, Italy: Sara Bernardi, Creative Director, BOit! International Illustration Contest, Italy
Panel
The To-Be-Announced Winners of BOit! International Illustration Contest.
Organised by
BOit! International Illustration Contest promoted by Associazione Altrove
In cooperation with
Autori D’Immagini, Cunegunde APS, Astronave Lab, Civico32
With the support of
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Under the auspices of
Municipality of Bologna, Canali di Bologna
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
A meeting to tell, through the illustrators involved, the strength of the European project "OLL - Our Little Library" supported by the European Union that creates bridges between different European countries by enhancing the best literature and illustration for children.
Moderator
Martina Russo, journalist, Rivista Andersen
Panel
Alenka Urh, literary critic, editor, translator, Sodobnost International Cultural Society, Slovenia; Saša Krnic Ibis, Director, Ibis GrafiKa, Croatia; Della Passarelli, Editorial Director, Sinnos Publisher, Italy; Federico Appel, illustrator, Italy; Daniela Carucci, writer, Italy; Petra Preželj, illustrator, Slovenia; Wout Schildermans (Melvin), illustrator, Belgium; Igor Sinkovec, illustrator, Slovenia; Ana Vujasić, illustrator, Croatia.
Organised by
Sinnos Publisher
With the support of
European Union
In the framework of
CREA-CULT-2023-COOP — CREA-CULT-2023-COOP-1
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area
HALL 30
Panel
Ali Boozari, art researcher, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In the framework of
Comics Corner
Service Center
Services Centre
Apertura e iscrizioni al tour da sabato 21 marzo, ore 9:00
PublisHer Area
HALL 29, B40-C45
Organised by
PublisHer
The Book Lovers' Café
GALLERY HALL 25-26
L'arrivo di Flavia de Luce (Alan Bradley) nella collana ragazzi di Sellerio punta i riflettori su uno scaffale fondamentale: quello dove la logica adolescente sfida il caos degli adulti. Flavia, con la sua mente scientifica, incarna la ricerca della conoscenza come atto di ribellione. Il giallo per ragazzi, genere tra i più letti e amati, non è solo svago, ma una genealogia della ribellione. Storicamente, il detective adolescente nasce per ribaltare le gerarchie: giovani potenti che smascherano adulti fallibili, trasformando la curiosità in uno strumento di giustizia. È un genere che esplora la tensione tra l'innocenza dell'infanzia e l'instabilità dei "grandi", offrendo ai lettori il piacere della ricerca e della conoscenza. Del mistero e del brivido ha fatto la propria cifra editoriale Pelledoca, casa editrice che da anni costruisce per ragazze e ragazzi un catalogo dove la paura si fa avventura e l'inquietudine diventa motore narrativo. Silvana Sola con Sellerio e Pelledoca Editore esplorerà come il mistero aiuti i ragazzi a decodificare la realtà e a rivendicare il proprio spazio nel mondo.
Moderator
Francesca Mignemi, ricercatrice indipendente di Letteratura per l'infanzia, Italia
Panel
Silvana Sola ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani, Co-fondatrice e direttrice editoriale di Pelledoca, Sellerio editore
Organised by
Sellerio Editore, Pelledoca Editore
Sala Notturno
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D
Moderator
Laura Fumagalli, Presidente e Direttore Operativo MyEdu
Panel
Barbara Urdanch, Pedagogista e professoressa all’Università di Torino, esperta processi dell'apprendimento, formatrice dell’Associazione Italiana Dislessia (AID) e membro del Comitato scientifico di MyEdu
Lorenzo Baglioni, Cantante, autore, presentatore e attore, ex docente di Matematica.
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Tormod Løkling, author, Norway; Malin Falch, cartoonist, illustrator, Norway; Cha Sandmæl, illustrator, Norway; Cathrine Sandmæl, illustrator, Norway.
Organised by
TNT, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
Sala Melodia
Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B
Moderator
Jennifer Rowsell, University of Sheffield, Regno Unito; Tiziana Mascia, Associazione Literacy Italia, Italia
Panel
Barbara Vanin, VEZ Rete Biblioteche Venezia, Italia;
Daniela Cirillo, I.C. Venezia Mestre, Italia;
Francesco Grande, Biblioteche Sesto San Giovanni (MI), Associazione Literacy Italia, Italia;
Marco Pastonesi, Giornalista sportivo, Italia;
Assunta Di Febo, Associazione Literacy Italia, Italia;
Translators Café
HALL 30
The jury will provide an overall feedback to participants in the translation competition from Norwegian.
Panel
Giovanna Paterniti, translator from Norwegian and literary scout; Eva Valvo, translator, literary scout and expert in Nordic literature.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Norway Café
HALL 30, A12-B9
Panel
Beate Heide, author, Norway
Organised by
Mun Dajan, Sámi authors' association, Norway Guest of Honour 2026
The Content Café
HALL 30
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.
Organised by
Cunegunde APS
Translators Café
HALL 30
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Ogni giorno ciascuno di noi si trova di fronte a una scelta. Accettare la realtà così com’è o chiedersi se c’è qualcosa che può essere cambiato. Vivere nell’indifferenza e nell’apatia o farci animare dalla passione e partecipare, metterci in gioco. Rimanere in silenzio o dire ad alta voce “non sono d’accordo”. Per praticare i nostri diritti di cittadine e cittadini dobbiamo porci le domande giuste. Cos’è il potere e chi lo esercita davvero? Perché la libertà non è fare tutto quello che vogliamo? Quando comunichiamo, siamo consapevoli di avere tra le mani uno strumento potentissimo, capace di ferire ma anche di accogliere? Storie, idee, passioni per cambiare il mondo: per la prima volta alla BCBF, Gianrico Carofiglio racconta la forza delle parole e delle azioni, a partire dal suo manuale di lotta e gentilezza rivolto alle ragazze e ai ragazzi (ma in realtà anche agli adulti).
Panel
Gianrico Carofiglio, scrittore, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair, Mondadori
Poetry Corner
HALL 25 - A177
Moderator
Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale, Italy
Organised by
Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale
Designer Studio
HALL 29
Organised by
BolognaBookPlus, ChiaLab Design Studio
Translators Café
HALL 30
Panel
Maria Elena Tisi, University of Bologna; Ayami Moriizumi, researcher and curator
The Content Café
HALL 30
Panel
Mauro Speraggi, Editore, Edizioni Artebambini, Italia; Paola Ciarcià, Editrice, Edizioni Artebambini, Italia.
Organised by
Edizioni Artebambini snc
In cooperation with
AKI-Associazione Kamishibai Italia
Illustrators Café
Services Centre
Cosa leggeva da bambino un grande narratore della storia? Un viaggio a ritroso tra i volumi che hanno segnato la formazione di Alessandro Barbero. In conversazione con Giacomo Benelli e Ivan Canu, il professor Barbero intreccerà memorie personali e radici letterarie alle pagine di Pinocchio , Cuore , i romanzi di Salgari e altri classici dell’infanzia.
Panel
Alessandro Barbero, storico e scrittore, Italia; Giacomo Benelli, coordinatore, The Illustrators Survival Corner, Italia; Ivan Canu, illustratore, Direttore, Mimaster Illustrazione, Italia.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Mimaster Illustrazione
Norway GoH Area
Services Centre
Panel
Øyvind Torseter, author, illustrator, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026
