Information
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 have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair will now take place on 14 - 17 June 2021.
Each edition of BCBF brings close to 1500 exhibitors and 29,000 trade visitors to Bologna Fiera. With 250+ events at BCBF and 100+ related events in Bologna, participants have a variety of options to connect and exchange ideas. Products and services from 80 countries were presented during the 56th edition of the prestigious book fair, including more than 1000 original illustrations.
Who can you meet there
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.
Past editions
| Total | Domestic | Foreign | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibitors | 1,442 | - | - |
| Visitors | 28,946 | - | - |
| Total | Domestic | Foreign | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibitors | - | - | - |
| Visitors | - | - | - |
What is new for Bologna Children's Book Fair 2021
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.
quick info
| Organiser: | BolognaFiere S.p.a |
| Founded: | 1964 |
| Frequency: | every year |
| Next Edition: | Bologna Children's Book Fair 2022 |
| Sectors: | Books / Prints / Libraries |
| Website: | Bologna Children's Book Fair |
important facts
- 1442 BCBF exhibitors in 2019
- over 80 represented countries
- 28,946 visitors
- close to 50% international visitors
- over 820 journalists
- collaboration between Bologna Children's Book Fair and events in Moscow, New York and Shanghai
Sino-Label 
Printing South China 
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 
Leipziger Buchmesse 
Paris Book Fair 
Frankfurt Book Fair 
The London Book Fair 
NAB Show 
