Bologna Children's Book Fair

The children's publishing industry is in bloom. As the largest exhibition of its kind, the globally renowned BCBF in Italy reflects the progress made so far, as well as the challenges and possibilities of tomorrow. The Bologna Children's Book Fair 2021 dates, 12 - 15 April, will bring close to 1500 exhibitors and 29,000 trade visitors to Bologna Fiera.
The 56th edition ended on a high note. It received 5% more visitors compared to its predecessor, and 20% more international participants. With 263 events at BCBF and 113 related events in Bologna, the participants had a variety of settings to connect and exchange ideas. Products and services from 80 countries were presented during the prestigious book fair, including more than 1000 original illustrations.

Bologna Children's Book Fair encourages international dialogue and collaboration, and provides an excellent atmosphere for meetings. Publishers and illustrators from around the world put the fair on their agenda every year and attend, among other events, BCBF's Illustrators’ Exhibition, the popularIllustration for Children. The Best of Italy and most recently,The Children-Spectators competition.
The book fair attracts authors and literary agents, critics, editorial directors and consultants, licensors, distributors, app developers and audiobook professionals. Independent booksellers, packagers, printers, teachers and librarians also find networking opportunities at Bologna Children's Book Fair.

BCBF 2021 will feature an exiting new area which will be focused on cartoons, comics and graphic novels for children. This medium is set for a strong year, with the new Comics Corner at the expo and the BolognaRagazzi Award adding a permanent Comics category to its list. During Bologna Children's Book Fair 2021 the category will recognise works in these three sections: Early Reader, Middle Grade and Young Adult.
The organisers also revealed the Guest of Honour for the upcoming Bologna Children's Book Fair - Sharjah. Regarded as UAE's cultural capital, Sharjah will bring to Bologna well established illustrators and authors. Its participation will be accompanied by special events both in Bologna Fiera and in the city. The programme will feature workshops, matchmaking sessions between Emirati and Italian artists and publishers, plus seminars centred around the production of illustrated books.