2026 Bologna Children’s Book Fair Highlights Resilience Amid Global Challenges

Sandrine Mini, CEO and Editorial Director of Éditions Sarbacane, remarked on the importance of moving forward amidst adversity, stating, "We can’t dwell on what’s happening. We must move forward... otherwise, we’ll be paralyzed by fear."

The attendance figures demonstrate a solid commitment to the fair, although some notable publishers could not be present. Literary agent Lora Fountain mentioned holding a Zoom meeting on the fair's opening day due to travel issues faced by one of her clients from Sydney. Asian publishers, particularly those from China, were less represented, possibly due to prioritization of the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair. However, first-time participants from emerging markets, including Barbados, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Zambia, showcased their work at the World Lounge stand.

The political situation also impacted the fair. The Iranian stand was vacant, and illustrator Noushin Sadeghian delivered a moving video address from a war-torn backdrop, calling for a moment of silence for victims in Iran. Artist Lorenzo Mattotti contributed to the somber atmosphere with an exhibition titled Sotto le Bombe (Under the Bombs).

Publishers are now seeking new markets for rights sales, particularly in Eastern Europe, although smaller print runs pose a challenge against larger international productions. The political climate is forcing some American publishers to practice self-censorship, retreating from certain themes due to the current environment.

This year’s fair also highlighted the trend of publishers favoring uplifting and humorous content for children as a response to ongoing global challenges. Laurence Risson from France Livres reflected on how external factors like war, declining birth rates, and financial constraints affect the industry but acknowledged the unifying aspect of the fair.

The Illustrators Café showcased numerous exhibitions and events, including the BolognaRagazzi Awards and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, which is valued at 5 million Swedish kronor (approximately 546,000 USD). With over 100 comics publishers participating, the fair's Comics Corner was notably 60% larger than the previous year, and the inclusion of toys marked a new initiative supported by the Play trade show.

Elena Pasoli, Director of BCBF, emphasized the fair's expanded program, which is three times larger than prior to the pandemic. Events drew large crowds, and the Illustrators Survival Corner had a high volume of portfolio reviews, highlighting the global blending of culture in the book and art industries.

An international conference on reading and youth further underscored the fair's commitment to addressing global publishing concerns. The BCBF has also expanded into general literature through BolognaBookPlus and introduced events focusing on artificial intelligence and audiobooks this year.

Looking ahead, the 64th edition of BCBF, with Poland as the guest of honor, is set for April 5 to 8, 2027. Claude Combet is a French journalist, author, and lecturer who previously worked for Livres Hebdo.