Event Highlights

Pre-registration required on BBPlus website

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the digital space children and young adults experience new forms of reading and storytelling in complex narrative worlds in which books become webcomics and webnovels, podcasts and audiobooks, video and tv series, immersive and interactive stories. Now in its sixth edition, the BolognaRagazzi Crossmedia Award (BRCMA), organised in collaboration with Mamamò, is an international award for excellence and innovation of publishing projects that expand their narrative universe through different media in a particularly effective way, identifying narratives that have been able to migrate from traditional forms of publishing to other platforms. Starting with this edition, the BRCMA dedicates a special category award to Gender Equality & Environmental Sustainability.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Early Reader Winner: Kay Healy. Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House Publishing), United States of America, 2025; 
Middle Grade Reader Winner: Émilie Tronche. Le Journal de Samuel. Casterman, France, 2025; 
Young Adult Winner: Camille Van Hoof. Sentimental Kiss. L'employé du moi, Belgium, 2025

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.

This panel brings together scholars, curators, and publishers to explore the universal power of fairy tales across cultures and generations. By examining traditional folk tales, contemporary retellings, and innovative narratives, the discussion investigates how fairy tales transmit cultural foundations while remaining open to reinterpretation and renewal. The panel considers transmission channels—textual, visual, and oral—as well as the role of fairy tales in education, sustainability, and cultural exchange. The aim is to illuminate how these stories speak to shared humanity beyond differences in language, race, and tradition, and to identify actionable pathways for inclusive, creative engagement with audiences worldwide.

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.

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.

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.

Two masters of illustration discuss their personal approach to picture books, and their narrative worlds suspended between enchanted realism and surreal irony.

Bestseller Awards Italia! A seminar that launches the 2027 NielsenIQ BookData Bestseller Awards, in Italy, in partnership with BolognaBookPlus. These prestigious awards come to Italy, bringing the well-known data-driven awards to one of Europe’s most important publishing markets. Join us to find out more and to toast the success of the Italian book industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

AI is transforming publishing from intuition-led to evidence-informed. This session explores “predictive publishing”—the use of AI and data models to support earlier, smarter decisions across the publishing lifecycle, from manuscript triage and acquisition to pricing, positioning, and investment.

Insights on how to inspire and strengthen reading engagement from early childhood through the school years.

As the global licensing industry grows increasingly interconnected, Europe and Asia represent a powerful axis of opportunity. This panel explores the business potential European brands can unlock in Asian markets, and the scouting strategies companies can adopt to identify partnerships, trends, and emerging opportunities across the region. Through expert insights and open dialogue, panelists share practical pathways to build stronger cross-regional relationships — turning conversations into concrete commercial outcomes for licensors and licensees alike.

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

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.

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.

Nel mondo di oggi le infografiche sono ovunque. Radicate nel progetto Isotype di Otto Neurath, Marie Neurath le portò nei libri visivi, mescolando l’utile al piacevole.

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.

Announcement of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2026, broadcast live from Stockholm.

Discovering the artist on the centenary of his birth.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sydney Smith in conversation with Marcella Terrusi, lecturer at University of Bologna. Awe, familiarity, mystery, fear, attraction, darkness and beauty-the nuances of childhood experiences invite reflections on the Sublime as both a poetic and aesthetic category in picturebook art.

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.

How can we best preserve and promote the artistic legacies of iconic authors? Lynn Caponera, Aria Ungerer and Ai Komagata share insights from their unique experiences.

An exploration of visual synthesis with Pablo Amargo: how image and book design merge into a poetic, rigorous aesthetic.

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.

Dive into the creative process of the chinese master Wang Zumin.

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.

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.

A dialogue between Lorenzo Mattotti, master of Italian illustration, and Nicole Tecchio, a young artist selected among the 24 winning works of the international competition dedicated to The Adventures of Pinocchio. A meeting that celebrates Carlo Collodi’s bicentennial and the ongoing reinvention of the famous puppet through the eyes of illustrators past and present.

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.

Una selezione di società produttrici dell'Emilia-Romagna presenta progetti e contenuti da sviluppare nell'editoria in un'ottica innovativa e crossmediale.

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.

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.

Annuncio del libro vincitore nella categoria "Narrazione per immagini" e per il primo anno a BCBF, annuncio del premio" Libro d'esordio". Con la partecipazione di Jacqueline Woodson.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drawing the Unseen: exploring ways to deepen the emotional experience of the picturebook by illustrating sensation rather than objects—silence, memory, distance, and emotion.

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.

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.

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).

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.