The Next Chapter Café


Print programme

31 March, 10:30 - 11:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
This session will explore how Qatar Reads, an initiative of Qatar National Library, is transforming reading habits among children and families in Qatar. Using the Family Reading Program as a case study, we will examine how program design using RBM methods and localisation can foster a love for reading among children and stronger family cohesion. The program methodology includes engaging activities, and storytelling to create a lasting impact on young readers and drive social change through reading. Additionally, the discussion will highlight the program’s role in increasing children's reading in Arabic and how content is tailored to preserve local culture and heritage.

Panel

Fatema Al-Malki, Manager, Qatar Reads, Qatar National Library.

Organized by

Qatar Reads, Qatar National Library

31 March, 11:30 - 12:20
ITA

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

La bibliografia, promossa da Regione Toscana e dal Centro regionale servizi per le biblioteche toscane che ha sede nella biblioteca Tiziano Terzani di Campi Bisenzio, risponde a un’esigenza diffusa e fortemente sentita da bibliotecari, insegnanti e operatori interessati alla lettura giovanile: quella di poter usufruire di una finestra panoramica - costruita con criteri ispirati a scelte qualitative - sui libri in commercio per infanzia, adolescenza e YA (young adults). Giunta alla sua diciassettesima edizione, verrà presentata con riferimento ad alcuni titoli significativi.

Moderator

Ilaria Tagliaferri, coordinatrice editoriale LiBeR, referente Centro regionale dei servizi per le biblioteche per ragazzi toscane, Fondazione Accademia dei Perseveranti.

Organized by

Centro regionale dei servizi per le biblioteche per ragazzi toscane

In cooperation with

Regione Toscana, Fondazione Accademia dei Perseveranti, LiBeR

31 March, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Children’s books capture the imagination, educate, and the can inspire communities to think and act in support of the SDGs. This session will look at the influence SDG book club has on raising awareness and the importance of adding new languages to drive local change and actions. Panelists will discuss how can books compel future generations of leaders to achieve sustainability and lasting change.

Moderator

Antje Watermann, Global SDG Book Club

Panel

Mercedes Alvarado, Mexican SDG Book Club, José Borghino, Secretary General, IPA - International Publishers Association; Kristina Kramer, German SDG Book Club; Karine Pansa, Brazilian SDG Book Club.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

United Nations Publications, IPA - International Publishers Association

31 March, 13:30 - 14:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
Set up in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is ten years old. The prize is awarded annually to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s book illustration and is the only UK prize to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator. It honours venerable publisher Klaus Flugge, a supremely influential figure in picture books and founder of publishing house Andersen Press. On its tenth birthday, co-founder Julia Eccleshare will celebrate the award’s achievement in highlighting new picture book illustration and initiating conversations around the art form. She will be joined by long-time supporter of the award, Pam Dix, who will lead a discussion with illustrators Mariajo Ilustrajo, 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize winner with Flooded, and Petr Horáček, 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize judge, about contemporary children’s picture book illustration and future challenges and opportunities for new illustrators.

Panel

Julia Eccleshare, Co-Founder, Klaus Flugge Prize and Chair of the judges; Pam Dix, Chair of Ibby UK; Mariajo Ilustrajo, illustrator, Klaus Flugge Prize winner 2023; Petr Horáček, award winning illustrator, Klaus Flugge Prize Judge 2024; Bruce Ingman, illustrator, Head of MA Children's Literature - Children's Book Illustration, Goldsmiths, University of London.

Organized by

Klaus Flugge Prize

31 March, 14:30 - 15:20
ITA

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Tante storie surreali e divertentissime per ridere insieme alla famiglia più buffa del mondo, e per buttare – appunto – un occhio sui giochi che si possono fare con i modi di dire e la nostra lingua. Un inno d'amore alle parole e alla letteratura da due degli scrittori più amati e più divertenti di questi anni.

Panel

Daniel Pennac, autore; Stefano Bartezzaghi, autore; Pierdomenico Baccalario, autore.

Organized by

Salani Editore

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

31 March, 15:30 - 16:00
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
POETRY

The event will include readings from Tamer’s latest publication I Will not Write Poetry and Other Texts, which is the third book in the Children of the Sea and Groves series. The series captures the experiences of Palestinian children during times of war. It began with Children of the Sea Memoirs in 2014, followed by What Becomes of Eid? in 2022, and today we present readings from the third book, I Will Not Write Poetry and Other Texts in 2025. These texts were written by children in Gaza during the first half of 2024. We are presenting a reading of selected texts today, in 2025, after the war has ended, as a living testament to the genocide and as a message to the world that politics, journalism, or war cannot convey.

Panel

Dima Saqfalhait, Literary and Knowledge Production Program Coordinator, Tamer Institute for Community Education, Palestine.

Organized by

Tamer Institute for Community Education

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

31 March, 16:10 - 17:00
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

This energetic session will feature a panel of contemporary writers and illustrators as they delve into the world of writing children's books. Explore trends, tackle challenges, and uncover opportunities. It will also highlight how creative minds collaborate to craft captivating stories and provide insights on breaking into this competitive landscape. Hosted by Julia Eccleshare, this session is a must-see event for all publishers and artists wishing to engage in a creative exchange of ideas.

Moderator

Julia Eccelshare, Director, Hay Children's Festival

Panel

Dorien Brouwers, illustrator, author; Maria Strzelecka, illustrator, writer; Gaby Dawnay, writer; Neal Hoskins, editor, writer.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

WingedChariot

31 March, 17:10 - 18:10
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Organized by

The Ukrainian Book Institute, FEP - Federation of European Publishers

01 April, 10:30 - 11:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Japan is one of the picture book kingdoms where books for babies reign. Every year, more than 200 - 300 new titles are published. We will trace the history of baby books in Japan starting from the million sellers published in the 60s up to some of the recent experimental titles, and analyze their unique representations that continue to fascinate both babies and adults.

Panel

Yukiko Hiromatsu, picture book writer, critic, independent curator.

Organized by

Itabashi Art Museum and the City of Itabashi, Tokyo

01 April, 11:30 - 12:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

In this wide-ranging conversation, museum professions from three continents will offer an inside look at three innovative museums - the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Itabashi Art Museum, and the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration - where children's book art takes center stage.

Moderator

Leonard Marcus, founding trustee, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, USA

Panel

Olivia Ahmad, Artistic Director, Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, UK; Kiyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum, Japan.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

With the support of

ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

01 April, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
The last several years have seen resurgence in publication of nonfiction for younger readers, fueled by innovation in design, art, and narrative approaches. The interest young people are showing in pressing issues, such as climate change, as well as the flood of false and misleading information, gives new life and urgency to books encouraging readers to question received knowledge. Yet, nonfiction remains the elusive child in the family of children’s literature; we barely hear discussions around nonfiction and nonfiction creators in both academic spaces and major awards events. Through this panel, we would like to dig into the reasons behind this (mis)treatment. Why do the genre and its creators remain in the shadows? Why is nonfiction so rarely associated with the pleasure of reading?

Moderator

Chrysogonus Siddha Malilang, editor, Bookbird.

Panel

Marc Aronson, Associate Professor, Rutgers University; Giorgia Grilli, Associate Professor, University of Bologna; Tina Bilban, research assistant, INR Slovenia; Mingzhou Zhang, Founder, SISU Lifetree International Youth Library in Shanghai.

Organized by

Bookbird

01 April, 13:30 - 14:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
In a world where screens command our attention, how can we make books and reading appealing to today’s youth? This panel will explore the role of parents, educators and authors in shaping young readers’ experiences and habits.

Moderator

Inger Klesment, media literacy specialist

Panel

Janari Lage, digital literacy expert; Nathan Hull, Chief of Strategy Officer, Beat Technology; Triin Sooäär, Gen Z.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 14:30 - 15:20
ENG/ITA

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Panel

Miyase Sertbarut, author; Carla Fiorentino, Editorial Director, Emons Edizoni; Maria Chiara Cantelmo, translator.

Organized by

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye

01 April, 15:30 - 16:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Children's Literature Laureates from seven countries in conversation

Moderator

Julia Eccleshare, journalist, writer

Panel

Patricia Forde, Ireland's Laureate na nÓg; Giovanni Colaneri, Italian Children's Laureate; Frank Cottrell-Boyce, UK Children's Laureate; Sally Rippin, Australian Children's Laureate; Tialda Hoogeveen, Friesland Berneboeke-ambassadeur; Rian Visser, Netherlands Kinderboekenambassadeur; Agnes Török, Sweden's Läsambassadör.

Organized by

International Laureates Network

01 April, 16:30 - 17:20
ITA

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Militanza, libertà, rigore, leggerezza. Dalle parole dei romanzi alla sua lectio magistralis Liberi tutti del 2024, un dialogo a due voci per ricordare una grande scrittrice, prima socia onoraria Icwa.

Panel

Manuela Salvi, autrice, Fondatrice, tesoriera Icwa; Carlotta Cubeddu, autrice e socia Icwa

Organized by

ICWA - Italian Children's Writers Association

01 April, 17:30 - 18:20
ITA/ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
A special event with two acclaimed picture book author-illustrators: Rocio Bonilla and Erika De Pieri. Together, they will explore how their stories transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering connections that go beyond prejudice and conflict. A journey to discover how their books preserve the essence and innocence of childhood, allowing young readers to travel the world through the magic of storytelling.

Moderator

Iván Baretto, Literary Director, Edicions Bromera

Panel

Rocio Bonilla, author, illustrator; Erika de Pieri, illustrator; Valentina Brioschi, Publisher, Valentina Edizioni.

Organized by

Edicions Bromera

In cooperation with

Valentina Edizioni

With the support of

Institut Ramon Llull

01 April, 9:30 - 10:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
In the year of Estonia Guest of Honour of BCBF, we take a look at children's comics from the Baltic regions and their neighbouring countries, to understand how the world of comics is developing there, the peculiarities of the visual tradition of these nations, and the challenges publishers who want to grow in this sector must face.

Moderator

Tanja Skale, editor of Stripburger and Co-Founder and Art Director of the Tinta International Comics Festival, Slovenia

Panel

Veiko Tammjarv, editor, Kratt Werk, Estonia; Lina Itagaki, author, editor, Misteris Pinkmanas, Lithuania; Paweł Timofiejuk, editor, Timof Comics, Poland.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

In the framework of

Comics Corner

02 April, 10:30 - 11:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
For over 20 years Mo Willems has been a leading force in children's publishing, authoring more than 70 books to date—50 of which have become New York Times bestsellers. His work continues to inspire generations of writers and illustrators worldwide. In this lively discussion with his longtime editor, Tracey Keevan, Mo will share insights from his upcoming book, Words and Pictures by Mo Willems, offering a personal look at his creative journey, career milestones, and secrets behind his successful work. Known for his engaging and spontaneous speaking style, attendees will get a unique glimpse into Mo’s creative process and storytelling philosophy.

Panel

Mo Willems, author, illustrator; Tracey Keevan, Vice President, Editorial Director, Union Square & Co.

Organized by

Hidden Pigeon Company and Union Square & Co.

02 April, 11:30 - 12:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
Here, we’ll reveal the story behind the creation of The Big Book of Pi– how the collaboration unfolded with all parties from different countries.

Moderator

Alizée Dabert, Export Manager, Rights Manager, Helvetiq.

Panel

Anita Lehmann, writer; Jean Baptiste Aubin, scientist; Joonas Sildre, illustrator.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

In the field of children's and young adult literature, new realities, voices, and languages are gaining prominence. This openness has brought tremendous richness, expanding genres and readership. As a result, new characters, settings, and territories are emerging in literature and illustrations, opening up the world to diversity and enriching imaginations

Moderator

Dolores Prades, Founder, Director, editor, Istituto Emília, Brazil

Panel

Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY; Mary E. Glenn, Chief, Sales and Marketing Section UN Publications, Department of Global Communications United Nations; Daniel Munduruku, author, Brazil; Elisa Ramirez Castañeda, author, sociologist, translator, Mexico; Ed Oner, illustrator, street artist, Morocco; Jöelle Betsey Maestracci, publisher, Editions Vizavi, Editions Pielo, Mauritius; Marit Alette Utsi, Deputy Director of Davvi Girji and Chair of the Board of Sálas - Sami newspaper and publishers association, Norway.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

United Nations Publications, Instituto Emilia

With the support of

ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

02 April, 13:30 - 14:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ
Mapping the complex network of peculiar creatures in Estonian mythology. Do they still have a place in a modern world and could they attract Young Adults readers outside their native habitats?

Moderator

Jaanika Palm, researcher, Estonian Children's Literature Centre.

Panel

Reeli Reinaus, Young Adults writer, folklorist; Marja-Liisa Plats, ALMA Award nominee, illustrator; Anna Nowacka-Devillard, publisher, Wydawnictwo Widnokrąg.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 14:30 - 15:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Moderator

Aya Tanura, Japan Foundation

Organized by

The Japan Foundation

02 April, 15:30 - 16:20
ITA

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Organized by

Fondo Sergio Silva Libri Illustrati

02 April, 16:30 - 17:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

After fifty years in children's publishing, legendary U.S. editor Neal Porter has stepped away from his full-time Publisher role to become Publisher Emeritus of the imprint he founded, Neal Porter Books, part of Holiday House/Walker Books. As he and the imprint move into this new era, Neal will be talking with Maria Russo, Editor at Large at Union Square Kids and former New York Times Children's Books Editor, about the enduring global appeal of the picture book form, sharing insights into the books that plant themselves in readers' hearts and "travel well" between markets and cultures.

Panel

Maria Russo, Editor at Large, Union Square Kids; Neal Porter, Publisher, Neal Porter Books, Imprint Holiday House.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

With the support of

ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

03 April, 09:30 - 10:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS
THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

How to reinterpret a classic? Creating a new aesthetic, a new imagery, means being able to see a classic through the eyes of one's own history, experience and personality. The search for a resonance between oneself and the words and main concepts of the story creates new and unexpected paths, gives new life to a story and helps us connecting to the world and to ourselves.

Panel

 Francesca Dell’Orto, illustrator; Yaiza Llamas, publisher, Diego Pun Ediciones.

Organized by

 Diego Pun Ediciones