The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
Organized by
Andersen - La rivista e il premio dei libri per ragazzi
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
Organized by
China Publishers
In cooperation with
Bologna Children's Book Fair
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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; 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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
How does the ISBN influence and portray the production and circulation of children's books in Colombia? What challenges and opportunities does it present for publishers, authors, and readers? In this panel, a research group from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) will present the findings of their study on the role of the ISBN in the Colombian children’s book industry. The team has analyzed how this identifier affects the visibility, commercialization, and accessibility of books for young readers. This research highlights the structural challenges faced by the Colombian publishing sector, such as fragmented distribution networks and limited international reach, and explores how a stronger implementation of the ISBN could help address these issues. Through data analysis and comparative perspectives, the panel will discuss the broader implications of their findings for other publishing markets.
Panel
María José Grisales, Literature and Economics student at Javeriana University and Coordinator of the ACLIJ research group; Gabriela Quiroga, Social Communication and Political Science student at Javeriana University and member of the ACLIJ Research Group; María Alejandra Bernal, Master’s student in Literature at Javeriana University and member of the ACLIJ Research Group.
Organized by
Asociación Colombiana de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
Nuovo appuntamento dei mestieri del fumetto, il ciclo di incontri dedicati a esplorare le molteplici sfaccettature che i tradizionali profili professionali delle case editrici assumono nel contesto del fumetto. Grazie all’esperienza dei professionisti coinvolti, in questa occasione sarà approfondito il ruolo della traduzione, partendo dalla prospettiva dei traduttori di fumetti per arrivare a quella delle case editrici che si occupano della loro pubblicazione.
Moderator
Enrico Fornaroli, Direttore Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna
Panel
Andrea Toscani, traduttore, Panini; Martina Petrucci, editor, Tunué; Matteo Gaspari, traduttore ed editor; Valerio Stivè, traduttore.
Organized by
AIE - Commissione Comics & Graphic Novels
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
The Content Café
HALL 30
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
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