OPEN UP
GALLERIES
GLOBAL RIGHTS EXCHANGE
FAIRTALES
Norway in the Limelight
Among the most anticipated highlights is a preview of Norway’s Guest of Honour programme for Bologna 2026, featuring leading Norwegian illustrators and a special focus on the country’s children’s publishing.
The CCBF events programme is the vibrant heart of the fair: an international stage that brings together leading voices from the publishing world, both from China and across the globe.
Through panels, talks, roundtables, and special sessions, the programme delves into key topics related to children's publishing, with a strong focus on global trends, rights trading, editorial creativity, and the promotion of original Chinese-language picture books.
Alongside the professional content, CCBF also hosts a rich array of initiatives dedicated to the fair’s wider community, including the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, the Illustrator Avenue exhibition area for creative talents, and the international Children Plus exhibition.
A unique opportunity to discover, exchange ideas, and connect with the very best in children’s publishing—within a dynamic and ever-evolving context
The next Children Plus edition will be entitled:
"COMICS: Exploring the World, One Bubble at a Time – Stories for Reading, Learning, Imagining."
When we think of comics, we often associate them with lighthearted fun, playful drawings, and thrilling adventures. But comics are much more than just entertainment: they are a powerful language, capable of speaking to children and young readers in ways that are immediate, engaging, and profoundly educational.
This exhibition celebrates comics both as an art form and as a tool for learning. It invites children, families, and educators to rediscover the beauty and value of stories told through panels, to explore new languages and cultures, and to recognize comics as a bridge between imagination and knowledge.
Let’s open a comic book—and open a door to the world.
The CCBF professional programme will present 17 conferences and seminars.
Among the key sessions: the “International Children’s Reading Promotion Forum”, supported by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and IBBY. Other sessions will include the Award Winners’ Series; analyses of Chinese and global book retail markets, and discussions on IP operations, AI in education, Asian children’s content, and innovative storytelling.
The programme will also welcome a stellar lineup of guests, including Sydney Smith, Shinsuke Yoshitake, Leo Timmers, Alessandro Sanna, Øyvind Torseter and Matthew Forsythe.
The international illustration contest designed for illustrators under 40. It aims to build bridges between illustrators and children’s publishers, both locally and globally. The contest features two categories: Book Publishing and Commercial category highlighting illustrators’ ability to create visually captivating works that can be applied to many commercial purposes.
One of the BCBF’s flagship initiatives, where artists can gather, share experiences and receive professional advice on their art and profession. The space is managed and designed by Mimaster Illustrazione (Milan, Italy) and offers masterclasses, creative workshops, oneto one mentorships supporting emerging talent and creative career development.
The SHVIP Fellowship Programme brings six international professionals to Shanghai. Participants will follow a curated itinerary across Shanghai’s bookstores and publishing houses, gaining a deeper understanding of China’s children’s publishing market.
Among the most anticipated highlights is a preview of Norway’s Guest of Honour programme for Bologna 2026, featuring leading Norwegian illustrators and a special focus on the country’s children’s publishing.
