A lovely piece of news kicks off the 55th Bologna Children's Book Fair this year: the fair is, the winner of the American prize The Carle Honors in the "Bridge" category.
At the heart of the initiative, which aims to raise funds for the Museum's activities, are four awards that celebrate the people and institutions whose creative vision and dedication are inspiring for everyone and who recognises the value of illustrated books and their role in art and literature. The founder is the literary critic, Leonard S. Marcus, who is the head of the commission that each year awards the prizes that are divided into four categories: Artist - for artists whose lasting commitment to innovation in the sector. Angel - for those who have made their precious resources available, crucial for the realization of exhibitions, educational programs and projects; Mentor - for editors, designers or educators who support illustration; Bridge - for those who have found new and interesting ways to bring the world of children's books and illustration to the general public.
The Carle Honors is an initiative created as part of the activities of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a non-profit organization based in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 2002 by the famous illustrator Eric Carle and his wife, and inspired by similar Japanese museums, the museum operates in accordance with a mission that inspires a love of art and reading through the collection and exhibition of illustrated books from all over the world, and the organization of educational activities on the theme, aimed at children as well as parents and educators. A truly cultural centre, the Carle museum houses over 11,000 objects, including 7300 illustrations, and is home to three galleries, an art studio, a theatre and libraries.
The thirteenth edition of Carle Honors, whose award ceremony will take place in New York on Thursday 27 September 2018, has seen the merit of Bologna Children's Book Fair involvement and its role as a "bridge" that for over fifty years has been connecting in new forms the world of children's books and illustration to a global audience. By bringing together in one place the chance to discuss the latest trends in illustration and providing a forum for the exchange of editorial rights. The fair has the unique and honored position of forging links between different cultures, in the belief that illustrated books are a unique tool that can help children grow as citizens of the world.