<Bologna Prepares for the Major Children's Publishing Festival: The Director Speaks — Art News
arrow_back Back to all stories
museum exhibitions calendar_today Friday, April 10, 2026

Bologna Prepares for the Major Children's Publishing Festival: The Director Speaks

Bologna si prepara al grande festival di editoria per l’infanzia. Parla la direttrice

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) has announced the details for its 63rd edition, scheduled to take place from April 13 to 16, 2026, at BolognaFiere. This upcoming iteration will feature Norway as the Guest of Honor under the theme "What if?" and will host 1,500 exhibitors from 90 countries. The fair continues to evolve beyond traditional publishing, integrating transmedia narratives, licensing, and discussions on artificial intelligence alongside major anniversaries for figures like Carlo Collodi, Agatha Christie, and Mitsumasa Anno.

As a premier global hub for illustration and children's literature, BCBF serves as a critical barometer for the creative economy and international publishing trends. The 2026 edition marks the 60th anniversary of the prestigious Illustrators Exhibition, reinforcing the fair's role in elevating illustration as a global cultural practice. By bridging historical legacies with contemporary digital challenges, the event remains a vital intersection for intellectual property rights, pedagogical innovation, and visual experimentation.