Event Programme 2025


Print programme

30 March, 13:30 - 18:00
ENG

Sala Suite

Services Centre - Wing D

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 09:00 - 13:15
ITA

Sala Notturno

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Donatella Lombello

Panel
Donatella Lombello; Nicoletta Bacco; Chiara Faggiolani; Chiara Bertolini; Caterina Spezzano; Luisa Marquardt; Patrizia Lùperi; Alessandra Merighi; Sabrina Zanghi

Organized by
Associazione Pedagogica Italiana-As.Pe.I.

In cooperation with
Gruppo di Ricerca Biblioteche Scolastiche- GRIBS (PD)- AIB CNBS - Commissione nazionale Biblioteche scolastiche

Under the auspices of
AIB Emilia-Romagna

31 March, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Panel

Upon reservation only.

Organized by

  Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 09:30 - 11:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

The workshop invites participants to explore characters that blend humans, animals, and plants, illustrating our bond with nature through imaginative, hybrid creations in a playful painting session.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Mohamed Touirs, alias Ed Oner, Street artist and freelancer illustrator.

In cooperation with

Ediciones Ekaré

31 March, 09:30 - 10:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Comics in Ukraine (maliopyses) began to develop actively only after 2017, unlike comics on the European market which have been developing for quite some time. Even during this time, Ukrainian artists achieved significant results, offering their vision in various genres of both Ukrainian history and current events, including the war with Russia. Right now, the non-fiction graphic novel A Brief History of a Long War of Ukraine with Russia has become the most successful on the international markets even before being published in Ukraine.

Moderator

Anna Tkach, Literary Agency OVO

Panel

Kateryna Omelianenko, Vydavnytstvo; Anastasiia Lypska, Vovkulaka Publishing House.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin, Literary Agency OVO, Vydavnytstvo, Vovkulaka Publishing House

In the framework of

Comics Corner

31 March, 09:30 - 10:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Organized by

Chennai International Book Fair

31 March, 10:00 - 11:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
This panel will explore how mentorship can serve as a vital tool for cultivating the next generation of women leaders, with a particular focus on advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).

Organized by

PublisHer

31 March, 10:15 - 11:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
The fear of bad drawings can stop an illustrator in their tracks. Yet the path from idea to illustration is a maze full of mistakes. Learn how to use those mistakes to find your voice as an illustrator.

Panel

Shelley Ann Jackson, Associate Professor, MA degree in Children's Book Illustration, Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; Dr Elys Dolan, Senior Lecturer, MA degree in Children's Book Illustration, Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University; Naomi Tipping, graduate; Claire Goble, graduate.

With the support of

Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University

31 March, 10:30 - 11:00
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Gaming has gone far beyond being just one category among many within a brand's roll-out strategy, becoming a central asset for the strategic development of content and fandom for any property aiming to reach kids, teens, and young adult audiences. In this panel, we will discuss the opportunities offered by the development of IPs into gaming; the language and the adaptation process; what kind of new storytelling is developed; how accessible it can be, and above all, the opportunities gaming offers to the licensing industry.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Michelle Perez Barruos, General Manager, Feenix Group, Madrid.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

31 March, 10:30 - 11:20
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Text and images each contribute in their own way to the experience of a story in children's books and more. Making images accessible to readers with visual impairments is essential for a complete and inclusive reading experience. Image description is a means of accessibility, as does the selection of inherently accessible illustrations. How can publishers, authors and illustrators tackle both challanges? This seminar offers the opportunity to experience what it means to miss out on illustrations and to learn how to effectively convey the richness of images through description. The event is organized within the framework APACE, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

Moderator
Elisa Molinari, Project Manager, Fondazione LIA

Panel

Anne Bottenheft, image specialist, Dedicon; Anke Kersten, image specialist, Dedicon; Maurizio Mattioli, Director Educational Digital Products, Zanichelli; Milena Risi, PhD student in Accessible Publishing at Zanichelli and University of Rome "Tor Vergata”.

 

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Fondazione LIA

In the framework of

APACE, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

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, 10:30 - 11:20
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Spanish comics for young people are on the rise and are capturing many new readers. The newest and most interesting editorial projects will be presented.

Panel

Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier; Marta Tutone, translator and Founder of Liana Editorial; Sectorial del Cómic de España.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Accademia Drosselmeier, Kids Comics

In the framework of

 Comics Corner

31 March, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
"100% naturalis. Protagonisti che fanno storia" è una nuova collana diretta da Grazia Gotti: chicchi, grani e semi nei testi di Alessandra Valtieri accompagnati dalle figure dell'illustratore Marco Sandreschi.

Panel

Beatrice Fini, Giunti; Alessandra Valtieri, autrice.

Organized by

Editoriale Scienza - Giunti

31 March, 11:00 - 12:30
ENG/ITA

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
31 March, 11:00 - 11:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 11:00 - 12:00
ITA/ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Panel

Damiano Abeni, translator; Fausta Orecchio, Editorial Director, Orecchio Acerbo.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

31 March, 11:10 - 12:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

31 March, 11:10 - 11:50
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
As the lines between digital media continue to blur, the video game industry presents exciting new opportunities for book publishers to explore. This panel will bring together video game developers and book publishers to discuss how digital strategies can unlock new markets and foster collaborations. From books to games, this discussion will explore the potential for book IPs to thrive in the gaming ecosystem. Panellists will share insights on audience engagement, digital platforms, and how publishers can adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape, creating fresh opportunities for both industries.

Moderator

Thierry Baujard, Co-Founder, Spielfabrique, Germany

Panel

Per Rosendal, Digital Media Producer, Savannah, Denmark; Jean Gobert de Coster, CEO and Founder, Belgium.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Spielfabrique

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

31 March, 11:15 - 12:15
ITA

Sala Preludio

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Marta Marchi, Anna Ferrante Carrante, Monica Fanicchi, Lidia Pantaleo

Organized by
IBBY Italia

31 March, 11:15 - 12:00
ITA

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
COMICS CORNER

In 1975 Altan published the first story featuring his famous red-dotted dog: 50 years later, cartoonists come together to celebrate the birthday of one of the most beloved Italian comics characters.

Moderator

Emilio Varrà, Hamelin

Panel

Altan, cartoonist; Maicol & Mirco, cartoonist; Noemi Vola, cartoonist and illustrator; Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator.

Organized by

Hamelin

In cooperation with

Franco Cosimo Panini Editore

In the framework of

Comics Corner

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, 11:30 - 13:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

During the workshop we will explore some examples of pop-up books and learn how to fill the prototypes with our own images to be able to transform our drawings into three-dimensional pages.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Char-Lee Mito, illustrator.

Organized by

Euskal Irudigileak

In cooperation with

Etxepare Institutua

With the support of

Gobierno Vasco

31 March, 11:30 - 12:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Through digital media, children and young adults experience new forms of reading and storytelling, within complex narrative worlds where books are joined by movies and TV series, webcomics and webnovels, podcasts and audiobooks, immersive and interactive stories. Now in its 5th edition, the BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia Award explores these new forms of storytelling, selecting the best cross-media projects and the most effective screen reading experiences for children and teenagers.

Moderator

Roberta Franceschetti, Co-Founder, Mamamò

Panel

Liviu Bărbulescu, Graphic Designer, DCB – Rumänische Diaspora Initiative e.V.; Pamela Izebel Garduño Cruz, Innovation Hub Manager, Santillana; Laura Henderson, Head of Program, Frontiers for Young Minds; Woo Hyun-ok, DreamingKite Corp. (BookGorae); Stéphanie Simonin, Sales and Marketing Director, Bayard Jeunesse; Jessica Tarrant, Content Director, Yoto; Warren Buckleitner, editor, Children’s Technology Review.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Mamamò

31 March, 11:30 - 12:20
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

AIE provides a deepdive into the Italian general book market, with an additional focus on the children's book market.

Panel

Bruno Giancarli, AIE Research Department.

Organized by

AIE - Associazione Italiana Editori

In cooperation with

BolognaBookPlus

With the support of

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

 

31 March, 11:30 - 12:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Literary Agents are at the core of the industry, yet it is not clear how to become one, nor the full range of activities that agents can carrry out. Hear more about the role of the agent, and some tips on getting started.

Panel

Louise Lamont, LBA Agency UK; Jane Acton, Agent; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 12:00 - 13:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ
The thin line between reality and the imaginary, the concrete and the abstract, wakefulness and dreaming, the present and the memory is the hallmark of Yorick Goldewijk's writing, already present in Movies showing nowhere translated by Valentina Freschi for Gallucci. In his new novel, A Thousand and I, Goldewijk confirms his ability to skilfully tell stories that expand the boundaries of understanding and at the same time open windows on universal, ethical and human themes, even to a very young audience.

Moderator

Samanta K. Milton Knowles

Panel

Yorick Goldewijk, author; Valentina Freschi, translator.

Organized by

the Dutch Literature Foundation as part of the campaign La scoperta dell’Olanda

31 March, 12:00 - 12:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 12:00 - 12:30
ITA

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY
Presentazione del libro Oggi la parola è meraviglia di Chiara Carminati, Vittoria Facchini, Bernard Friot, Susie Morgenstern (Pension Lepic, 2025).

Moderator

Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Chiara Carminati, autrice; Vittoria Facchini, illustratrice; David Tolin, editore, Pension Lepic.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

31 March, 12:00 - 12:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
Come il patrimonio orale e la grande tradizione fiabesca, possono trovare il loro spazio ai nostri giorni. L'osteria dello Spessart, Il nano nasone e Il cuore freddo: la sottile attrazione della paura e il gusto del perturbante in una raccolta di racconti del prodigioso affabulatore Wilhelm Hauff, a 200 anni dalla loro prima pubblicazione.

Moderator

Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani

Panel

Tanja e Daniele Fior, Locomoctavia Audiolibri; Christina Hasenau, Direttrice del Centro Informazioni e Redazione online / Coordinamento del settore per le sedi in Italia del Goethe Institut.

Organized by

Locomoctavia Audiolibri, Goethe Institut Italia

31 March, 12:00 - 12:40
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Companies that embed sustainability into their operations consistently outperform competitors in revenue growth and brand equity. As the leading voice in sustainability within the brand and licensing industry, Products of Change is bringing this conversation to the forefront. In an exclusive discussion with Studio 100, Smiley and Tulipop, we explore how sustainability is shaping the future of brands, driving innovation, and creating long-term business success. Join us as we unpack the strategies that are making sustainability a commercial advantage while delivering positive environmental impact.

Moderator

Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO, Products of Change, UK

Panel

Joachim Knödler, Head of Licensing, Studio 100 International, Germany; Helga Árnadóttir, Co-Founder and CEO, Tulipop, Iceland; Valerio Costabile, Vice President Brand Collaborations, Smiley Company, UK.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Products of Change

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

31 March, 12:00 - 13:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

31 March, 12:15 - 13:15
ITA

Sala Preludio

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
William Grandi (UniBO), Anna Ascenzi (UniMC) e Milena Bernardi (UniBO)

Panel
Sabrina Fava (UniCatt), Giorgia Grilli (UniBO), Marnie Campagnaro (UniPD), Cristina Gumirato (UniCatt)

Organized by
IBBY Italia

In cooperation with
Gruppo di Letteratura per l'infanzia di Siped (Società Italiana di Pedagogia)

31 March, 12:15 - 13:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Illustration is more than just talent, it’s also business. Learn key strategies for branding, working with an agent and understanding AI’s impact to build a sustainable career and thrive in today’s evolving industry.

Panel

Anna Goodson, Founder and Creative Curator, Anna Goodson Illustration Agency.

31 March, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Meeting with the Jury & Prize giving Ceremony of the "Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration 2025" exhibition, that showcases the best contemporary Chinese illustrators selected each year by a different Jury of leading Chinese and international experts, to present them to the international publishing community at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The exhibition 2025 (HALL 30, B46-C33) and the catalogue feature the 19 artists selected by the Jury, including the winner.

Panel

Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Sara Wang, CEO, Sìdee Cultural Communication; Ao Ran, Deputy Executive Director, China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association (China); Cathy Olmedillas, Founder and creative director of Studio Anorak, publisher of the magazines Happy Mags for Kids Anorak Magazine, DOT and the new CHEW (Spain); Li Jianping, Dean of the School of Animation at the Beijing Film Academy, Vice-Director of the Committee for the Teaching of Animation and Digital Media at the Ministry of Education, Secretary General of the Animation Art Committee of the Chinese Artists Association and Vice-President of the China Children’s Film Association (China); Long Niannan, Senior art teacher at the China National Children’s Center, expert in art education for children and painter (China); Marcella Terrusi, Researcher and lecturer in the field of childhood culture, history of children’s literature and international children’s publishing, University of Bologna (Italy); Mireia Trius, Co-founder, Zahorí Books (Spain); Tan Fengxia, Professor of children’s literature, School of Literature at Nanjing Normal University (China).

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair, China South Publishing & MediaGroup, Sìdee Cultural Communication

In cooperation with

China Publishers

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, 12:30 - 13:20
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ
Uno sguardo alla produzione editoriale dell'anno: le scelte della Giuria del "Premio Andersen - il mondo dell'infanzia", aspettando la proclamazione dei vincitori sabato 24 maggio a Genova.

Organized by

Andersen - La rivista e il premio dei libri per ragazzi

31 March, 12:30 - 13:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

In una società in continua evoluzione, conoscere e recuperare le tradizioni diventa un'opportunità e una necessità, sia per i bambini sia per gli adulti.

Organized by

Tomolo EdiGio’ Edizioni

31 March, 12:30 - 13:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Nielsen BookData provides an overview of the English Language market globally, with an additional discussion in Italy.

Panel

Andre Breedt, Managing Director, Nielsen BookData.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 12:50 - 13:20
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

In today's entertainment landscape, the interaction among books, toys, and licensing has never been more dynamic. As streaming platforms propel characters to global stardom and nostalgia-driven brands make powerful comebacks, the opportunities—and challenges—for publishers, toy companies, and licensors are rapidly evolving. This panel brings together industry experts to explore the creative and commercial forces shaping the future of licensed products. How do book franchises successfully extend into the playroom? What role does sustainability play in the next generation of licensed goods? And how can licensors balance brand integrity with market demands? Don't miss this chance to gain insights, network with industry leaders, and discover what's next at the intersection of storytelling and play.

Moderator

Astrid Specht, Editor in Chief, TOYS & 1st Steps magazine, Germany

Panel

Gaby Dior, Head of EMEA Licensing, BBC Studios, UK; Kirstin Kreppel, Head of Entertainment & Licensing, KOSMOS, Germany.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

TOYS

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

31 March, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 13:00 - 13:50
ENG

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
AWARDS & CONTESTS
Opera Prima winner: 빨간 사과가 먹고 싶다면 (If You Want to Eat a Red Apple), Finger Publishing, South Korea, 2024. Text by Jin Joo, Illustrations by Ga Hee Lee. Toddler winner: Le coq polyglotte (The Multilingual Cockerel), Hélium, France 2024. Text and Illustrations di Marie Darme-Rizzo.

Moderator

Francesca Mignemi, Children Literature independent researcher.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

31 March, 13:00 - 13:30
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Book presentation The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho, Kate Milner (Otter-Barry Books, 2022); Theo & Teseo nel labirinto by Joseph Coelho, translated by Sara Ragusa and Alessandra Valtieri (Terre di Mezzo, 2025).

Moderator

Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Caterina Favaretto, rights and co-editions, Otter-Barry Books; Janetta Otter-Barry, publisher, Otter-Barry Books; Sara Ragusa, translator; Alessandra Valtieri, translator.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

31 March, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 13:00 - 14:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ
Writers with a keen sense of words and meanings might also have a unique talent for literary translation. This process might not only open up new creative horizons but also enrich the author's own style and the native literary tradition. During the panel, the well-known authors will share their experiences in translation and show it as a fascinating act of creative writing. They will discuss the phenomenon of combining two professions, its challenges and discoveries, and what it adds to the book on its way to the reader.

Moderator

Yuliia Kozlovets, Director, International Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv, Ukraine

Panel

Lawrence Shimel, author & translator, USA/Spain; Kateryna Mikhalitsyna, author, translator and poet, Ukraine; Edward van de Vendel, author, translator and teacher, The Netherlands

Organized by

International Book Arsenal Festival Kyiv

31 March, 13:15 - 14:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

How to start a career in illustration, catch an agent’s eye, understand what sells and sustain a career in children’s book publishing. Q&A will follow.

Moderator

Sarah Baker, Executive Director, SCBWI - Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Panel

Kirsten Hall, Founder and Owner, Catbird; Laurent Linn, Art Director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Netta Rabin, Publisher of Children’s Books, Phaidon Press; TeMika Grooms, Illustration & Design Manager, SCBWI - Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Organized by

SCBWI - Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators

31 March, 13:30 - 14:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Are there differences in writing for boys or girls? Do boys read less? What must stories be like to attract young male readers?

Moderator

Stefan Boonen, writer

Panel

Ilmar Tomusk, writer; Anti Saar, writer; Charalambos Demetriou, reading promoter, teacher, IBBY Executive Committee member in Cyprus.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

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, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 13:30 - 14:15
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

The AI revolution is accelerating the already fragile balance between publishers and authors. In order to react, we must be aware of the current challenges and try to anticipate what will come next.

Moderator

Anna Karina Birkenstock, illustrator and President, IO - Illustratoren Organization Germany and EIF

Panel

Nurgül Şenefe, Social Entrepreneur, Founding President of the Illustrators Platform, Founding Managing Director iP Academy, EIF Board of Directors Member; Francesco Archidiacono, comics artist, Co-Founder MeFu and proposer, EGAIR; Elisabeth Perez Fernandez, illustrator, President, FADIP Spain and Board member EIF.

Organized by

EIF - European Illustrators Forum

In cooperation with

Euskal Irudigileak, MeFu, EGAIR

With the support of

AGPI - Asociación Galega de Profesionais da Ilustración, AI - Associazione Autori di Immagini, AOI - Association of Illustrators, APIC - Associació Professional d'il·lustradors de Catalunya, APIM - Asociación Profesional de Ilustradores de Madrid, APIV - Associació de Professionals de la Il·lustració Valenciana, ASIL - Asociacia Ilustratorov, BNO - Association of Dutch Designers, Clubul Ilustratorilor Romania, GRAFILL - Norwegian Association for Visual Communication, GRAFIA - Association of Visual Communication Designers Finland, Illustrators Ireland, Illustria Austria, Illustrators Platform Turkiye, IO Illustratoren Organisation Germany, Kuvittajat - Finnish Illustration Association, Svenska Tecknare Sweden, Tegnerforbundet af 1919 Denmark, Tegnerforbundet - Norwegian Drawing Association, Illustratörcentrum Sweden

In the framework of

A combined action by EIF member associations to raise awareness on professional issues including the impact and consequences of new AI technologies

31 March, 13:30 - 14:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

This seminar will focus on the current trend of the 'book as object,' exploring how books have become collectors' items in an increasingly digital world. The discussion will include debates on the characteristics of a great physical book and a great ebook, how both formats can coexist, and how to optimize a list across all formats.

Moderator

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus

Panel

Joanna Reynolds, CEO, The Folio Society; Nadim Sadek, Founder and CEO, Shimmr AI; Victoria Sutherland, Founder and publisher, Foreword Magazine.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 13:30 - 14:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 13:30 - 14:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 13:30 - 14:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 13:30 - 14:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Sarah Arbuthnot, Chief Commercial Officer, Supadu.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 13:30 - 14:00
ENG

HALL 30, B46-C33

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair/BolognaFiere, China South Publishing & MediaGroup, Sìdee Cultural Communication

In cooperation with

China Publishers

31 March, 13:30 - 14:15
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

The Folio Society will discuss the 2025 Folio Book Illustration Awards.

Moderator

Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer and Associate Professor of Illustration at Parsons School of Design

Panel

Tom Walker, Publishing Director, The Folio Society; Zach Rock, previous winner; Sophia Schoepfer, editor, The Folio Society.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Maria Polita

31 March, 14:00 - 16:00
ENG

Sala Notturno

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

This meet-up is a networking event which will provide opportunities to raise questions, challenges and solutions when it comes to image descriptions in publications.

After the walk-in with drinks and a snack and a short introduction, participants can choose between two thematic tables led by accessibility experts: 'Images and AI' and 'Image descriptions and publishing accessible e-books'.

Organized by
APACE, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

In cooperation with
Fondazione LIA

31 March, 14:00 - 14:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

I librai dell'Associazione librerie indipendenti per ragazzi (ALIR) hanno letto, si sono confrontati e hanno selezionato i titoli che, nel panorama dell'editoria infantile, meritano un riconoscimento per la loro qualità.

Organized by

ALIR - Associazione Librerie Indipendenti per Ragazzi

31 March, 14:00 - 14:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Suite

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Irene Greco, ideatrice del progetto Leggimiprima e formatrice

Panel
Anna Cascone - psicologa e formatrice, è esperta di psicologia positiva e dell'invecchiamento. Valentina Mossa - psicologa e psicoterapeuta specializzata nel trattamento dei traumi e nel victim support. Si dedica allo storytelling e alla libroterapia, anche illustrata. Maria Sole Pipino - psicoterapeuta familiare e psicologa perinatale, lavora con le famiglie e la maternità nelle diverse fasi del ciclo di vita.

Organized by
Kite Edizioni

In cooperation with
Autori in città - Festival d'illustrazione e narrazione

31 March, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Ouverture

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Modera: Samuele Cafasso (Giornale della Libreria)

Panel
Fabio Del Giudice (Direttore AIE-Associazione Italiana Editori); Carlo Gallucci (Gallucci Editore); Miriam Giovanzana (Terre di Mezzo); Nicoletta Gramantieri (Biblioteca Sala Borsa); Giovanni Peresson (Ufficio studi AIE-Associazione Italiana Editori)

Organized by
AIE – Associazione Italiana Editori

31 March, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Maurizio Caminito

Panel
Simone Piccinini (Progetto Xanadu dell’Associazione Hamelin) Lucia Tringali (Casa Gavoglio) Catia Cavatorti (Cooperativa Re.Search, Laboratori Bibliosociali) Antonella Fallerini, Valentina Rovacchi e Elisabetta Tamburini (La Sapienza Università di Roma) Ludovica Azzali (Radioimmaginaria)

Organized by
Forum del libro - ETS

In cooperation with
Associazione Hamelin, Casa Gavoglio, Cooperativa Re.Search, La Sapienza Università di Roma, Radioimmaginaria

31 March, 14:00 - 16:00
ENG

Sala Allegretto

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

We are pleased to invite you to the presentation of

LET’S RETRACE THE SILK ROADS – a co-production in cooperation with UNESCO Publishing

 

The Silk Roads encompass some of the most complex and fascinating systems in the history of world civilizations. A shifting network of roads and pathways for trade that evolved over centuries, it enabled the exchange of cargo such as silk, spices, gems, furs, but also shared art, religion and technology. It is also one of the first cultural ‘corridors’ worldwide, embodying the principles of cultural diversity, heritage and peaceful cooperation that are fostered by both UNESCO and the World Heritage Convention.
Step By Step enabled to create a beautiful children series explaining the importance of the Silk Roads with the most authoritative experts on this topic.

 

Moderator
Cinzia Seccamani

Panel
Mehrdad Shabahang, Head of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme Tara Golkar, Programme Officer of the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme Cristina Puerta, Head of UNESCO Publications Cinzia Seccamani, Step By Step Int. Publishing, Int. Sales Director Fred Fan, AF Times Group, General Director Zhong Mei Chen, Step By Step Int. Publishing, Chief Editor Rosa Tiziana Bruno, Author Domenico Russo, Illustrator

Organized by
Step by Step International Publishing Ltd

In cooperation with
UNESCO Publishing

31 March, 14:00 - 14:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
The PUCIO brand and its complementary merchandising products have conquered Polish-speaking children’s homes. The books are available in 8 different countries and the soon to be released animated series is ready to be discovered by the European market. Meant for preschool kids, the book and animated series follow Pucio as he explores his environment with his parents, sister Misia, brother Bobo, grandma, grandpa and aunt Iga. The stories reflect on adventures every child encounters. Thus Pucio will become familiar with farm sounds, learn to segregate trash, set off on his first journey, conduct kitchen experiments and even find out how storms develop. Children will learn how to express themselves and to speak about their encounters. Every episodic topic will allow children to participate in Pucio’s adventures alongside his family in a unique interactive way. Following the original mission of the books, Pucio will encourage viewers to join him in speech therapy exercises, learning new words and repeating them together. The child's identification with these everyday situations and the beautiful warm-colored illustrations are not the only parts of the success. IP owner, Marta Galewska-Kustra and producer, Paulina Talarska, of EGoFILM, will talk about their individual approach from book to screen and towards a huge visible merchandising strategy in Poland. An opportunity that the PUCIO brand might offer also at the European level.

Moderator

Viola Gabrielli, Media Consultant & Head of Programme, Young Horizons Industry, Poland

Panel

Marta Galewska-Kustra, IP Owner, speech therapist, creativity educator and writer, Poland; Paulina Talarska, producer, EGoFILM, Poland.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Young Horizons Industry

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

31 March, 14:00 - 15:30
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

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.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Allegra Agliardi, illustrator; Harold Canizales, illustrator.

In cooperation with

Institut d'Estudis Baleàrics

31 March, 14:00 - 15:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

A showcase of Italian childrens’ books to be translated, aimed at publishers and literary translators working from Italian

Panel

Leah Janeczko, translator; Anna Mioni, translator and literary agent.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

31 March, 14:00 - 15:00
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Alice Bigli

Panel
Andrea Bouchard e Alice Bigli

Organized by
Salani Editore

31 March, 14:15 - 15:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Society of Illustrators' rich history and impactful work, along with insights into the esteemed Original Art Show, which celebrates the best in U.S.-published children’s book illustration each year. Learn about its history, application process, selection criteria, meet the 2024 OA Gold Medal Winner and OA in-show award winning author and illustrators.

Panel

Arabelle Liepold, Executive Director, Society of Illustrators; Steve Compton, Director of Exhibitions & Collections, Society of Illustrators; Clare Pernice, Children’s Programs Consultant, Society of Illustrators; Laurent Linn, The Original Art Artistic Advisor, past OA Jury Chair; Beatrice Alemagna, award winning author and illustrator, Original Art Gold Medalist 2024; Sergio Ruzzier, award winning author and illustrator, multi-in show illustrator, past OA juror; Ed Vere, award winning author and illustrator, multi-in show illustrator.

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

31 March, 14:25 - 15:10
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
And then there was a line. Or was it light and shadow? Imagination is the power for creation, but also skills are very important. And what about ‘style’? Is style something that comes little by little or do you have to search for it? And how an illustrator finds his own method to create pictures?

Panel

Gerda Dendooven, illustrator.

Organized by

Camelozampa

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, 14:30 - 15:50
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The 2025 IBBY Press Conference will showcase IBBY’s latest initiatives and key events. Highlights include the presentation of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award candidates,  the celebration of International Children’s Book Day 2025, the launch of the 2025 Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, the presentation of a new IBBY-UNESCO project, and news about our next World Congress and Regional Conferences, in addition to the presentation of the Jella Lepman medal to Patricia Aldana.

Panel

Basarat Kazim, President, IBBY; Carolina Ballester, Executive Director, IBBY; Marloes Robijn, President, IBBY Netherlands; Leigh Turina, Project Leader, Toronto Public Library; Cristina Puerta, Head, UNESCO Publishing; Josiane Polidori, 2nd Vice President, IBBY Canada; Tucker Stone, Past President, USBBY, Valerie Coghlan, President, Bookbird Inc.; Shereen Kreidieh, President, 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury.

Organized by

IBBY - International Board on Books for Young People

31 March, 14:30 - 15:30
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Alice Debianchi, Ufficio Stampa Edizioni EL / Einaudi Ragazzi / Emme Edizioni

Panel
Nicoletta Bortolotti, Marco M., Davide Mattiello, Paola Predicatori e Fabrizio Silei

Organized by
Edizioni EL / Einaudi Ragazzi / Emme Edizioni

31 March, 14:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 14:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 14:30 - 15:20
ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
Presentation of the finalists of the 2025 Silent Book Contest - Gianni De Conno Award, the first international competition dedicated to the wordless book, this year in its 12th edition.

Moderator

Patrizia Zerbi, publisher and Editorial Director, Carthusia Edizioni

Panel

Patrizia Zerbi, publisher and Editorial Director, Carthusia Edizioni; Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Walter Fochesato, President of the Jury and expert in the history of children's literature; Emanuela Bussolati, illustrator; Eros Miari, consultant, Turin Book Fair; Chiara Bidoli, Editor-in-Chief, Corriere della Sera; Sara Wang, CEO, Niu Niu Culture Limited; Sonja Riva, journalist, Swiss radio and television; Lorena De Vita, Head of the Culture sector, BPER Banca.

Organized by

Carthusia Edizioni

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair, Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino, Comune di Mulazzo

With the support of

BPER Banca

31 March, 14:30 - 15:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Margaret Harrison, VP Digital Services at Ingram Content Group, shares new research into what slows down sales of film and TV rights, what buyers want, and why Ingram is launching Media Scout, a book to screen rights information service.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 14:40 - 15:20
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Why Taiwan? With its vibrant and diverse culture, Taiwan fosters an environment that encourages and empowers content creators to develop market-driven content. Moreover, its long-standing technological strength and creative talents have provided exceptional business prospects in audiovisual, digital content, publishing, licensing, and more. This allows for flexible cross-disciplinary collaborations with international partners.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Theodore Huang, Senior Manager, Publishing and Licensing Team, Taiwan Creative Content Agency, Taiwan; Alice Lee, Project Manager, Sunthingood Co., Ltd., Taiwan; Jeannie Yong, Business Development Dept. Manager, Jimmy S.P.A. Plus Co., Ltd., Taiwan; Yu Shih, Project Manager, Dreamland Image Co.,Ltd, Taiwan.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA)

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
What are the difficulties in translating from a language spoken by relatively few people? What is the X-factor that a book must have to be noticed?

Moderator

Stephanie Barrouillet – Foreign Rights Agent S.B. Rights Agency (Israel)

Panel

Alīse Nīgale, Publisher from Liels uns mazs (Latvia); Federico Appel, editor from Sinnos (Italy); Triinu Laan, writer (Estonia); Adéla Procházková, publisher from Cesta Domu (Czech Republic); Jennifer Alise Drew, publisher from Restless Books (USA).

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

31 March, 15:00 - 15:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 15:00 - 15:50
ENG

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Sustainability Special Category winner: Art is a Voice, Art1st Enterprises, India, 2024. Text and Illustations by Kripa. Non-Fiction winner: Per mille camicette al giorno, Orecchio Acerbo, Italy, 2024. Text by Serena Ballista, Illustrations by Sonia Maria Luce Possentini.

Moderator

Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Valentina De Poli

Panel
Gianluca Caporaso, Janna Carioli, Valentina De Poli.

Organized by
Salani Editore, Lettori si diventa

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
Book a session with leading lady in the industry.

Organized by

PublisHer

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 15:00 - 16:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
Elevate your professional photo and have your headshot taken by a professional photographer.

Organized by

PublisHer

31 March, 15:00 - 15:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Delve into the Original Art Exhibition, gaining exclusive insights into the 2024 medal winners and their acclaimed works.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

31 March, 15:15 - 16:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
What are the roots of Ukrainian illustration, and how has it evolved over time? Panelists will discuss the history of Ukrainian illustration and how it continues to inspire the current generation of illustrators.

Moderator

Yuliia Kozlovets, Director, International Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv, Ukraine

Panel

Oleg Gryshchenko, painter, illustrator, Co-Founder, Pictoric Illustrators Club, Kyiv, Ukraine; Anna Sarvira, illustrator, curator, Co-Founder Pictoric Illustrators Club, Cologne, Germany; Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, award-winning book authors, illustrators, graphic designers known as Art Studio Agrafka, Lviv, Ukraine.

Organized by

International Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv

31 March, 15:20 - 16:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Gain a better understanding of color through discovering your personal color palette, which can help improve your craft, make your images more cohesive, and establish your visual voice and style.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Dr. Elizabeth "e" Dulemba, Director of Graduate Programs in Children’s Literature & Illustration, Hollins University.

Organized by

Hollins University

31 March, 15:30 - 16:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Are you a publisher or part of an organisation in the book and publishing sector? The Creative Europe programme offers dedicated funding to support your work. Its mission is to enhance the translation, circulation and linguistic diversity of literary works across Europe and beyond, expand audiences for European literature, and boost the sector’s competitiveness through cooperation and networking between organisations in Europe.

Panel

Arnaud Pasquali, European Commission, Directorate-General Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.

Organized by

European Commission (DG Education and Culture), Creative Europe Desks Italy, Portugal, Slovenia

31 March, 15:30 - 16:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organized by

China Publishers

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

31 March, 15:30 - 16:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Nel panorama editoriale attuale, il digitale non è un nemico, ma un alleato strategico per gli editori. PRIMIVERSI, piattaforma innovativa basata sulla tecnologia OLHOS, offre un ecosistema digitale avanzato per la distribuzione di contenuti destinati ai bambini da 0 a 12 anni. Grazie alla combinazione di multimedialità, gestione autonoma della distribuzione e coinvolgimento diretto dei lettori, PRIMIVERSI permette agli editori di mantenere il controllo sui propri contenuti e di ampliare il proprio pubblico senza dipendere da grandi piattaforme centralizzate.

Organized by

Weiji Lab

31 March, 15:30 - 16:00
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
What are the tools to understand today's consumer? Why is Fandom the new key trend, and what exactly does it mean? How is it the definitive approach to creating a loyal relationship with your brand's target audience? In this panel, we discuss the role and importance of Fandom in the brand-building process and we will discover why it is more than ever a definitive trend for the content and licensing industry.

Panel

Olivia Deane, Research Manager, Ampere Analysis, UK

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

Under the auspices of

 

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, 15:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 15:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

31 March, 15:30 - 16:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 16:00 - 16:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 16:00 - 16:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 16:00 - 17:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Panel

Rita Tura, Latvian Literature, International Writers and Translators House (Latvia); Toma Gudelyte, translator and scout (Lithuania); Daniele Monticelli, translator and university lecturer (Estonia)

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

31 March, 16:00 - 18:00
ITA

Sala Suite

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Valentina Mai - Direttrice Editoriale Kite Edizioni

Panel
Raul Nieto Guridi - autore e illustratore

Organized by
Kite Edizioni

In cooperation with
Autori in città - Festival d'illustrazione e narrazione

31 March, 16:00 - 16:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

COMICS CORNER
THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Organized by

Franco Cosimo Panini Editore

In the framework of

 Comics Corner

31 March, 16:00 - 17:00
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Portfolio Review with Francesca Zucchi, Art Director of Junior Poetry Magazine.

Panel

Francesca Zucchi, art director, Junior Poetry Magazine

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

31 March, 16:00 - 17:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 16:00 - 17:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Moderator

Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Publishing Perspectives

Panel

Rachel Martin, Global Director Sustainability, Elsevier; Leonardo Aldegheri, President, Grafiche AZ; Anne Bergman Tahon, Director, Federation of European Publishers; Mary E. Glenn, Chief, Sales and Marketing Section UN Publications, Department of Global Communications United Nations; Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder and CEO, Products of Change; Iroo Joo, Korean Publishers Association; Gvantsa Jobava, International Publishers Association; Nicolas Roche, BIEF - Bureau international de l'Edition francaise.

 

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair, BolognaBookPlus, Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

United Nations Publications

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, 16:15 - 18:15
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS
All fairy tales aim to prepare children for life today. “With which fairy tales do we prepare our children for life today?”

Panel
Birsen Ekim Ozen

Organized by
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkiye

31 March, 16:15 - 17:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
An overview of Chris Haughton's picture book work and a preview of his new book "The History of Information" (DK Children): a history of graphics told through graphics.

Panel

Chris Haughton, designer, illustrator and children's book author, juror Illustrators Exhibition 2025.

31 March, 16:30 - 17:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
AWARDS & CONTESTS
Don't miss the award ceremony for the best children's and youth-oriented licensing projects and products developed during 2024, the well-known Bologna Licensing Awards. The award ceremony will be followed by a cocktail reception open to all participants.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

 

Under the auspices of

 

31 March, 16:30 - 17:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Itabashi Art Museum Director Kiyoko Matsuoka and Art Director Masahiro Kakinohara will present the SDG SUGOROKU, an educational game created in collaboration with an artist from Itabashi, Picture Book City. Following this, there will be a presentation of Japanese SDG picture books selected by the city of Itabashi.

Panel

Kiyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum; Masahiro Kakinokihara, Art Director; Ayami Moriizumi, researcher.

Organized by

Itabashi Art Museum and the City of Itabashi, Tokyo

31 March, 16:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 16:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

31 March, 16:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
31 March, 16:30 - 17:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Design is at the heart of this seminar. It will discuss the enduring success of physical books, against the backdrop of this digital age, how books are collectable items. What makes a book beautiful? What is good design - is it objective or are there generally accepted standards?

Moderator

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPLus

Panel

Tom Walker, Publishing Director, The Folio Society; Sara Saorin, Co-Founder, Camelozampa; Christopher Maclehose, Open Borders Press.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 16:30 - 17:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

As books get transformed dramatically from printed pages to diverse formats, small to mid-sized publishers in niche markets with limited populations face unique challenges that require reinventing their business strategies to remain competitive. ThinkPub.eu, a European project and think tank, provides vital learning resources to increase vital competencies for publishers.

 

Moderator
Rüdiger Wischenbart, Content and Consulting

Panel

Carlo Carrenho, Alpine Global Collective; Sonia Draga, Federation of European Publishers, Sonia Draga Grupa Wydawnicza; Alma Čaušević Klemenčič, Beletrina Digital; Marko Hercog, Beletrina. 

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

31 March, 16:30 - 18:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

A lot of stories begin with a problem to solve or an unexpected event to deal with. Sometimes, we forget that even the most imaginative scenario has its own logic and that we have to think as a designer, more than as an illustrator. If you know how to draw something, but you have troubles coming up with ideas for a real story, you have to test yourself with this creative marathon starting from the books “Il genio della musica” and “Le regine litigiose” with two surprising authors and illustrators. We will test together some creative exercises, drawing characters and finding inspiration from daily things and storytelling strategies.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Marianna Balducci, author and illustrator; Sergio Olivotti, author and illustrator.

Organized by

Edizioni Clichy

31 March, 17:00 - 18:15
ENG

Estonian GoH Area

Services Centre

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

31 March, 17:00 - 17:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
31 March, 17:00 - 17:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Fra le migliaia di libri che gli editori di tutto il mondo inviano per partecipare al BolognaRagazzi Awards emergono dei nuovi protagonisti: i sassi. É nato così un progetto di mostra-laboratorio itinerante a loro dedicato che inaugurerà a Napoli, in occasione di Campania Libri, a ottobre prossimo.

Panel

Nicoletta Del Giudice, Il Gatto Verde; Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier; Alessandra Valtieri, traduttrice.

Organized by

Accademia Drosselmeier, Children’s Book Publishing Naples Academy

31 March, 17:00 - 18:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

31 March, 17:10 - 18:10

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Organized by

The Ukrainian Book Institute, FEP - Federation of European Publishers

31 March, 17:15 - 18:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Games activate creative paths that are expressed and amplified through the languages of illustration and comics, while integrating experience, vision and storytelling.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Consultant, Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

Panel

Irene Guerrieri, architect and toy designer, Design for kids; Andrea Ligabue, Art Director, Play The Games Festival; Stefano Ascari, comics scriptwriter and Creative Director.

In cooperation with

Play - Festival del Gioco

31 March, 17:30 - 18:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Panel

Jeff Kinney, author and cartoonist; Davide Calì, author, illustrator and cartoonist.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Abrams Books

31 March, 17:30 - 18:15
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

A pochi giorni dalla sua morte, ricordiamo un'artista che, insieme al compagno Francesco Testa, ha segnato la storia della cultura per l'infanzia attraverso una instancabile sperimentazione tra linguaggi (il fumetto, il libro illustrato e l'animazione) e l'invenzione di personaggi indimenticabili come Giovanna e il drago Tommasone. La ricordano studiosi, autrici e autori che ne hanno incrociato il percorso artistico e di vita. L'incontro è aperto da un saluto in video di Francesco Testa.

Moderator
Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Francesco Testa, autore e illustratore; Pino Boero, autore ed esperto di letteratura per l'infanzia; Orietta Fatucci, Edizioni EL; Walter Fochesato, studioso di letteratura per l’infanzia e storia dell’illustrazione, Vicedirettore del mensile Andersen; Carlo Gallucci, Gallucci Editore; Giusi Quarenghi, autrice; Elena Toselli, Direttrice di produzione, Rai Fiction; Sara Wang, CEO, Sìdee Cultural Communication.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair, Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Hamelin

In the framework of

Comics Corner

31 March, 17:30 - 18:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organized by

IPA - International Publishers Association

01 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only.

Organized by

BLTF/Kids

01 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 09:15 - 10:00
ESP/ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

The creative process behind Isol's book Abbecedario stravagante (@logosedizioni): how to use each letter to write and illustrate a story.

Panel

Isol, author and illustrator.

Organized by

@logosedizioni

01 April, 09:30 - 09:50
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

This inaugural AI Summit offers a thorough consideration of how AI can assist publishing

Moderator

Searsha Sadek, Founder and Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI

Panel

Nadim Sadek, Founder and CEO, Shimmr AI.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 09:30 - 10:10
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Art residency in a small country’s border town: does the environment and collaboration with the local community influence the outcome of one’s creative work, and if so, to what extent?

Moderator

Anne Pikkov, Vice-Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts and Executive Board Member of Cumulus

Panel

Greta Alice, illustrator, Lithuania; Lucia Carlini, illustrator, Italy; Pamela Samel, illustrator, Estonia.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 09:30 - 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

01 April, 09:30 - 10:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 09:30 - 17:30
ITA/ENG

Sala Concerto

Services Centre - Wing D

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Argentovivo

01 April, 09:30 - 11:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Fold and cut one piece of paper to create a small book. Draw your name on the cover of the first page, then pass it for others to continue. In the end, you'll have a collaborative book!

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Liu Hsu-Kung, Illustrator.

Organized by

TAICCA-Taiwan Creative Content Agency

01 April, 09:40 - 10:20

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Discover global trends and opportunities that are shaping the future of this vibrant literary format. Gain exclusive insights from Scholastic Graphix, the renowned graphic novel imprint, and celebrate the launch of The Cartoonist Club as it makes its debut in bookstores. 

 

Moderator
Ed Nawotka, Publishers Weekly

Panel

Peter Warwick, CEO, Scholastic; Renata Gorgani, CEO and Publisher, Editrice Il Castoro.

Organized by

  Bologna Children's Book Fair

In the framework of

 Comics Corner

01 April, 09:50 - 10:05
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Chief Digital Officer, HarperCollins.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 10:00 - 10:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Come raccontare 35 anni di una casa editrice, che poi sono un nuovo punto di partenza? Con i libri, naturalmente ma anche con le voci che accompagnano questo viaggio: chi contribuisce a farli conoscere, chi scrive e illustra storie che in Sinnos hanno trovato casa, e chi queste storie le fa diventare libri.

Panel

Della Passarelli, Sinnos; autori e autrici Sinnos.

Organized by

Sinnos Editrice

01 April, 10:00 - 10:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ENG

Sala Ronda

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Come and meet with Laureate project teams from across the world to hear about how their different programmes were developed, and how you might begin a Laureate programme in your country. To RSVP or if you have any queries please contact Ruth Ni Eidhin, Project Manager at Ireland’s Laureate na nOg at info@childrenslaureate.ie.

Panel
Kristin Darrell (Project Manager, Australian Children's Laureate); Tialda Hoogeveen (Friesland Children's Laureate)

Organized by
International Laureate Network

01 April, 10:00 - 10:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
How can we maintain the integrity of classic book-based brands such as Peter Rabbit, The Snowman, Spot, Flower Fairies, and The World of Eric Carle? What strategies lie behind the successful development of a comprehensive licensing approach that allows these stories to be told beyond the page, partnering with high-quality collaborators while maintaining a strong connection to the identity of these classic properties? In this panel, we will explore Penguin Ventures' licensing strategy and learn more about staying true to book-based brands while discovering new and dynamic ways to reach audiences.

Moderator

Samantha Loveday, Group Editor, Max Publishing, UK

Panel

David Sprei, Commercial Director, Penguin Ventures, UK.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 10:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Translators on the Cover: The EU expert group on Multilingualism and Translation publishes its report. The report gives recommendations on how to reinforce the European translation sector and increase the circulation of books in Europe and beyond. It advocates for more public funding for translation projects so publishers can take on a higher number of translation projects and can fairly remunerate the translators working on them. The EU Expert Group on Multilingualism and Translation published its report on the role of translators for the cultural and creative sectors and proposed recommendations to improve the translators’ working conditions and professional developments. The report also includes recommendations on how public institutions can stimulate the translation and promotion of European books.

Moderator

Francesca Novajra, President, Ceatl

Panel

Arnaud Pasquali, Policy Officer, European Commission (DG-EAC, Creative Europe); Renate Punka, President, LGA-Latvian Publishers Association; Cécile Deniard, Atlf-Association des Traducteurs Littéraires de France, Ceatl-European Council of Associations of Literary Translators

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

CEATL

01 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

01 April, 10:05 - 10:35
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Nadim Sadek, Founder and CEO, Shimmr AI

Panel

Nancy Traversy, Barefoot Books; Tom Benjamin, author; Kelly Garner, Treefort Media.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 10:15 - 11:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Why are books created by such a small segment of the population, when voices could be given to all those who contribute to making our societies more diverse? Media Vaca aims to share the experiences gained over the past few years.

Panel

Vicente Ferrer Azcoiti, publisher, Media Vaca; Begoña Lobo, Rights Manager, Media Vaca.

Organized by

Media Vaca

With the support of

Ministerio de Cultura, Dirección General del Libro, del Cómic y de la Lectura, España

Under the auspices of

Plan de Fomento de la Lectura 2021-2024

01 April, 10:15 - 10:55
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

What are the working principles and funding models of various organizations that promote children's literature, writers as well as illustrators?

Moderator

Tuulike Kivestu, illustrator, journalist

Panel

Triin Soone, Director, Estonian Children's Literature Centre; Dr. Katja Wiebe, editor for Eastern European Children's and Youth Literature; Justinas Vancevičius, Acting Head of the Children's and Youth Literature Center, Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 10:30 - 11:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

The Southeast Asian book markets, which have been widely ignored internationally, are flourishing. There is a spirit of optimism, and the literary exchange within Asia is also gaining in importance. The Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC), organized annually by the Singapore Book Council, is no longer just a "hub to Southeast Asia," but to the entire Asian continent and evidence of the establishment of an "Asian identity" in the field of children's literature. In the past, publishing houses would complain about the difficulties of gaining a foothold in the Western book market or of meeting Western taste criteria. Today, however, presence on the Western market is no longer as relevant for many Asian publishers. In terms of content and aesthetics, an undeniable divide has emerged between Asia and Europe. The «White Ravens Panel» focuses on questions such as: how does cultural exchange within Asia succeed, what similarities facilitate it and what barriers hinder it, how has the relationship with Western book markets changed, is an equal dialogue in the field of children's literature between East and West possible, and how can translations and cultural transfer be facilitated.

Moderator

Lucia Obi, Language Specialist for Chinese Children's & YA Books, International Youth Library

Panel

Felicia Low-Jimenez, author, publisher, Difference Engine, Singapore; William Phuan, Executive Director, Singapore Book Council.

Organized by

International Youth Library Foundation

In cooperation with

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

01 April, 10:30 - 12:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Illustrate & Animate: Have you tried bringing your illustrations to life with small animations and want professional feedback? Would you like to turn your illustrations into GIFs? Are you looking for someone to help you animate your illustrations? Then, connect with your motion design partner! Unlock new creative and market opportunities—bring your illustrations to life!

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 10:30 - 11:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 10:30 - 12:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

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.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Mariana Alcántara, illustrator; Kayode Onimole, illustrator; Lychee Chai, illustrator.

01 April, 10:30 - 11:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

The coming into force of the European Accessibility Act, on 28 June 2025, represents a turning point for the publishing industry since it will significantly affect the workflows of the sector. What are the regulatory implications? What products and services will be affected and what requirements have to be met?

Organized by

Fondazione LIA

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, 10:35 - 11:05
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Searsha Sadek, Shimmr AI

Panel

Gaurav Sabharwal, Prakash Books; Raul Perez, Grupo Planeta; Sarah Arbuthnot, Supadu.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 10:40 - 11:10
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

Kings League is an innovative football competition featuring unconventional rules, celebrity team presidents, and a mix of amateur and professional players. It combines traditional football with entertainment elements, aiming to attract a younger audience through fast-paced gameplay and unique twists. In essence, the Kings League serves as a prime example of building fandom to attract audiences in an innovative way. This panel presents a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the strategies and opportunities presented by the Kings League brand. It offers insights into how sports organizations can innovate to build and expand their fanbase in today's competitive entertainment landscape.

Moderator

Samantha Loveday, Group Editor, Max Publishing, UK

Panel

Joan Domènech, Marketing Director of Spain & Italy, Kings League, Spain.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 11:00 - 12:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Panel

Cora Presezzi, Adelphi; Sergio Ruzzier, translator; Sara Saorin, Camelozampa; Giovanna Zoboli, Topipittori

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

01 April, 11:00 - 11:40
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Children’s magazines as a unique stepping stone for aspiring writers and artists. They are a child’s first reading material and an introduction to the works of various authors.

Moderator

Kairi Look, writer

Panel

Llona Martson, Chief Editor, Täheke; Muriel Rathje, Chief Editor, Gecko; Petra Novikova, Communication Manager, Raketa.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 11:00 - 12:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

01 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Con Alberto Pellai e Barbara Tamborini

Organized by
De Agostini Libri

01 April, 11:00 - 11:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 11:00 - 11:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ENG

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
AWARDS & CONTESTS
Fiction winner: بيت الحكمة (House of Wisdom), Kalimat, United Arab Emirates, 2024. Text by Bodour Al Qasimi, Illustrations by Majid Zakeri Younesi. New Horizons SPECIAL JURY PRIZE winner: Dalla finestra, Start Edizioni, Italy, 2024. Text by Laura Cattabianchi, Illustrations by Laura Cattabianchi and Patrizio Anastasi.

Moderator

Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

01 April, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

 Upon reservation only.

Organized by

  Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 11:00 - 12:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

01 April, 11:00 - 12:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 11:00 - 12:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 11:00 - 11:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Delve into the Original Art Exhibition, gaining exclusive insights into the 2024 medal winners and their acclaimed works.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

01 April, 11:05 - 11:35
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Gaurav Sabharwal, CEO, Prakash Books; Raúl Pérez, Head of Digital, Grupo Planeta; Sarah Arbuthnot, Chief Commercial Officer, Supadu; Tom Benjamin, author.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 11:15 - 13:15
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Giuseppe Bartorilla

Panel
Elisa Callegari, Anna Maria Di Giovanni, Fiamma De Salvo, Ida Triglia, Jeff Kinney, Renata Gorgani, Gabriella Marinaccio, Giuseppe Bartorilla, Silvia Cuppini, Caterina Ramonda, Marianna Balducci, Valentina Busso, Luigi Ballerini e Valentina Federici

Organized by
Commissione nazionale Biblioteche e servizi per ragazzi e ragazzi dell'Associazione italiana biblioteche

01 April, 11:15 - 13:15
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Organized by
Babalibri

01 April, 11:15 - 12:15
ITA

Sala Ronda

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Silvana Sola, Chiara Pinton

Panel
Alessandra Algostino, Prof.ssa ordinaria Diritto Costituzionale (Università di Torino), Jessica Cugini, Giornalista (Verona)

Organized by
IBBY Italia

01 April, 11:15 - 12:15
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Antonio Prudenzano

Organized by
Gruppo editoriale Mauri Spagnol

In cooperation with
IlLibraio

01 April, 11:15 - 12:00
ITA

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Incontro con la Giuria 2025 e presentazione del “Concorso LuccaJunior - 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

Panel

Paolo d’Altan, Presidente di Giuria, Concorso LuccaJunior - Premio di Illustrazione Editoriale Livio Sossi; Loredana Baldinucci, editore, Editrice Il Castoro; Daniele Bonomo (Gud), Art Director, Book on a Tree; Anna Castagnoli, autrice e critica dell'albo illustrato; Marcella Peluffo, Presidente, Autori di Immagini; Lucia Stipari, autrice del testo 2025.

Organized by

Lucca Comics & Games

In cooperation with

Book on A Tree, Editrice Il Castoro

01 April, 11:20 - 11:50
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
The Webboh-LAB's psychographic research on the Webboh community challenges the monolithic view of Gen Z, revealing a complex and diverse generation that defies simplistic categorization. Through advanced data analysis and innovative analytical methodologies, the research uncovers distinct subgroups within Gen Z, each with unique characteristics, opinions, and values. This nuanced approach, which treats variance as a key interpretive tool, provides crucial insights for businesses and public operators seeking to understand and engage with Gen Z effectively. By moving beyond stereotypes and embracing data-driven segmentation, organizations can develop targeted strategies that resonate with the multifaceted nature of this generation, ultimately leading to more meaningful connections and impactful initiatives.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Furio Camillo, Scientific Director, Webboh-LAB, Italy

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

Under the auspices of

 

01 April, 11:30 - 12:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Remember when publishers started producing wonderful, reassuring, empowering, self-esteem-building books for girls? Today, professional sociological research shows that young men need that very same support from the book industry. Many younger boys are testing almost a grade level behind girls in English and arts studies. And many young men are struggling to finish school, earn college degrees, and become the supportive, loving fathers and husbands we know they can be. Much of this comes down to self-esteem and the need to signal that masculinity does not have to be "toxic." The publishing world can help male readers with books that offer healthy career options, loving and compassionate relationships, and the means to grow into great friends, lovers, spouses, and fathers. In this special session, expert speakers will be exploring the book industry's unique opportunity to help young men face their crises, just as it has faithfully done for girls.

Moderator

Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Publishing Perspectives

Panel

Francesca Cavallo, author of Stellar Stories for Boys of the Future and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls; Michiel Kolman, Senior Vice President at Elsevier and Chair of the Inclusive Publishing and Literacy Committee at the International Publishers Association (IPA); Maria Russo, Editor at Large, Union Square Kids; Jonathan Simcosky, Quarto Books, New York, Editor of Yes, Boys Can! Inspiring Stories of Men Who Changed the World.

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, 11:30 - 12:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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, 11:30 - 12:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 11:30 - 12:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Organized by

Forestae

01 April, 11:30 - 13:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Join award-winning illustrator Loes Riphagen for a creative workshop! Learn her techniques for creating characters and backgrounds, then try illustrating with the materials she uses in her books.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Loes Riphagen, illustrator and author.

Organized by

Dutch Literature Foundation

01 April, 11:35 - 11:55
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Edward Nawotka, Senior Editor, Publishers Weekly.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 11:45 - 12:30
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Exploring the background of cooperation between an Estonian illustrator and a world-famous writer.

Moderator

Tuulike Kivestu, illustrator, journalist

Panel

Regina Lukk Toompere, illustrator; Davide Calì, writer; Valentina Mai, publisher, Kite Edizioni; Takako Totsuka-Mizuno, Green Seed Book.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 12:00 - 12:30
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

The very special poetry series by AKIARA books.

Moderator

Marina Lepore, Accademia Drosselmeier

Panel

Rachel Caiano, illustrator; Inês Castel-Branco, publisher; Anna Font, illustrator; Concha Pasamar, illustrator; Arianna Squilloni, author, publisher, A Buen Paso.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

01 April, 12:00 - 12:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

2025 marks a very special milestone for DeAPlaneta Entertainment: the 25th anniversary of the company's creation, which is part of Grupo Planeta and De Agostini. A quarter of a century of all-round leadership in the entertainment sector, during which the company has distributed Academy Award-winning films (The Pianist, The King's Speech, 12 Years a Slave) and box office hits such as Saw, The Invisible Guardian, and The Girl on the Train. The company has also produced internationally recognized children's series, such as MILO, and more recently, has explored the universe of gaming and immersive content, expanding some of its most outstanding IPs, such as Wonderpals, into interactive environments.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Antonella Ceraso, Consumer Products Director, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Spain; Gianluca Ferrara, Head of Italy and International Head of Toys, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Italy.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 12:00 - 12:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 12:00 - 12:45
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, The Illustrators Survival Corner

Panel

Steve Compton, Director of exhibitions and collections, Society of Illustrators; Eugenia Mello, Board Member and illustrator, Society of Illustrators.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Society of Illustators

01 April, 12:00 - 12:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Presentazione di una nuova collana pensata per il pubblico dei ragazzi dai 9 ai 13 anni che nasce dal desiderio di incontrare nuovi lettori, proporre nuove storie, cercare nuovi autori.

Moderator

Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani.

Panel

Antonio Manzini, scrittore; Antonio Sellerio, Direttore Editoriale, Sellerio.

Organized by

Sellerio

01 April, 12:00 - 13:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Presentation of the newly founded Calibro, a networking alliance of book creators that unites Stradelab (editorial translators), Al - Authors of Images and ICWA - Italian Children's Writers Association. An authors alliance for a healthy and sustainable publishing.

Panel

Eva Valvo, Stradelab, Gianluca Garofalo, Al - Authors of Images, Marco Dazzani, ICWA - Italian Children's Writers Association

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

01 April, 12:00 - 13:30
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Enrico Racca (direttore editoriale Libri per ragazzi del Gruppo Mondadori), Alberto Pellai (psicoterapeuta e saggista), Roberta Russo (Libraia della Libreria “Anacleto”) e Diana Ligue (insegnante). Modera Riccardo Pedicone

Organized by
Mondadori

01 April, 12:00 - 13:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Organized by

PublisHer

01 April, 12:15 - 13:00
FRA/ITA

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Illustrations for children, press cartoons, solo exhibitions, communication works, wall paintings, theater posters... Serge Bloch enjoys connecting with people, and sharing emotions through humor.

Panel

Serge Bloch, illustrator; Anselmo Roveda, journalist and writer.

Organized by

Edizioni Clichy

01 April, 12:15 - 13:15
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Valentina De Poli

Panel
Donatella Di Pientrantonio, autrice. Valentina De Poli, Giornalista.

Organized by
Salani Editore

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, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDGs can be successfully achieved if we start early. Reading promoters help children understand how our actions, both positive and negative, shape the world. What are the main challenges in the era of consumerism, AI and new technologies? And what are the key tools a reading promoter might need? Where does the book industry come into play?

Moderator

Daan Beeke, Network Manager, EURead

Panel

Rian Visser, author, Dutch Children’s Laureate, Writers for the Future; Elaina Ryan, CEO, Children's Books Ireland; Grzegorz Jankowicz, CEO, Polish Book Institute. 

Organized by

EURead

01 April, 12:30 - 13:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 12:30 - 13:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Study of philosophical thinking in Saudi curriculum is a step towards building critical minds capable of overcoming the major challenges of life. Such thinking helps them develop analytical and logical skills that enhance their ability to face their challenges in life.

Panel

Mawadda Al-Hamid

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 12:40 - 13:10
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

An extraordinary legacy that has been able to renew itself over the years, always remaining highly appealing. From Finland to the rest of the world, the characters created and illustrated by Tove Jansson live on in lifestyle, entertainment, retail activations, concept stores, and much more, making Moomin a well-known and beloved brand worldwide. In Bologna this year, it's time to celebrate them, always with an eye on their upcoming projects.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Roleff Kråkström, Managing Director, Moomin Characters Ltd, and CEO and Founding Partner, Rights & Brands, Finland.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 12:45 - 13:45
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Announcement of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2025, broadcast live from Stockholm.

Panel

Åsa Bergman, Head of Office, ALMA; Kajsa Ravin, Director General, Swedish Arts Council; Jan Björklund, Ambassador of Sweden to Italy; Katarina Eriksson Barajas, Jury member, ALMA; Per Gustafsson, Jury member, ALMA; Mårten Sandén, Jury member, ALMA.

Organized by

Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

01 April, 13:00 - 13:30
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Tom Benjamin, author; Natasha Poliszczuk, Content Director, BookBrunch.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 13:00 - 13:20
ENG

Estonian GoH Area

Services Centre

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 13:00 - 13:50
ENG

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

COMICS CORNER
THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Comics Early Reader winner: Gutenachtgeschichten für Celeste - Ein sehr gruseliges Bilderbuch (Bedtime Stories for Celeste - a Very Scary Picture Book) Carl Hanser Verlag, Germany, 2024. Text and drawings by Nikolaus Heidelbach and Ole Könnecke. Comics Middle Grade winner: Dita Dor (Dictator), Edições Assembleia da República, Portugal, 2024. Text and drawings by António Jorge Gonçalves. Comics Young Adult winner: La Trahison d’Olympe Livre 1 (The Betrayal of Olympe #1), Sarbacane, France, 2024. Text and drawings by Jean Dalin

 

Moderator
Emilio Varrà, Hamelin, professor of the Comics and Illustration Course at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna; Luca Raffaelli, journalist, screenwriter; Tanja Skale, editor of Stripburger and Co-Founder and Art Director of the Tinta International Comics Festival, Slovenia

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In the framework of

Comics Corner

01 April, 13:00 - 14:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

A profound insight into the Bulgarian translation scene: Bulgarian children’s book market, the state translation support program, the opportunities available to foreign translators and publishers.

Moderator

Elena Georgieva, Cultural Manager

Panel

Yana Genova, cultural manager and translation activist; Julia Rafailovich, Next Page Foundation

Organized by

Association for Culture and Literature

01 April, 13:00 - 13:30
ITA

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Presentazione del libro Poesie notturne di Cristina Bellemo, Flavia Ruotolo (Topipittori, 2025).

Moderator

Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Cristina Bellemo, autrice; Flavia Ruotolo, illustratrice.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

01 April, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 13:00 - 14:30
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

01 April, 13:15 - 14:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
The story of how Chialab guided illustrator Bruno De Almeida towards the creation of BCBF Visual Identity 2025. A look "behind the scenes" of the creative process and a glance to 2026.

Panel

Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair; Bruno De Almeida, illustrator, author of the BCBF Visual Identity 2025, in co-production with Chialab Design; Beppe Chia, Art Director, Chialab.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fiar

In cooperation with

Chialab Design

01 April, 13:20 - 13:50
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

For the first time, BLTF/Kids includes a small area dedicated to promoting illustrations and designs for participating licensing companies (licensees and retailers). In this panel, we showcase a selection of participating agencies to provide a brief overview of their rich offerings and to further explore the close relationship between licensing and illustration, which is more pronounced than ever in Bologna.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Exhibitors della Arts Licensing Area

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Mimaster Illustrazione

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 13:30 - 14:00

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organized by

 BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 13:30 - 14:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Glib Kaporikov, Creative Director, Projector Publishing and Mentor; Mykhailo Boychuk, Kyiv State Academy of Decorative Applied Arts and Design; Yuliia Kozlovets, Director and Coordinator, International Book Arsenal Festival; Anna Karnauh, Editor-in-Chief, Projector Publishing; Oleh Gryshchenko, artist, illustrator, co-curator of Pictoric.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 13:30 - 14:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
Between the 1950s and 1970s South America experienced a golden age of comics, with artists considered among the greatest globally, such as Alberto Breccia, Quino, Mauricio de Sousa... But what is happening today? Four publishers from different countries will discuss the current South American comics market, its new challenges and opportunities, its relationship with tradition and the emerging publishing trends to watch out for.

Moderator

Bruno Molinero, journalist, editor, Folha de S. Paulo, Brazil

Panel

Bebel Abreu, publisher, Bebel Books, Brazil; Javier Hildebrandt, publisher, Hotel de las ideas, Argentina; Juan Pablo Fajardo, Founder, Piedra Tijera Papel, Colombia.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

In the framework of

Comics Corner

01 April, 13:30 - 14:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 13:30 - 14:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 13:30 - 14:15
ITA

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Presentation of the winners of the Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest 2025, along with honorable mentions and selected artists for the traveling exhibition.

Moderator

Chiara Tomasi, Art Director, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest

Panel

Beatrice Fini, Editorial Director, Giunti Ragazzi; Francesca Tancini, President of the Jury, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest; Eleonora Cumer, Jury member, Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest.

Organized 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 2025

Under the auspices of

Comune di Riva del Garda, Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Regione Trentino Alto Adige

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, 14:00 - 14:50
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

A symbol of freedom, strength, kindness, courage, and justice. For 80 years, Pippi Longstocking has stood against injustice, inspiring positive change in the world since 1945. This event is an international celebration of Astrid Lindgren: a panel of writers, illustrators, publishers, scholars and translators will come together to pay homage.

Moderator

Nicola Gardini, scrittore

Panel

Elena Pasoli, Jan Björklund, Johan Palmberg, Beatrice Alemagna, Pierdomenico Baccalario, Alice Bigli, Moa Brunnberg, Laura Cangemi, Kitty Crowther, Donatella Di Pietrantonio, Martina Forti, Nicola Galli Laforest, Grazia Gotti, Vivian Lamarque, Emilia Lodigiani, Isol, Leonard Marcus, Mariagrazia Mazzitelli, Samanta K. Milton Knowles, Bart Moeyaert, Barbara Schiaffino, Marcella Terrusi, Simona Vinci.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Salani Editore

01 April, 14:00 - 14:30
ITA

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Presentazione del libro Come d’estate il temporale di Carlo Marconi, Serena Viola (Lapis, 2024).

Moderator

Marta Marchi, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Carlo Marconi, autore.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

01 April, 14:00 - 14:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Ronda

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Federica Sala

Panel
Melania Longo, Maria Polita

01 April, 14:00 - 15:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Panel

Federico Taibi, translator; Alessandra Valtieri, translator

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

In cooperation with

 Fondazione Bellonci

01 April, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Fabrizio Silei dialoga con Luigi Ballerini 

Panel
Fabrizio Silei dialoga con Luigi Ballerini 

Organized by
Edizioni San Paolo srl

01 April, 14:00 - 14:45
ITA

Sala Allegretto

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Simona Malfatti, Ilaria Bernecich, Romina Ramazzotti.

Organized by
Erickson

01 April, 14:00 - 14:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Strategie per la valorizzazione delle librerie indipendenti come presidio culturale.

Panel

Giuseppe Lotti, Professore ordinario, Presidente Corso di laurea in Design, Presidente Scuola di Architettura dell’Università Statale di Firenze; Elisa Matteucci, ricercatrice Università degli Studi di Firenze; Della Passarelli, Vice Presidente ADEI; Fortuna Nappi, Presidente ALIR.

Organized by

ALIR - Associazione Librerie Indipendenti per Ragazzi, Dipartimento di Architettura dell'Università di Firenze

01 April, 14:00 - 15:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

In cooperation with

Institut d'Estudis Baleàrics

01 April, 14:00 - 15:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Silvia Cuppini

Panel
Laura Ballestra, Stefania Manenti, Giorgio Tamburlini, Angela Dal Gobbo, Nives Benati e Paolo Tinti

Organized by
Nati per Leggere e Associazione italiana biblioteche

01 April, 14:00 - 14:40
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Panel

Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator and designer; Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus; Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Talking Pictures - Steven Guarnaccia and Hamelin, Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

01 April, 14:00 - 15:00
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Sarah Pozzoli

Panel
Alberto Pellai, Camilla Ronzullo e Sarah Pozzoli.

Organized by
Salani Editore, Lettori si diventa

01 April, 14:00 - 14:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Learn more about the latest strategies to grow your YouTube channel and its audience, and how to monetize your content on the main kids’ content platform.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Adam Rumanek, Founder and CEO, Aux Mode, Canada

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 14:15 - 15:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Moderator

Ivan Canu, director, Mimaster Illustrazione

Panel

James Rose, Head of Editorial, The Folio Society; Sophia Schoepfer, Editor, The Folio Society.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

The Folio Society

01 April, 14:30 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Wagner

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Organized by
AIE – Associazione Italiana Editori e Fondazione Cariplo

In cooperation with
Nati per leggere e Bologna Children’s Book Fair

01 April, 14:30 - 15:20
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Arianna Di Pietro (libraia della Libreria “Il Mosaico” di Imola)

Panel
Con Alice Bigli e Matteo Biagi

Organized by
Mondadori

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, 14:30 - 15:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

È possibile la convivenza tra le tradizionali tecniche di illustrazione e l'AI? Possibili scenari, interazioni e vantaggi per l'editoria.

Organized by

Tomolo EdiGio’ Edizioni

01 April, 14:30 - 15:30
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
Elevate your professional photo and have your headshot taken by a professional photographer

Organized by

PublisHer

01 April, 14:30 - 15:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

A panel of esteemed authors, publishers, educators, and sexologists will discuss how children's books today can create space for authentic and inclusive stories that avoid stereotypes—while steering clear of writing books solely to address specific topics. Panelists will explore how gender representation is evolving in children’s books, including trans and queer experiences, in various countries around the world, and also discuss the use of gender-neutral language as well as the experiences of these works being translated (cultural expectations of local versus foreign works and identities about gender and expression).

Moderator

Lawrence Schimel, author, translator

Panel

Ani Rosa Almario, Vice President, Adarna House, Co-Founder, Director of The Raya School; Susanna Barsotti, Professor of Children's Literature, University of Roma Tre; Chiara Gregori, gynaecologist, sexologist, author; Marie-Aude Murail, author; Edward van de Vendel, author, publisher, Uitgeverij Blauw Gras.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

United Nations Publications

01 April, 14:30 - 16:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

A deep dive into character creation through playful and structured exercises, exploring their world via relationships and environment.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Felicita Sala, illustrator, juror Illustrators Exhibition 2025.

01 April, 14:40 - 15:10
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
From popular kids' brands like Super Simple Songs, with millions of subscribers on YouTube, to books, new and traditional media tools work together to build storytelling and fandom. This synergy between digital platforms and conventional formats creates a rich ecosystem for children's entertainment and education.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Brett Jubinville, COO & Head of Distribution, Skyship Entertainment, Canada; Kate Turner, Head of Product & Business Development, Spain.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 14:45 - 15:30
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Taiwan's most influential education and parenting media, providing credible information for parents of children up to 15 years old. It combines current issues in education, parenting, and family lifestyle. A high-quality reading experience is offered through various categories for children and teenagers, with a strong following built among parents, educators, scholars, and education policymakers.

Panel

Sheryl Ho, Supervisor, CommonWealth Education Media and Publishing Co, LtD; Rhea Lin, Marketing Editor, PaPa Publishing House.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 15:00 - 15:30
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY
The work of Jorge Luján, poet and ALMA candidate for Argentina.

Moderator

Giulia Zucchini, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Jorge Luján, poet and musician

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

01 April, 15:00 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Allegretto

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Antonella Ranieri, Laureata in Giurisprudenza, ha conseguito un Master in Gestione del personale e risorse umane. Perfezionata in editoria, illustrazione, letteratura dell‘ infanzia e pedagogia della lettura presso l’Ateneo Patavino e in albi illustrati e natura presso l’Università della Valle D’Aosta. La sua ricerca con le mani nella carta si avvia nel 1996 in Piemonte. Dal 2003 sviluppa in collaborazione con Enti, Associazioni Nazionali e Internazionali, Istituti Comprensivi, Librerie, Biblio

Organized by
Erickson

01 April, 15:00 - 15:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 15:00 - 15:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 15:00 - 16:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
Book a session with leading lady in the industry.

Organized by

PublisHer

01 April, 15:00 - 15:30
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

In cooperation with

CultLitera Association

01 April, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 15:00 - 15:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Delve into the Original Art Exhibition, gaining exclusive insights into the 2024 medal winners and their acclaimed works.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

01 April, 15:00 - 15:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

I Libri del '45 di Bruno Munari sono un classico intramontabile che nel 2025 festeggia gli 80 anni dalla prima edizione senza perdere la sua potenza innovativa. Fustelle, fori e disegni grandi ed eleganti invitano a un gioco di scoperte e ricerche, facendo di questa serie ancora oggi uno straordinario esempio di progettazione e design del libro.

Panel

Beppe Finessi, architetto e ricercatore; Giusi Quarenghi, scrittrice.

Organized by

Corraini Edizioni

01 April, 15:00 - 16:00
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Sarah Pozzoli

Panel
Enrico Galiano, Maestra Fede e Sarah Pozzoli

Organized by
Salani Editore con Lettori si diventa e Vallardi

01 April, 15:00 - 15:50
ITA/ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

It is difficult to categorize an artist like Paul Cox: graphic designer, book creator and illustrator, scenographer, painter. Over more than forty years of career, he has experimented with languages, techniques, styles, genres, with the sole imperative of never repeating himself and never getting bored. In this ongoing exploration, Cox chooses the visual book as his favorite playground: within the book he experiments with the interactions between image and text, he plays with styles of figuration, narrative clichés, and the storytelling possibilities that the book, as an object, opens up in all its parts. This is the focus of Wallbook, a large site-specific installation in the exhibition’ rooms of the Fondazione del Monte, where Cox transforms the walls into a kind of giant book to immerse oneself in the figures.

Moderator

Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin

Panel

Paul Cox, author, illustrator, graphic designer.

Organized by

Hamelin

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair, éditions MeMo, Topipittori, Institut Français Italia

With the support of

Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna

In the framework of

BOOM! Crescere nei libri

01 April, 15:00 - 16:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Panel

Alba Mantovani, translator, AITI- Associazione Italiana Traduttori e Interpreti; Roberta Scarabelli, translator, AITI- Associazione Italiana Traduttori e Interpreti.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

01 April, 15:15 - 16:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR 2025
What are the possibilities for creative activities with children using your professional skills and your own books? Explore the perspectives of a writer, illustrator and publisher.

Panel

Kätlin Vainola, writer and Chief Editor of Children´s Magazine Hea Laps; Kertu Sillaste, illustrator and teacher of illustration; Ida Antonella Passarelli, Editorial Director, Sinnos.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 15:20 - 15:50
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Come and discover Karina Schaapman’s intricate miniature world of Sam & Julia - The Mouse Mansion blossomed into a flourishing international children’s brand. Crafted from cardboard boxes, vintage fabrics, and recycled materials, Karina built the Mouse Mansion as the backdrop for her books about the mice and best friends Sam & Julia. Since the first title was launched in 2011, the Sam & Julia brand has grown into a global phenomenon. It now includes an award-winning animated TV show, a diverse range of creative toys, a licensing programme, an immersive brand store in Amsterdam, and an interactive game currently in development. This panel, will provide an overview on the key milestones — from the brand’s humble beginnings in the Netherlands to the animated TV series now airing internationally. Learn how Sam & Julia’s mission “to inspire families around the world to be creative, welcoming and kind” evolved into an evergreen property that continues to spark imagination, creativity and kindness among families worldwide.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Manita Schaapman, Co-Founder and Creative Director, The Mouse Mansion Company, Netherlands.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 15:30 - 16:00
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 15:30 - 16:20
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Con Antonella Capetti, Chiara Carminati, Angela Dal Gobbo e Marta Mazza

Organized by
Mondadori

01 April, 15:30 - 16:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ
Following last year’s blockbuster session, two companies Shimmr (UK) and GruppoMeta (Italy) return to delve into the latest advancements in AI. This session will cover the newest technology and how to navigate through a new world. It will examine how AI can revolutionize book marketing, streamline processes, and open exciting new possibilities for publishers. This vital discussion will address the ever-evolving world of AI!

Moderator

Neal Hoskins, Director, WingedChariot.

Panel

Searsha Sadek, Founder, Chief Product Officer, Shimmr AI; Sam Habibi Minelli, Chief researcher in AI, Gruppo Meta.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

WingedChariot

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

In cooperation with

 Bologna Children's Book Fair

01 April, 15:30 - 16:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Presentazione di La lettura felice con i più piccini, un manuale in 12 mosse per cominciare a leggere insieme da subito. Con Elisa Mazzoli, Anita Molino.

Organized by

Il Leone Verde

01 April, 15:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 15:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

01 April, 15:30 - 16:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

01 April, 15:30 - 16:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 15:45 - 16:30
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 16:00 - 17:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

The project “G-BOOK 3 - Audience engagement activities for the social and emotional education of EU teens through gender-positive literature and digital technology,” co-funded under the Creative Europe program and implemented by the MeTRa Center (Dept. of Interpretation and Translation, University of Bologna-Forlì), is a continuation of the G-BOOK (1017-2019) and G-BOOK 2 (2020-2023) projects. The project builds on the excellent results achieved by the previous projects: G-BOOK, which created the first European bibliography of gender-positive books for children (ages 3-10), and G-BOOK 2, which expanded the research to include the 11-14 age group. The new project aims to fill the latest gap by targeting young readers between the ages of 15 and 18, pursuing the following objectives: to foster the transnational circulation of teen literature that promotes positive gender models; to raise awareness and engage the target audience (15-18 years old) on gender issues through literature, while developing their social, emotional and creative skills through the use of digital technologies and social media.

Panel

Raffaella Baccolini, University of Bologna-Forlì Campus; Valeria Illuminati, University of Bologna-Forlì Campus; Roberta Pederzoli, University of Bologna-Forlì Campus; Beatrice Spallaccia, University of Bologna-Forlì Campus

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

01 April, 16:00 - 16:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
With countless brands that have made history in global entertainment, this year Mattel turns 80 and celebrates its legacy and its unbreakable bond with the world of books in Bologna, also offering an overview of the group's future licensing and publishing projects. The panel will be followed by a reception at Mattel’s booth

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Claudia Lucarella, Head of Publishing EMEA, Mattel, Italy; Eleonora Schiavoni, Head of Consumer Products Italy, Spain & Portugal, Mattel, Italy.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 16:00 - 16:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 16:00 - 16:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 16:00 - 16:40

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

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 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.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

United Nations Publications, 42 friends of the children's book community

01 April, 16:00 - 16:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
Creare un evento, e ancor di più un festival per ragazzi, è una bella impresa. Non basta un'idea... In questo incontro si parlerà delle regole per preparare e realizzare un evento perfetto: gli elementi essenziali che non possono mancare, le fasi del lavoro, le modalità migliori e, soprattutto, gli errori da evitare.

Moderator

Paola Di Giampaolo, Project Manager, Master in Editoria, Università Cattolica, Milano.

Panel

Pierdomenico Baccalario, Marco Magnone, Matteo Biagi, Alice Bigli, Daniela Adorno, docenti del Master Children’s Books & Co.

Organized by

Master in Editoria Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Book on a Tree

01 April, 16:00 - 16:30
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 16:00 - 17:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 16:00 - 17:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 16:00 - 17:00
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Portfolio Review with Francesca Zucchi, Art Director of Junior Poetry Magazine. 

Panel

Francesca Zucchi, Art Director, Junior Poetry Magazine.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

01 April, 16:00 - 17:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

01 April, 16:15 - 18:15
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Valentina Sonzini ed Elisa Callegari

Panel
Chiara Zingaretti, Milena Tancredi, Daniele Brunello, Sara Chiessi ed Enzo Borio

Organized by
Associazione italiana biblioteche

In cooperation with
Osservatorio sulla censura AIB, AIB Liguria e Commissione nazionale AIB biblioteche e servizi per ragazze e ragazzi

01 April, 16:15 - 17:00
ITA/ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
From the early international successes to recent works such as "You can't Kill Snow White" (Enchanted Lion Books), "Never not Ever!" (HarperCollins),and "Pepper & Me" (Astra Publishing) - winner of The Original Art Gold Medal 2024 of the Society of Illustrators - Beatrice Alemagna's books have enchanted both adults and children, highlighting the universal value of the picture book.

Moderator

Walter Fochesato, scholar of children's literature and the history of illustration, juror Illustrators Exhibition 2025

Panel

Beatrice Alemagna, author and illustrator; Giovanna Zoboli, writer and publisher, Topipittori

01 April, 16:30 - 17:00
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

01 April, 16:30 - 17:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

The panel is a discussion about books for kids and social activism. How do children's authors become social activists and take on roles beyond writing? And how books for kids can inspire courage and standing up for what’s right. The panelists will discuss writers who are volunteering for those in need, readings for kids during war time, initiatives that promote reading to advocate for goodness, peace and justice, as well as ideas of freedom and power of truth in children's books.

Moderator

Junko Yokota, Professor Emeritus at National Louis University, Director of the Center for Teaching through Children’s Books, Andersen Jury President 2018-2022, USA

Panel

David Unger, translator, author, Guatemala/USA; Kateryna Mikhalitsyna, author, translator, editor, Cultural Manager, illustrator, Ukraine; Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv (Art Studio Agrafka), authors, illustrators, graphic designers, Ukraine.

Organized by

International Book Arsenal Festival Kyiv

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

With the support of

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

01 April, 16:30 - 17:30
ITA

Sala Allegretto

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Felice Cimatti and Fausta Orecchio chat with Kristien In-'t-Ven and Martha Verschaffel, the author and illustrator of the book The Girl and the Boulder (both on video).

"This is the story of a girl who received an unexpected visitor. She was kneading bread." - A great metaphor in which everyone has their own stone to carry. The secret, for children and adults, is to keep it with you and learn to carry it.

Moderator
Felice Cimatti and Fausta Orecchio

Panel
Fausta Orecchio, Kristien In-’t-Ven , Martha Verschaffel

Organized by
orecchio acerbo

Under the auspices of
Flanders Literature

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, 16:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 16:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

01 April, 16:30 - 18:00
ITA

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Antiche miniature, gioco arcano, simboli per allenare la fantasia. I Tarocchi affascinano da sempre gli artisti: in che modo si possono usare per inventare nuove illustrazioni e nuove storie?

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Michelangelo Rossato, illustratore e autore.

Organized by

L'Ippocampo Edizioni

01 April, 16:40 - 17:40
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Video game developers pitch their studios and their skills in the making of video games. They will present their past experiences and specialties, showcasing their capacities in adapting your Book IPs into an interactive experience. We will offer up to 10 pitches on stage from Video game developers presenting their IPs. The session will start with a short presentation of SpielFabrique and the brand-new Games Business Centre, with the presence of the MEDIA Desk, followed by a networking moment for all the attendees.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Spielfabrique

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

01 April, 16:45 - 17:15
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Joanna Karpowicz, painter, illustrator and comics artist; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator and designer.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

01 April, 16:50 - 17:40
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Panel

Henrique Moreira, illustrator.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Fundación SM

01 April, 17:00 - 17:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
01 April, 17:00 - 17:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Dal 2012 il progetto Leggere senza stereotipi, a cura di SCOSSE, propone una bibliografia ragionata di albi illustrati per la costruzione di identità e immaginari liberi. Un incontro per presentare l’ampiamento del catalogo: nuovi titoli, nuova fascia d’età (7-11) e una sezione dedicata al contrasto alla violenza di genere.

Panel

Elena Fierli, Scosse; Susanna Mattiangeli, scrittrice; Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani.

Organized by

Settenove

01 April, 17:15 - 18:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Exploring illustration as a crossroads of history, origin, memory and community of illustrators, lines that trace the constellations of their graphic universe

Panel

Laura Varsky, Co-Director, ILUS.P. - Professional Illustration, Postgraduate Program, FADU-UBA; Flor Capella, Co-Director, ILUS.P. - Professional Illustration, Postgraduate Program, FADU-UBA; Martín Laksman, Co-Director, ILUS.P. - Professional Illustration, Postgraduate Program, FADU-UBA.

Organized by

ILUS.P Professional Illustration postgraduate program, University of Buenos Aires

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, 17:30 - 18:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

How can an independent comics publisher reach an audience of teenagers and young adults? What are the opportunities and the risks of introducing contemporary and experimental comics to a young audience? Four of the most original and influential independent comics publishers will discuss strategies for attracting readers aged 15 and over with innovative titles.

Moderator

Elisabetta Mongardi, Hamelin

Panel

Daniel Pellegrino, publisher, Atrabile, Switzerland; Sergi Puyol, publisher, Apa Apa Cómics, Spain; Dirk Rehm, publisher, Reprodukt, Germany; Tucker Stone, Executive Director of Communications & Marketing, Fantagraphics Books, USA.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

In the framework of

Comics Corner

01 April, 17:50 - 18:30
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Moderator
Giacomo Benelli, Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione

Panel

Donna Chai, General Manager, BolognaFiere China, China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair; Mariaelena Schiavo, Special Projects Manager, Bologna Children’s Book Fair; Yukiko Hiromatsu, Picture Book author, critic, independent curator, juror of 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition; Heimi, illustrator, winner of 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Grand Award; Daniele Morganti, illustrator, winner of 2024 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Special Mention

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair, China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair

02 April, 09:00 - 10:00
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Silvana Sola, curatrice della mostra, Elisabetta Lippolis, Chair 39° IBBY Congress e vicepresidente IBBY Italia

Organized by
IBBY Italia

In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 09:00 - 13:00
ITA

Sala Allegretto

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Mauro Speraggi

Panel
Fuad Aziz, Chiara Bighinzoli, Antonio Catalano, Raffaella Castagna, Irene Lorenzini, Vincenzo Covelli, Federica Crispo, Ylenia Petrini, Davide Sanna, Mauro Speraggi, Vittoria Zorzi

Organized by
Edizioni Artebambini

In cooperation with
AKI - Associazione Kamishibai Italia

02 April, 09:00 - 13:00
ITA

Sala Preludio

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Organized by
Avis Regionale Emilia-Romagna ODV

02 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 09:15 - 10:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

The stories of the talents awarded and discovered by BCBF around the world, an international panorama of references and visual languages along with Mariana Alcántara (winner of the Bologna Portfolio Award - FIL24), Heimi (winner of the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Grand Award) and Lychee Chai (selected at the BKKIF in Bangkok, Thailand)

Moderator

Giacomo Benelli, The Illustrators Survival Corner

Panel

Mariana Alcántara, illustrator, winner of the Bologna Portfolio Award - FIL24; Heimi, illustrator, winner of the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition Grand Award; Lychee Chai, illustrator, selected at the BKKIF in Bangkok, Thailand

02 April, 09:30 - 10:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

The modern world is a world of information. The Internet, artificial intelligence, and social media influencers flood us with an endless stream of data on any topic every day. But along with this, the amount of fake news, manipulation, and disinformation is also growing. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to these challenges, as they interact with digital content from an early age. How do books help them distinguish between truth and fiction, critically evaluate information, and make informed decisions?

Event participants will discuss the role of reading in developing critical thinking and information literacy, share successful practices and research, and explore how literature teaches children to analyze information and make conscious choices.

Panel

Valentina Stoeva, EURead Co-Chair, Founder at Children’s Book Foundation and Reading Foundation Bulgaria; Daan Beeke, Network Manager at EURead, Specialist Secondary Education at Stichting Lezen, Netherlands; Olena Odynoka, EURead member, Deputy Director for International Cooperation at the Ukrainian Book Institute; Tetiana Petrenko, book critic, Head of PR at the Ukrainian Book Institute.

Organized by

The Ukrainian Book Institute, EURead 

02 April, 09:30 - 10:20

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organized by

 Asociación Colombiana de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil

02 April, 09:30 - 10:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 09:30 - 10:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 09:30 - 10:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Only non-fiction portfolios

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 09:30 - 17:30
ITA

Sala Concerto

Services Centre - Wing D

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Note: Pre-registration required on BBPlus website

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Argentovivo

02 April, 09:30 - 11:00
CHT/ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

An immersion into the Chinese tradition of blue and white porcelain decoration, between pattern design and illustration, discovering the aesthetic connotations of a millenary tradition.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Jiu'er, sculptor and picture book illustrator.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite (coming soon)

02 April, 10:00 - 11:30
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Three publishers present a roundup of translation projects from their catalogue

Panel

Benedetta Tosi, editor, Nomos edizioni; Monica Martinelli, Direttrice Editoriale, Settenove Edizioni; Francesca Martucci, traduttrice, Diabolo Edizioni.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

02 April, 10:00 - 10:40
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Dreams are not mere illusions or fleeting fantasies, but the driving force that guides our existence. Dynowish, The Protector of Dreams, is born from a universal truth: the dreams of every child and adult are always achievable if one has the courage to believe in them. Dreams, however, are never easy to reach; they require commitment, determination, and faith, but they always have the power to change the world. This vision has given life to a deep and engaging narrative universe, a saga composed of nine books (three of which have already been published and the fourth will be released soon), and is now expanding into an animated series and a multimedia franchise. Dynowish's journey is a concrete example of how a dream born on the pages of a book can transform into a franchise through creativity, vision, and collaboration.

Panel

Paola Myriam Visconti, author of Dynowish The Protector of Dream’s, Italy; Beatrice Fini, Director Kids and Young Adults Division, Giunti Editore, Italy; Francesco Artibani, scriptwriter, Italy; Luigi Aimè, Illustrator and Concept Designer, Italy.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

02 April, 10:00 - 10:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 10:00 - 10:45
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Unlike Western European or American approaches to publishing literature in translation, the Balkans have been significantly underdeveloped in terms of agenting traditions, copyright management and local strategies in promoting national literatures. However, there is an upswing in publishing titles in translation from the region in the last few years as curiosity has been aroused towards Bulgarian authors for sure. Georgi Gospodinov and his International Booker Prize-winning, best-selling novel Time Shelter in 2023 shed a different light on contemporary Bulgarian literature and its newly emerged or already well-established voices. More and more Bulgarian titles showcase authentic voices that discuss modern topics like domestic violence, life right after the end of the Cold War, feminist issues or global warming. A lot of titles published build anti-utopian worlds and discuss universal themes through local voices. What is the very reason for these titles to arouse more interest and what makes them appealing for the international literary scene?

Moderator

Neva Micheva, translator and journalist

Panel

Giorgia Spadoni, translator; Gergana Pancheva, translator.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 10:00 - 11:10
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

02 April, 10:00 - 10:50
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Katsumi Komagata (1953 - 2024) is known as the Bruno Munari of the Orient. Starting with the Little Eyes series designed for his daughter Ai, he has revolutionized the concept of picture books for babies and toddlers. This special panel will present the making of Katsumi Komagata and analyze some of his major works and his activities in Italy while giving important projections into the future.

Moderator

Ayami Moriizumi, researcher

Panel

Kiyoko Matsuoka, Director, Itabashi Art Museum; Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator, designer and Associate Professor of Illustration at Parsons School of Design; Ai Komagata, One Stroke; Francesco Saviola, Mutty; Antonella Dalla Rosa, La Baracca - Testoni.

Organized by

Itabashi Art Museum, One Stroke

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ITA

Sala Wagner

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Antonella Capetti

Organized by
Editrice Il Castoro

02 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Andrea Antinori, Alberto Emiletti, Deborah Soria, Michela Tonelli e Paloma Valvida

Organized by
IBBY Italia

In cooperation with
Biblioteca IBBY Lampedusa

02 April, 10:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 10:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

In cooperation with

Institut d'Estudis Baleàrics

02 April, 10:00 - 10:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Panel

Ilaria Tagliaferri, Coordinamento rivista LiBer; Marnie Campagnaro, Università di Padova; Fausta Orecchio, Orecchio Acerbo.

Organized by

LiBeR

02 April, 10:00 - 10:30
ITA

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY
Presentazione del libro Questa poesia non era scritta male di Iñigo Astiz, Massimo Pastore, tradotto da Ilaria Rigoli (Edizioni La Linea, 2025).

Moderator

Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Isabella De Ponti, editrice, Edizioni La Linea; Massimo Pastore, illustratore e graphic designer; Ilaria Rigoli, traduttrice.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

02 April, 10:15 - 11:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
What we discovered by looking at all the art and other items in Leo Lionni's archive and by shaping them all into exhibitions.

Panel

Annie Lionni, Leo Lionni's granddaughter and manager of his work; Leonard Marcus, children's book historian and curator.

With the support of

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

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, 10:30 - 11:20
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Moderator
Ivan Canu, Direttore, Mimaster Illustrazione

Panel

 Antonio Sellerio, editore; Marta Vesco, curatrice di Guardie e ladri – Dieci avventure del commissario Montalbano, di Andrea Camilleri, Sellerio; Paolo Verri, Direttore Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori, Lorenzo Mattotti, artista.

Organized by

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

In cooperation with

Sellerio, Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori

02 April, 10:30 - 11:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Chang Yeou-Yu, author; Liu Hsu-Kung, author.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 10:50 - 11:20
ITA

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Fenomeno Tik Tok con circa 500K followers, Megi Bulla ha aperto la strada allo sviluppo del concetto di fandom nell’editoria per ragazzi. Relazionarsi con il lettore come fan e non secondo il tradizionale approccio, è una delle chiavi di lettura dell’editoria oggi, soprattutto se rivolta a un target versatile come quello per ragazzi. Rizzoli è stato tra i primi in Italia a comprendere l’importanza di produrre contenuti con una nuova modalità. Il risultato ha portato a prodotti innovativi che vanno oltre l’editoria tradizionale. E siamo solo all’inizio di un percorso che porterà a molteplici strade.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Megi Bulla, Content Creator, Art Director e autrice, Italia; Roberta Ferrari, Responsabile Editoriale Rizzoli e Fabbri Ragazzi, Gruppo Mondadori, Italia.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

02 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Non una celebrazione, ma parole e figure in pagina per parlare ai bambini e ai ragazzi di Storia e di Memoria, dell’importanza di vivere in un paese libero.

Moderator

Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani

Panel

Flora Monti, staffetta partigiana; Andrea Marchi, Vicepresidente del Comitato Regionale per le Onoranze ai Caduti di Marzabotto; Fulvia Degl'innocenti, autrice; Sara Cimarosti, illustratrice; Federica Seneghini, scrittrice.

Organized by

Edizioni Lapis, Edizioni Piemme-Il Battello a Vapore

02 April, 11:00 - 12:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 11:00 - 11:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 11:00 - 11:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 11:00 - 11:30
ITA

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Presentazione del libro Haiku per esplorare il mondo di Silvia Geroldi, Maki Hasegawa, Guia Risari (Giunti, 2025).

Moderator

Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Silvia Geroldi, autrice; Maki Hasegawa, illustratrice; Guia Risari, autrice.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

02 April, 11:00 - 12:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Moderator

Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna

Panel

Walter Fochesato, scholar of children's literature and the history of illustration, Deputy Director of Andersen magazine; Chris Haughton, illustrator, author, Ireland; Neal Porter, publisher, Neal Porter Books, Imprint Holiday House, USA; Felicita Sala, illustrator, Italia; Gema Sirvent, Founder, Editorial Libre Albedrío.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 11:00 - 11:30
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Con Alice Bigli e Beatrice Masini

Organized by
Mondadori

02 April, 11:00 - 12:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 11:00 - 12:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 11:00 - 11:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Delve into the Original Art Exhibition, gaining exclusive insights into the 2024 medal winners and their acclaimed works.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

02 April, 11:00 - 11:30
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
Publishing & Translation Trends: Opportunities in the Polish, Estonian, and Norwegian Markets. Bestseller Trends & Translation Rights: What’s Selling and What’s Next. A snapshot of literature trends in the market - what is selling well in original language. What publishers wish to sell in terms of translation rights (what's hot within each market).

Moderator

Nerrilee Weir, Director, Bold Type Agency

Panel

Agnieszka Rasińska-Bóbr, Deputy Director, Polish Book Institute; Ilvi Liive- Roosipuu, Director, Estonian Literature Centre.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

02 April, 11:15 - 12:15

Services Centre - Wing D

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel

Bulgarian Book Association

02 April, 11:15 - 13:15
ITA

Sala Wagner

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Patrizia Zerbi editrice e direttrice editoriale di Carthusia, Vera Salton libraia e studiosa di letteratura per l'infanzia; Milena Tancredi bibliotecaria e

Panel
Gli autori: Emanuela Bussolati, Maria Ferrario, Loredana Mercadante, Emanuela Nava, Federica Ortolan, Silvia Patelli, Francesco Zamboni, Paola Zannoner, Cosetta Zanotti. Gli illustratori: Marco Brancato, Paolo d'Altan, Sophie Fatus, Irene Frigo, Lara Kaminski, Keung Chi Jit, Sonia Maria Luce Possentini, Ale Puro, Angelo Ruta, Alessia Roselli, Iris Stetco. I nostri partner: Rossella Caso, Antonietta Clemente, Francesco Ferroni, Annagrazia Giulianelli, Lisa Pozzan

Organized by
Carthusia Edizioni

02 April, 11:15 - 13:15
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Monica Tappa

Panel
Nicoletta Bortolotti, Gabriele Clima, Alessandro Q. Ferrari, Daniela Palumbo, Laura Pigozzi (psicanalista)

02 April, 11:15 - 12:00
ITA

Sala Ronda

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Roberta Zumiati, psicologa e psicoterapeuta, responsabile Area Scuola per AbilNova. Enrica Polato, Ph.D, Ph.D in Scienze Pedagogiche, dell'Educazione e della Formazione. Esperta di libri tattili, è vicepresidente del Concorso Nazionale di editoria tattile illustrata "Tocca a te".

Organized by
Erickson

02 April, 11:15 - 12:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Heena Baek illustrates the genesis and creation of one of her best-loved albums, "The Magic Candies", and the universe that lives around it, which also gave rise to the picture books "I am a Dog" and "How to Make Magic Candies".

Panel

Heena Baek, author and illustrator.

Organized by

Terre di Mezzo Editore

02 April, 11:15 - 12:15
ITA

Sala Bolero

Services Centre - Wing B

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 11:30 - 12:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Organized by

Chennai International Book Fair

02 April, 11:30 - 12:10
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
This panel will explore the dynamic journey of intellectual properties (IPs) as they transition from books to screens and beyond, examining the creative strategies behind successful cross-platform and cross-industry adaptations. Industry experts will discuss how to develop IPs that resonate across publishing, audiovisual media, and other formats while reaching diverse global audiences. These insights will cover the challenges and opportunities of expanding beyond children's content to include adult audiences, fostering audience loyalty and longevity, and highlight key approaches to ensuring that talent and stories thrive across multiple platforms and geographies.

Moderator

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, Bologna Book Plus, UK

Panel

Jenna Brown, Head of Media Rights, Penguin Random House, UK; Penny Smith, CEO, Doodle Productions, UK; Colin Williams, Creative Director, Founder of Sixteen South

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

BolognaBookPlus

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

02 April, 11:30 - 12:20
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

80 years after the Liberation, a look at the ways in which reality comics have told the story of resistance, at different historical periods and latitudes. A look at the more political side of the graphic novel and the ability of this language to narrate global conflicts to a young audience.

Moderator

Elettra Stamboulis, curator, writer, Italy

Panel

Lucia Baldassarri, illustrator, Italy; Claudio Calia, comics artist, Italy; Igort, comics artist, Italy; Sualzo, comics artist, Italy.

Organized by

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

In the framework of

Comics Corner

02 April, 11:30 - 12:00
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 11:30 - 12:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

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, 11:30 - 12:30
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Translating and circulating children's books. State of play and way forward. The work of kid lit translators is crucial to foster cultural diversity and language equality and needs to be supported. What are the challenges for the circulation of good children's books? Which best practices and support schemes can help with the process? An international panel debate bringing together translators' associations, booksellers and representatives of literary translation support programmes.

Moderator

Eva Valvo, STRADE, CEATL-European Council of Associations of Literary Translators

Panel

Alexandra Büchler, LIT-Literature across Frontiers, Board ENLIT- European Network for Literary Translation; Julià Florit, Institut Ramon Llull, Board ENLIT- European Network for Literary Translation; Francesca Novajra, President CEATL- European Council of Associations of Literary Translators; Franka Wijers, Kennemer Boekhandel (Netherlands), RISE Bookselling.

Organized by

CEATL

In cooperation with

 

 

02 April, 11:30 - 12:00
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR
Inside the Market: What Polish, Estonian, and Norwegian Publishers Are Buying and How to Sell Translation Rights to them

Moderator

Nerrilee Weir, Director, Bold Type Agency

Panel

Anna Nowacka-Devillard, Member of the Board, Polish Chamber of Books, Co-owner of Widnokrąg Publishing House; Kadri Rahusaar, Managing editor and Member of the Board, Koolibri Publishers, Member of the Board, Estonian Publishers’ Association.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

02 April, 11:30 - 13:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

After a behind-the-scenes look at The One & Only Googoosh(Penguin USA), participants will embrace wabi-sabi, the Japanese art of imperfection, by drawing and collaging 30 portraits using a variety of block prints.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Azadeh Westergaard, author and illustrator.

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

02 April, 12:00 - 12:30
ITA

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Presentazione del libro Album per pensare e non pensare di Mariangela Gualtieri (Bompiani, 2025).

Moderator

Beatrice Mașini, Bompiani

Panel

Mariangela Gualtieri, autrice.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

02 April, 12:00 - 12:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 12:00 - 13:15
ITA

Sala Ronda

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Guido Sgardoli è uno dei più famosi, prolifici e premiati scrittori italiani di libri per ragazzi. Fabrizio Silei, scrittore, grafico e artista, è autore di più di sessanta pubblicazioni fra albi illustrati, alfabetieri, giochi grafico-narrativi, romanzi per ragazzi e ragazze e adulti. Cristina Brambilla, Per Babalibri dirige la collana di prime letture Superbaba e tiene corsi di scrittura alla scuola di Belleville. Ha scritto prodotti editoriali per internet, progetti televisivi e romanzi.

Organized by
Erickson

In cooperation with
Book on a Tree

02 April, 12:00 - 12:50
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
With Guido Affini, Simonetta Bitasi, Stefania Di Mella, Davide Morosinotto, Paolo Nori, Stefano Petrocchi, Barbara Schiaffino, Maddalena Vaglio Tanet

Organized by
Mondadori

02 April, 12:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 12:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

02 April, 12:00 - 12:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Una mostra bibliografica. Dopo Subiaco, Carpi e Venezia: Aldo Manuzio, una biografia sognata pubblicata da Il Gatto Verde Edizioni.

Panel

Davide Fischanger, autore; Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier

Organized by

Accademia Drosselmeier, Biblioteca Comunale di Subiaco

02 April, 12:00 - 13:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Organized by

PublisHer

02 April, 12:15 - 13:15

Services Centre - Wing D

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Organized by

Bulgarian Book Association

02 April, 12:15 - 13:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
When is a work of art truly finished? This talk explores the subjective experience of completion, examining the role of intuition, error, and personal expectations in the creative process according to Sydney Smith.

Panel

Sydney Smith, illsutrator

02 April, 12:15 - 12:45
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Linzi Sang, Head of BIBF Marketing and Curator of BIBF Art Book Fair; Neil Packer, Illustrator.

Moderator
Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus

Organized by

 BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 12:20 - 12:50
ITA

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Come uscire dal mondo del libro e affacciarsi nel mondo game, toy o anche nel licensing sfruttando al meglio gli asset di proprietà.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Paolo Stefi, Fondatore e Titolare, Toad Creative Studios, Italia; Rossella Piccini, Illustratrice, Toad Creative Studios, Italia.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

02 April, 12:25 - 12:55
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Steven Guarnaccia, illustrator and designer; Ivan Canu, director, Mimaster Illustrazione

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

In cooperation with

Mimaster Illustrazione

02 April, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 12:30 - 13:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
Feminisms, gender and identity are now part of cultural discourse at all levels. A group of cartoonists and publishers who pay special attention to these issues discuss how they are influenced by political issues, and how to address these topics in fictional stories aimed at different age groups.

Moderator

Maria Russo, Editor at Large, Union Square Kids

Panel

Amélie Fléchais, cartoonist, illustrator, France; Jonathan Garnier, writer, illustrator, France; Marta Tutone, Founder, editor, Liana Editorial, Spain; Francesca Martucci, editor, Diabolo Edizioni, Italy.

Organized by

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

With the support of

Tunué

In the framework of

Comics Corner

02 April, 12:30 - 13:00
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

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 Ramírez 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 Emília

With the support of

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

02 April, 12:30 - 13:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Un progetto realizzato da Conversa, con il contributo della Casa delle Tecnologie Emergenti - CTE NEXT del Comune di Torino, mirato a costruire una piattaforma nazionale per la valutazione della capacità di lettura degli studenti e la costruzione di percorsi didattici ad hoc.

Organized by

Conversa

02 April, 13:00 - 15:45
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Organized by
INDIRE - Istituto Nazionale di Documentazione, Innovazione e Ricerca Educativa

02 April, 13:00 - 13:40
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
How audio itself can be the leading source for new IP into books, movies and beyond. And how spoken-word entertainment can lead us down wonderful information rabbit holes.

Panel

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus; Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Technology; Kelly Garner, Founder and CEO, Treefort FM.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 13:00 - 13:20
ENG

Estonian GoH Area

Services Centre

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 13:00 - 13:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 13:00 - 13:30
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 13:00 - 14:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 13:00 - 13:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
Vedi Napoli e poi narra: una bibliografia di storie per ragazzi e i loro grandi in occasione delle celebrazioni per i 2.500 anni dalla fondazione della città.

Panel

Donatella Trotta, autrice; Nicoletta Del Giudice, editor, Il Gatto Verde Editore

Organized by

Il Gatto Verde

02 April, 13:15 - 14:00
ITA

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

A dive into the heterogeneous visual universe of Joëlle Jolivet, between encyclopedic catalogs of the world and imaginative scenarios, humor and observation of reality, comics and illustration

Panel

Joëlle Jolivet, author and illustrator; Emilio Varrà, Hamelin

Organized by

Hamelin

In cooperation with

Hélium, Les Grand Personnes, Fatatrac, Il Castoro, L'Ippocampo, Orecchio Acerbo

With the support of

Institut Français Italia

In the framework of

BOOM! Crescere nei libri

02 April, 13:30 - 14:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Mondadori’s “Leggere le figure” series, together with Leonard Marcus, we will revisit some of the titles that have shaped the history of contemporary picture books over the past 40 years, exploring what makes a picture book a classic.

Moderator

Ilaria Tontardini, Hamelin

Panel

Leonard Marcus, children's book historian, critic, author.

Organized by

Mondadori

In cooperation with

Hamelin, Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Panel

  Upon reservation only.

Organized by

 Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 13:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 13:30 - 14:15
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Dive into common pricing challenges, explore what really impacts your budget, and share practical tips and insights on how to craft successful bids and manage budget more effectively.

Panel

Nurgül Şenefe, Social Entrepreneur, Founding President of the Illustrators Platform, Founding Managing Director iP Academy, EIF Board of Directors Member.

In cooperation with

Illustrators Platform Academy

With the support of

ZNN Network

02 April, 13:30 - 14:00
ENG

Estonian Stand

HALL 30, E8-F5

ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

02 April, 13:30 - 14:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 13:30 - 14:00
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Panel

Stefano Cipolla, Direttore di Grafica Magazine, giurato BolognaRagazzi Awards 2025; Ivan Canu, autore, illustratore, Direttore Mimaster Illustrazione.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 13:30 - 15:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

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.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Chiamaka Barbara Chukwu, illustrator; Heimi, illustrator.

02 April, 13:30 - 14:00
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Debbie Bibo will talk to Annie Lionni, granddaughter of the legendary author-illustrator and manager of his works, about her role in preserving Lionni's artistic and literary contributions, ensuring that his works remain accessible, relevant, and appreciated by new generations.

Panel

Annie Lionni, Leo Lionni's granddaughter and Manager of his work; Debbie Bibo, literary agent, editorial producer of children’s picture books and illustrated books.

Organized by

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

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, 13:40 - 13:50
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
From audio-only publishing and multi-cast recordings, to short-form and serialised audiobook publishing – how and why audiobooks should be seen (and heard) in their own light.

Panel

Tina Jürgens, Co-CEO, Zebralution.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 13:50 - 14:30
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Lance Fitzgerald, Senior VP, Content and Business Development, PRH US.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 14:00 - 14:30
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Panel

Margit Walsø, NORLA -Norwegian Literature Abroad; Elena Pasoli, Director, Bologna Children's Book Fair.

Organized by

Bologna Children’s Book Fair, NORLA Norwegian Literature Abroad

02 April, 14:00 - 14:50
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Con Amalia Maria Amendola, direttrice della biblioteca Antonio Baldini di Roma e curatrice dei titoli di Italo Calvino (Marcovaldo, Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno) editi da Mondadori Education; Daniele Aristarco, autore di Una bella Resistenza, Come essere vento (Mondadori), L'arte della pace (Mondadori Education) e Federica Seneghini, autrice di Salvate il soldato Jack (Il Battello a Vapore).

Organized by
Mondadori

02 April, 14:00 - 14:40
ITA

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
CNA Cinema e Audiovisivo ER rappresenta direttamente la filiera del cinema e dell’audiovisivo, con l’obiettivo di dare voce alle esigenze delle imprese del settore e di promuovere strategie di sviluppo innovative. Attraverso un dialogo costante con le istituzioni, il confronto tra esperienze, l’incontro con altri mestieri, un presidio informativo attento e un supporto concreto per imprese e professionisti, CNA Cinema e Audiovisivo ER, in collaborazione con l’Emilia Romagna Film Commission, si fa promotore della crescente vitalità e delle sinergie del settore a livello regionale, come dimostra l’esempio virtuoso di Arf. Arf tocca temi difficili come il dramma dei campi di sterminio e la banalità del male in modo semplice, ma non banale. Nella straordinaria trasposizione in film di animazione, la scrittura di Anna Russo, regista e sceneggiatrice, si è fusa perfettamente con l'arte di Simona Cornacchia, Animator e Storyboard Artist, in una produzione che amplifica il messaggio del libro attraverso l'uso poetico di immagini, suoni, colori e voci. La produzione si è nutrita della collaborazione con l'azienda ravennate Panebarco. Il Panel presenterà questo incredibile caso di successo di passaggio dal libro al film e il team creativo che ha lavorato al progetto.

Moderator

Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief, Licensing Magazine

Panel

Federica Pasini, Funzionario e Referente CNA Professionisti e CNA Cinema e Audiovisivo e Responsabile progetto Ciak Reloaded, CNA Emilia-Romagna; Fabio Abagnato, Responsabile Cinema, Film Commission e Sviluppo del Settore Audiovisivo, Regione Emilia-Romagna; Marianna Panebarco, CEO e Produttore, Studio Panebarco, Italia; Simona Cornacchia, animator e storyboard artist, Italia; Anna Russo, regista e sceneggiatrice, Italia.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

02 April, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Paola Parlato

Organized by
Pepeverde

02 April, 14:00 - 14:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 14:00 - 15:00

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

A translator opens her translation workshop to discuss challenges and findings in translating from German.

Panel

Valentina Freschi, translator

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

02 April, 14:00 - 14:30
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Presenting two years of the first magazine of poetry for children in Italy.

Moderator

Chiara Basile, Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

Panel

Chiara Armellini, illustrator; Valeria Biasin, illustrator; Simone Massoni, illustrator; Sarah Mazzetti, illustrator; Camilla Pintonato, illustrator; Ilaria Rigoli, editor-in-chief, Junior Poetry Magazine; Laura Simonati, illustrator; Francesca Zucchi, Art Director, Junior Poetry Magazine

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

02 April, 14:00 - 15:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 14:00 - 16:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

The dictionary, the first of its kind to be published in Italy, presents an articulated and composite overview of today's literature for children and adolescents through more than 80 headwords arranged alphabetically, in its constituent elements and the issues that run through it, in its historical dimension and in its future projections, also contemplating a plurality of transversal themes, with attention to all languages of communication.

The individual entries are written by national and foreign scholars of various backgrounds and disciplinary affiliations, giving the work international status.

The Dictionary, edited by Angelo Nobile, a lecturer in the subject at the University of Parma, is a work with an interdisciplinary slant, offering itself as an agile and functional but not superficial tool for consultation, information and critical in-depth study of themes and issues pertaining to the discipline.

 

Moderator
TIZIANA MASCIA, Università di Urbino

Panel
Piercesare Rivoltella, university of Bologna; Elisabetta Lippolis, Ibby Italy; Angelo Nobile, university of Parma. Speech by Peter Hunt, university of Cardiff (UK).

Organized by
Schole (Editrice Morcelliana)

In cooperation with
PAGINE GIOVANI Rivista di letteratura giovanile

02 April, 14:00 - 15:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
Elevate your professional photo and have your headshot taken by a professional photographer.

Organized by

PublisHer

02 April, 14:00 - 14:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

La Toscana ha accolto le proposte di Off Fair con grande interesse. La storia racconta di un legame profondo fra la città di Firenze e la Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Ora è il tempo delle restituzioni. Le donazioni dei libri stranieri sono legate a progetti di formazione, di mostre e di workshop. Cina, Silent Book, Donne, Arte, Toddler, sono solo alcuni dei temi e dei percorsi. Tante le biblioteche coinvolte: Barberino, Calenzano, Galluzzo, Impruneta, Oblate, Pistoia, Scandicci, Villa Bandini.

Panel

Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier, Sara Wang, CEO, Sìdee Cultural Communication; Paola Biondi, Biblioteca Ernesto Ragionieri Sesto Fiorentino.

Organized by

Accademia Drosselmeier

02 April, 14:15 - 14:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
AWARDS & CONTESTS

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

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, 14:30 - 15:15
ITA

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Il nuovo libro di Reggio Children Creta. Tecniche, esperienze, immaginari, dedicato al linguaggio della creta nei nidi e nelle scuole dell’infanzia di Reggio Emilia, presenta numerosi progetti, offrendo informazioni tecniche e molte suggestioni educative.

Panel

Maddalena Tedeschi, pedagogista e collaboratrice di Reggio Children.

Organized by

Reggio Children

02 April, 14:30 - 16:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

During the workshop we will create a fanzine based on a script that will guide us in telling the story we have in mind. We will do this through intuition and spontaneity or by repeating objects much like a beautiful collection of curiosities.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

Helena Malvido, graphic designer and illustrator; Raisa Alava, illustrator.

Organized by

Euskal Irudigileak

In cooperation with

Etxepare Institutua

With the support of

Gobierno Vasco

02 April, 14:30 - 15:20
ITA

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Annuncio del libro vincitore nella categoria "Narrazione per immagini".

Moderator

Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Fondazione Bellonci

02 April, 14:30 - 15:20
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organized by

AIE - Commissione Comics & Graphic Novels

In the framework of

Comics Corner

02 April, 14:30 - 15:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 14:40 - 15:20
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Book publishers, audio publishers, studios and all in the audio space are wrestling to serve the ever-growing appetite for the spoken word. What are the main challenges, opportunities and trends with rights, across the general and children’s markets, when seeking to grow catalogues and distribute internationally?

Moderator

Emma House, Founder, Oreham Group

Panel

Colin Hauer, CEO, Hörbuch Hamburg; Sonia Draga, CEO, Draga; Heather Alexander, Audible.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 14:45 - 15:10
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
AWARDS & CONTESTS

From Text to Storyboard: The design and creative experience of a group of Nigerian illustrators starring in the "Make a picturebook" workshop, made possible thanks to the support of BCBF, curated by Mimaster Illustrazione and in collaboration with Book Buzz Foundation. During the presentation, the winning project, destined for publication by the publisher Tanja, an imprint of Ouida Books, Nigeria, will be announced.

Moderator

Giacomo Benelli, course leader, Make a Picturebook Course, coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione

Panel

Lola Shoneyin, Director, Book Buzz Foundation; Francesca Chessa, illustrator and course teacher, Make a Picturebook Course; Kayode Onimole, graduated, Make a Picturebook Course; Chiamaka Barbara Chukwu, graduated, Make a Picturebook Course.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Book Buzz Foundation, Mimaster Illustrazione

02 April, 14:50 - 15:30
ENG

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
In an era where stories transcend boundaries, the potential of cross-media and transmedia collaborations is more exciting than ever. This panel will dive into how book publishers and video game developers can co-create immersive universes that span multiple platforms. From novels to video games, panelists will explore the stratagies for building expansive worlds that engage audiences across different media. By discussing successful case studies and the unique strengths each industry brings, the conversation will highlight why and how co-creating across these industries can create dynamic, lasting IPs with global reach and devoted fanbases.

Moderator

Olympe Challot, Project Manager and Community Manager, Spielfabrique, Germany

Panel

Gordon Vogel, Founder, Rivers and Wine Studios, Germany; Aksel Køie, Founder and CEO, PIBOCO, Denmark.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Spielfabrique

In the framework of

International Kids Licensing Days

02 April, 15:00 - 15:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 15:00 - 15:50
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Con Alice Bigli, allenatrice di lettura, autrice di Leggere piano forte fortissimo, coautrice di Esploratori di storie. Come creare gruppi di lettura a scuola e fuori (Mondadori) e curatrice dell'antologia Mondadori Education E tu splendi; Lodovica Cima, editor, traduttrice, formatrice e autrice di Jack&London, La voce di carta (Mondadori) e L'estate del tesoro nascosto (Mondadori Education) e Luisa Mattia, autrice di Segui la tigre (Battello a Vapore), Circe (Mondadori Education) e coautrice di

Organized by
Mondadori

02 April, 15:00 - 15:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Giunto alla sua IX edizione, il Premio Luigi Malerba per l'albo illustrato si conferma punto di riferimento per la segnalazione di opere rivolte all'infanzia e all'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.

Panel

Paola Vassalli, esperta di illustrazione; Gioacchino De Chirico, giornalista; Chiara Lepri, Docente Università Roma Tre; Simone di Biasio, Docente Università Roma Tre.

Organized by

Associazione Letteraria Luigi Malerba

In cooperation with

MuSed - Museo della Scuola e dell'Educazione, Università Roma Tre

02 April, 15:00 - 16:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER
Book a session with leading lady in the industry.

Organized by

PublisHer

02 April, 15:00 - 16:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 15:00 - 16:30
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Translating children's literature has always meant facing the problem of how to overcome taboos and censorship, sometimes struggling with publishers to convince them to respect authors’ choices. In recent years, however, old debates about the appropriateness of keeping coarse language, sex scenes and explicit violence in translations have been joined by new ones, mainly related to the concept of political correctness, wielded like an axe against supposedly impassable boundaries and much feared by publishers. Recently the “content warning” has also popped up, but… is it a solution? We will discuss all this during the first TableT hosted at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Panel

Laura Cangemi, Alba Mantovani, Giovanna Paterniti, Roberta Scarabelli, Loredana Serratore.

Organized by

AITI, StradeLab

In cooperation with

FAAM Lab

02 April, 15:00 - 15:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Delve into the Original Art Exhibition, gaining exclusive insights into the 2024 medal winners and their acclaimed works.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

02 April, 15:15 - 16:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Discover Post Wave Berlin Studio, a creative space for high-end picture books. Marc shares his journey from artist to art director with editor Harriet, exploring collaboration and illustration.

Panel

Harriet Birkinshaw, Chief Editor, Post Wave Berlin Studio; Marc Majewski, Art Director, Post Wave Berlin Studio.

Organized by

Post Wave Berlin Studio

02 April, 15:20 - 15:40
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Arabic is the fifth most commonly spoken language on the planet, and its countries’ cultures’ foundations are based on verbal storytelling. Arabic audio is about to bloom.

Panel

Ahmed Riwehel, Co-Founder, Arabookverse.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 15:30 - 16:15
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

BCBF hosts every other year the winners of two prestigious children's book awards in the arts, the BIB - Biennial of Illustration Bratislava and the Hans Christian Andersen Award, to create the Illustrators Annual cover: the catalogue collecting all the works of the artists selected for the Illustrators Exhibition. The 2025 Illustrators Annual cover has been created by Sydney Smith, Canada, winner dell’H. C. Andersen Award 2024.

Panel

Sydney Smith, illustrator, Canada; Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

02 April, 15:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

02 April, 15:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

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, 15:30 - 16:15
ENG

AIE Theatre - BBPlus area

HALL 29 MALL 1

Moderator

Shurooq Kamal, Publishing Manager, ELF Publishing

Panel

Maitha Al Khayat, author; Ebtisam Al-Beiti, author.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 15:30 - 16:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 15:30 - 16:20
ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
A global market trend is to tell stories through the language of comics while doing away with words. This trend has also been highlighted by the mentions at the BolognaRagazzi Award. An international showcase of titles and authors will be presented.

Panel

Grazia Gotti, Accademia Drosselmeier; Henrique Moreira, illustrator, winner of the International Award of Illustration BCBF - Fundación SM 2024.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Accademia Drosselmeier, Kids Comics, Rete Bibliotecaria Bergamasca

In the framework of

Comics Corner

02 April, 15:40 - 16:20
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
From production and process enhancements to recordings themselves, AI’s role in audio publishing will be fundamental to the format’s growth, particularly in nascent markets.

Moderator

Jon Watt, Head of Commercial and Audio, Bonnier Books

Panel

Laure Sageet, MD Audiolib, Hachette; Ani Atamian, Founder, LEM; Hugo Rayne, General Manager Europe, Eleven Labs.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 15:40 - 16:20
ITA

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
Il libro per ragazzi da sempre ha avuto la vocazione ad adattarsi ed espandersi in nuovi media e formati, mantenendo un ruolo importante di porta di ingresso ai mondi narrativi. Quale posizione ricopre all'interno di questo ecosistema crossmediale, in cui diversi media, dal cinema ai podcast, dal web ai videogiochi, si integrano per dare vita a prodotti editoriali multipiattaforma? Il panel esplora le nuove sinergie che si innescano tra editori, produttori, autori e professionisti del settore.

Moderator

Elisa Salamini, autrice, formatrice e Co-founder, Mamamò, Italia

Panel

Valentina Mazzola, Docente, autrice, sceneggiatrice e script editor, Italia; Cristiana Buzzelli, COO, Movimenti Production, Italia; Paola Francesca Corsini, Licensing e Dramatic Rights Specialist, Editrice Il Castoro, Italia.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

In cooperation with

Mamamò

02 April, 16:00 - 16:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ
La prima storia illustrata del K-pop. La cultura coreana, le origini della musica pop fra Asia e Occidente. Le agenzie e il sistema degli idol, il training, i fandom, le 5 generazioni di artisti fra spettacolo, vita pubblica e privata. Alla scoperta dell’hallyu fra cinema, drama, webtoon, manhwa e il mondo del merch. Un libro unico per chi ama, conosce o è anche solo curioso di cosa sia l’universo K-pop.

Panel

Ivan Canu, autore; Davide Calì, fumettista.

Organized by

Salani Editore

02 April, 16:00 - 16:50
ITA

Sala Melodia

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block B

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Panel
Con Guido Affini, libraio e coautore del libro Fuori dal rifugio (Il Battello a Vapore); Mariella Martucci, scrittrice, sceneggiatrice, traduttrice e insegnante di scrittura creativa, autrice della raccolta Scintille di futuro (Mondadori Education) e Silvia Russo, psicologa del Policlinico di Milano e consulente per l'orientamento e l'educazione all'affettività di Mondadori Education.

Organized by
Mondadori

02 April, 16:00 - 16:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
02 April, 16:00 - 17:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 16:00 - 17:00
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Portfolio Review with Francesca Zucchi, Art Director of Junior Poetry Magazine. 

Panel

Francesca Zucchi, Art Director, Junior Poetry Magazine.

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

02 April, 16:00 - 17:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 16:15 - 18:15
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block D

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
CLAUDIA CAMICIA - GSLG

Panel
Angelo Nobile, Università di Parma; Cosimo Rodia, saggista: Renato Ciavola, fumettista; M. Mari, Editrice Festina Lente.

Organized by
GSLG- ASS. DI PROMOZIONE SOCIALE

In cooperation with
Rivista di letteratura giovanile "Pagine giovani"

02 April, 16:15 - 17:00
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
How do you get a picture book published in Japan? How should you present your the portfolio to Japanese publishers? Trends and strategies from an editor's perspective.

Panel

Naoko Takano, Editor & International Publishing Coordinator.

Organized by

The Japan Foundation, JBBY

02 April, 16:20 - 16:30
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS

Panel

Mariana Feged, GM Spanish Markets, France & EMEA Bookwire.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 16:30 - 17:10
ENG

BolognaBookPlus Theatre

HALL 29 MALL 1

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
BOLOGNABOOKPLUS
Partnerships, B2B and more: In the complex world of platforms via for our listenership, how can platforms offer new routes to market, find new listeners and offer more reach; and how can publishers capitalise on this.

Moderator

Nathan Hull, Chief Strategy Officer, Beat Technnology

Panel

Clara Ferrari, Chief Content Officer, YouScribe; Miriam Spinnato, Commercial Director, Mondadori; Fabio Uehara, AYA Books.

Organized by

BolognaBookPlus

02 April, 16:30 - 17:20
ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ

What opportunities does the school world offer to comics publishers interested in reaching early readers? Publishers from very different countries discuss the cultural mission of bringing comics into schools through pedagogical projects, educational publications and editorial strategies.

Moderator

Dolores Prades, Founder, Director, Instituto Emília, Brazil.

Panel

Aria Chelabian, General Manager, Kawangis Publishing, Philippines; Emanuele Di Giorgi, publisher, Tunué, Italy; Marcello Fontana, editor, Trem Fantasma, Brazil; Kevin McCloskey, editor, cartoonist, TOON Books, USA.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin, Instituto Emília

In the framework of

Comics Corner

02 April, 16:30 - 17:15
ITA/ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Susie Morgenstern is one of the cornerstones of world children's literature. Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur and Officier of l’Ordre national du Mérite for her contribution to the arts for children, she has added to the numerous awards received over the years the prestigious Grande Ourse at the last Montreuil Book Fair. On the occasion of her magnificent 80th birthday, BCBF pays her a well-deserved tribute.

Moderator

Hamelin

Panel

Susie Morgernstern, writer; Beatrice Masini, writer; Sylvie Vassallo and Nathalie Donikian, Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse en Seine-Saint-Denis.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

With the support of

Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse en Seine-Saint-Denis, Institut Français Italia, ITA-Italian Trade Agency and MAECI-Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

02 April, 16:30 - 17:30

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Organized by

Society of Illustrators

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

02 April, 16:30 - 18:00
CHT/ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

An opportunity to discover the art of oriental calligraphy. Following a presentation of this traditional practice, you will try your hand at tracing your first strokes, discovering their basic shapes and rules.

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

Panel

 Qi Jiaona, illustrator.

02 April, 17:00 - 17:50
ENG

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

The threads of fabrics, stories and figures in the pages of picture books show - between material and symbolic elaboration - directions of meaning toward a possible mending, narrative and unexpected, of individual and collective tears.

Moderator

Francesca Mignemi, Children Literature independent researcher.

Panel

Marcella Terrusi, Professor, University of Bologna; Isol, author and illustrator; Haya Halaw, illustrator.

Organized by

Logos Edizioni, Carocci Editore

02 April, 17:00 - 18:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

Upon reservation only on Eventbrite

02 April, 17:10 - 17:40
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
A lively discussion on how a chance meeting of like minds can lead to a collaboration on an exhibition of illustrated cake recipes aimed at promoting world peace.

Panel

Margaret Anne Suggs, author and illustrator, Board of Directors from Illustrators Ireland; Renate Harbinger, author and illustrator, Programme Designer, Das Kindersbuch Haus.

Organized by

Peace of Cake Project - 2023 International Jury from the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava

With the support of

IBBY International

02 April, 17:30 - 18:20
ENG

The Next Chapter Café

HALL 29

THE NEXT CHAPTER CAFÉ

Organized by

Chennai International Book Fair

02 April, 17:30 - 18:20
ENG

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
“Baek Heena’s picture book worlds open the door to magic and wonder, and her original techniques and artistic solutions breathe new life into the picture book medium.” - Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. A meeting with one of the best-loved Korean children's authors in Italy, discovering her art, her poetry, the unique style she has to build worlds and stories full of enchantment.

Panel

Heena Baek, author and illustrator.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Terre di mezzo Editore

02 April, 17:45 - 18:20
ENG

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area

HALL 30

THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER

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

Panel

Bruno De Almeida, author of the 2025 BCBF Visual Identity, Brazil; Henrique Moreira, winner of the International Award of Illustration BCBF-SM Brazil.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

02 April, 17:50 - 18:30

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
03 April, 09:00 - 13:30
ENG

Sala Concerto

Services Centre - Wing D

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  Programme and registration: IBBY Europe | IBBY's sections in Europe

Organized by

IBBY Europe - International Board on Books for Young People

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

03 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

03 April, 09:00 - 11:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

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

03 April, 10:00 - 12:00
ITA

Services Centre

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Caporrella Nadia

Panel
Ravioli Serenella, Caporrella Nadia, Costa Roberto, Cortese Paola Francesca, Posta Laura, Osti Susi

03 April, 10:00 - 12:00
ENG

PublisHer Area

HALL 29, B38-C43

PUBLISHER

Book a session with leading lady in the industry.

Organized by

PublisHer

03 April, 10:00 - 10:50

International Bookshop

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP

Organized by

Corraini

03 April, 10:00 - 10:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

In occasione dei 20 anni di BeccoGiallo, un incontro per riflettere su noi stessi e sui pregiudizi che a volte inconsapevolmente ci portiamo dietro. Perché, diciamolo, il più delle volte sono gli adulti a trovarsi in difficoltà di fronte a ciò che non conoscono.

Panel

Marina Cuollo, scrittrice; Angelo Enrico Emili, Professore di Didattica e Pedagogia speciale, Università degli Studi di Urbino, Carlo Bo.

Organized by

BeccoGiallo

03 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ITA

Sala Ronda

Services Centre, 1st Floor, Block C

TALKS & PRESENTATIONS

Moderator
Vichi De Marchi

Panel
• Daniele Ara, Assessore Scuola del Comune di Bologna • Vichi De Marchi, scrittrice e curatrice dell’Atlante dell’infanzia a rischio • Nicoletta Gramantieri, responsabile dei servizi e delle attività per bambini e ragazzi della biblioteca Salaborsa di Bologna • Arianna Lazzari, prof.ssa associata Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Educazione UNIBO e consulente gruppo di Lavoro ECEC della Commissione Europea • Claudio Mangialavori, Associazione Culturale Pediatri – Ambulatorio di pediatria di gruppo

Organized by
Save the Children Italia ETS

In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair

03 April, 10:00 - 11:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Some insights into understanding Korean culture in Italy through songs, comics and TV series

Panel

Ivan Canu, Mimaster director.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

03 April, 10:30 - 11:20
ITA

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Il Kamishibai è un originale e efficace strumento per l'animazione alla lettura, è un teatro d’immagini di origine giapponese utilizzato dai cantastorie. In questo incontro racconteremo le origini di questa valigia dei racconti e leggeremo insieme le nuove storie proposte da Edizioni Artebambini.

Panel

Mauro Speraggi, editore, Edizioni Artebambini; Ylenia Mellini, atelierista, Edizioni Artebambini.

Organized by

Edizioni Artebambini

In cooperation with

AKI - Associazione Kamishibai Italia

03 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

Illustrators Café

Services Centre

THE ILLUSTRATORS CAFÉ

Quest’anno Piemme festeggia 25 anni di grandi successi in compagnia di Geronimo Stilton. Il celebre topo giornalista, nato da un’idea di Elisabetta Dami, rappresenta un’eccellenza italiana con numeri da record che dal nostro Paese ha raccolto l’amore di milioni di ragazze e ragazzi in tutto il mondo, grazie alle sue avventure al contempo buffe, intelligenti, spiritose, istruttive, divertenti.

Panel

Enrico Racca, scrittore; Elisabetta Dami, scrittrice; Pierdomenico Baccalario, scrittore.

Organized by

Piemme, International Character

03 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

INTERNATIONAL BOOKSHOP
03 April, 11:00 - 11:50
ITA

The Book Lovers' Café

GALLERY HALL 25-26

THE BOOK LOVERS' CAFÉ

Per un ascolto condiviso, rilassante e intenso, all'altezza dei bambini. Un "teatro a occhi chiusi", accessibile a tutti. Presentazione e lettura dal vivo dal doppio LP Il drago di K e altre fiabe polacche.

Moderator

Silvana Sola, ISIA Urbino e Cooperativa Culturale Giannino Stoppani

Panel

Tanja e Daniele Fior di Locomoctavia Audiolibri; Ania Jagiello, responsabile sezione arte e teatro dell'Istituto Polacco di Roma.

Organized by

Locomoctavia Audiolibri, Istituto Polacco di Roma

03 April, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

03 April, 11:00 - 13:00

The Illustrators Survival Corner - Portfolio Licensing

HALL 30

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS
THE ILLUSTRATORS SURVIVAL CORNER
Upon reservation only.

Organized by

Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids

03 April, 11:00 - 12:00
ITA/ENG

Poetry Corner

Hall 25, A177

POETRY

Free verse for all. Come read a poem!

Organized by

Junior Poetry Associazione Culturale

03 April, 11:00 - 12:00
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ
AWARDS & CONTESTS

The jury will provide an overall feedback to participants in the translation competition from Korean

Panel

Vincenza d’Urso, Università Ca’ Foscari, Venezia; Min A Jeong, Università Cà Foscari, Venezia e Università di Bologna

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

03 April, 11:30 - 12:20
ITA/ENG

The Content Café

HALL 30

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
COMICS CORNER
THE CONTENT CAFÉ
How can comics enter the art world and dialogue with cultural spaces to attract a new audience? A comparison between two projects: on the one hand, "Fumetti nei Musei", devised and curated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which has 51 comics set in Italian museums, created by some of the most important voices in national comics; on the other hand, "Illustrer le Grand Paris", which has brought 30 artists to illustrate the new stops on the Grand Paris Express.

Moderator

Ilaria Del Gaudio, Professor of Art Pedagogy and Didactics, Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna, Italy

Panel

Giovanni Ferrara, Editorial Director, Coconino Press - Fandango, Italy; Joëlle Jolivet, cartoonist and illustrator, France; Sylvie Vassallo, Director, Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse en Seine-Saint-Denis, France; Noemi Vola, comics artist and illustrator, Italy.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Hamelin

In the framework of

Comics Corner

03 April, 12:00 - 13:00
ITA

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

Letteratura per l’infanzia e gioco da tavolo hanno spesso vissuto in terre di confine, lontano dai mondi che sembravano più titolati di loro a far cultura o intrattenimento di valore. Un dialogo sulle possibili narrazioni, mondi e personaggi che potrebbero felicemente migrare dall’una all’altro, (e viceversa) e di quali vantaggi ci potrebbero essere nel creare un mondo comune di storie, giochi e intelligenze. 

Upon reservation only.

Panel

 Pierdomenico Baccalario, writer, Founder, Book on a Tree.

Organized by

  Play - Festival del Gioco

03 April, 12:15 - 12:30
ITA

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

 

03 April, 12:30 - 15:00
ENG

Translators Café

HALL 30

THE TRANSLATORS CAFÉ

This third edition of the experimental Honyaku Dōjō will focus on picture books for younger children, filled with onomatopoeia. Translators, illustrators and editors are invited to join us to find interesting solutions for translations in Italian.

Panel

Maria Elena Tisi, Bologna University; Ayami Moriizumi, researcher

Organized by

Japan Foundation/JBBY

03 April, 13:00 - 13:20
ENG

Estonian GoH Area

Services Centre

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ESTONIA GUEST OF HONOUR

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

03 April, 13:00 - 14:00
ITA

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

Dalla realizzazione di giochi specifici all'utilizzo di prodotti commerciali, quali sono le intersezioni tra il mondo del gioco e quello della scienza, sia in termini di ricerca, che in termini di disseminazione, divulgazione e didattica

Upon reservation only.

Panel

Game Science Research Center

Organized by

Play - Festival del Gioco

03 April, 14:00 - 15:00

Licensing Conference Room

HALL 29 MALL 2

BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR/KIDS

Cosa c'è dietro l'ideazione di un gioco da tavolo condito da curiosità e aneddoti 

 Upon reservation only.

Panel

Walter Obert, game designer; Luca Borsa, game designer, SAZ italia.

Organized by

Play - Festival del Gioco