The Content Café

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

Panel

Keiko Ichiguchi, manga artist, writer, Japan; Andrea Baricordi, editor, writer, Italy; Noemi Kawasaki, editor, Kodansha Manga Academy, Japan.

Organised by

Japan Foundation, JBBY

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

AWARDS & CONTESTS

Organised by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Mamamò

ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

AWARDS & CONTESTS

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

AWARDS & CONTESTS

Moderator

Emilio Varrà, President, Hamelin, Italy

Organised by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In the framework of

Comics Corner

ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

AWARDS & CONTESTS

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, educator, 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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Tackling difficult topics in children’s publishing has always required courage, but today the challenges and opportunities have changed. Readers are more open to honest conversations, while publishers face both creative and commercial choices when approaching sensitive themes. This panel brings together editors, illustrators, and experts to explore the role of courage in children’s literature, from editorial responsibility and expert consultation to the power of illustration and the ways adults support young readers. Together we will reflect on how carefully considered publishing choices shape stories that matter, spark meaningful conversations, and highlight the power of brave books to inspire and connect.

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

Service Center

Services Centre

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

NORWAY GUEST OF HONOUR

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

With the support of

NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad

In the framework of

Comics Corner

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

This session focuses on how children’s books can help reimagine the ways nature is experienced and understood, particularly from the perspective of visually impaired individuals. Through a tactile storytelling approach that combines narrative and traditional embroidery, the discussion highlights how touch, imagination, and sensory exploration can open new paths for children to connect with nature. Emphasizing empathy, ecological awareness, and inclusivity, the event explores how storytelling can create meaningful opportunities for children to understand nature beyond sight.

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

ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

NORWAY GUEST OF HONOUR

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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, Canada; Matt James, illustrator, Canada; Sydney Smith, illustrator, Canada; Pierre Pratt, illustrator, Canada.

Organised by

IBBY Canada

In cooperation with

IBBY-International Board on Books for Young People

ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organised by

China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Corporation

In cooperation with

Lifetree Culture Promotion Center

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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, Book Institute Poland

In the framework of

Comics Corner

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

COMICS CORNER

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

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

ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

AWARDS & CONTESTS

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 ed Event Manager, BOit! International Illustration Contest, Italy: Sara Bernardi, Creative Director, BOit! International Illustration Contest, Italy

Panel

To Be Announced the 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

Service Center

Services Centre

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

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

ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Storie illustrate raccontate con il kamishibai, antico e affascinante metodo di narrazione giapponese.

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