The Content Café

ITA

The New Spanish OLA of Comics

The Content Café

HALL 30

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

ENG

Stories Across Media. New Forms of Reading and Storytelling for Children from the BolognaRagazzi CrossMedia Awards 2025

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.

Organized by

Bologna Children's Book Fair

In cooperation with

Mamamò

ITA

Premio Andersen 44: annuncio dei libri finalisti

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

ENG

Boys will be Boys?

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 Member of the Board in Cyprus.

Organized by

Estonia Guest of Honour 2025

In cooperation with

IBBY Estonia

Silent Book Contest 2025 - Gianni De Conno Award: Announcement of the Finalists

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

ENG

Data Release of the Chinese Children's Book Market

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organized by

China Publishers

In cooperation with

Bologna Children's Book Fair

ENG

Fun SDG Game Project and a Selection of Japanese SDG Picture Books from Picture Book City Itabashi

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

ITA

In memoria di Cristina Lastrego

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.

Panel

Francesco Testa, autore e illustratore; Pino Boero, autore ed esperto di letteratura per l'infanzia; Emanuela Bussolati, autrice; 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; Annita Romanelli, Responsabile Unità Organizzativa Produzione Cartoni e Serie TV, Rai Kids; 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

ENG

Maliopys: Ukrainian Comics in Times of War

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 wich 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

ENG

Final Stop Istanbul: Southeast-Asian Children’s Book Markets Today

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

ENG

Where the Boys Are: The Right Books Can Make Them Heroes

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

ENG

Books that Seed a Sustainable Development Mindset: a Reading Promoters' View

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.

Organized by

The Ukrainian Book Institute, EURead

ENG

Latin American Comics Today

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

ENG

Trans-cendent: Embracing Inclusive Gender Expression Beyond Tokenism or Issue Books

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 and Co-Founder, Director, 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

ENG

Innovative AI: New Relationships and Controls for Publishers and Artists

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

ENG

Children's Authors Taking a Stand

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

ENG

Independent Comics for Young Adults

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? Three 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

ITA

Andrea Camilleri ieri, oggi e domani: 100 anni di vita e di storie.

The Content Café

HALL 30

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organized by

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

In cooperation with

Sellerio and Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori

ITA

Comics and Resistance: Graphic Novels and Political Engagement

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, author, 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

ENG

Feminisms, Bodies, Identities: What is Their Role in Kids' Comics?

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

ENG

Timeless Tales: Preserving and Promoting the Legacy of Leo Lionni. A Talk with Annie Lionni

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

ENG

Announcement: Norway Guest of Honour 2026

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

ITA

I mestieri del fumetto: la traduzione

The Content Café

HALL 30

COMICS CORNER

THE CONTENT CAFÉ

Organized by

AIE - Commissione Comics & Graphic Novels

In the framework of

Comics Corner

Silent Comics: a New Frontier for Young Readers

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

ENG

Bringing Comics to the Classroom: International Experiences

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 Emilia, 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 Emilia

In the framework of

Comics Corner

ITA

Kamishibai: istruzioni per l'uso

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

Out of the Page: When Comics Meet Art

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