Bologna, in northern Italy, has welcomed the opening of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, taking place from 13 to 16 April 2026, with wide participation from children’s publishers, illustrators, and content creators from around the world. Recognised as the leading global event dedicated to children’s and young adult literature, the fair brings together the full spectrum of the publishing ecosystem, from publishing and translation to illustration and digital media, serving as a dynamic marketplace for rights exchange and the forging of international partnerships.
The fair represents the continuation of a rich cultural and professional legacy spanning more than six decades since its launch in 1963. Over the years, it has evolved into a central meeting point for key players in children’s publishing worldwide. It plays a pivotal role in advancing the global rights and translation market, while also offering a platform for discovering emerging talent, most notably through the Illustrators Exhibition, one of its flagship and longstanding programmes that attracts wide participation from artists across the globe.
This year’s edition features more than 1,500 exhibitors and around 30,000 professionals from over 90 countries, supported by a comprehensive programme that reflects the latest trends shaping the industry. These include visual storytelling, digital publishing, and the expansion of content across multimedia platforms. The fair’s activities are further complemented by parallel platforms such as BolognaBookPlus and the Licensing Trade Fair, reinforcing its status as a global hub for intellectual and creative rights trading, and providing an integrated environment for professional exchange and partnership building.
Norway is the Guest of Honour for the 2026 edition, presenting a curated cultural programme that highlights Scandinavian children’s literature and contemporary narrative practices, underscoring the fair’s international dimension and its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue among diverse markets. Amid the rapid transformations shaping the publishing landscape, the fair continues to consolidate its position as a global platform that bridges cultural innovation with professional sustainability, contributing to shaping the future of children’s publishing worldwide.
