#China #Italy #Bologna #Children's Publishing #Bologna Fair

Spotlight on Chinese Children's Publishing at Bologna Fair

The 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair took place from April 13 to 16, 2026, in Bologna, Italy, unveiling a vibrant showcase of Chinese children's literature under the theme "Reading China." This year's event saw the participation of 18 notable Chinese publishing brands, including the China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd., presenting a remarkable collection of over 1,200 children's books. Among these, more than 500 were available in English, representing a diverse range of themed works, award-winning titles, and illustrations grounded in traditional Chinese culture.

Artistic Displays and Cultural Exchanges

One of the focal points at the fair was the dedicated section that honored the works of renowned artist Feng Zikai, alongside classic lianhuanhua (picture-story books). This highlighted the rich artistic heritage of Chinese children’s publishing. A special science and illustration area blended educational elements with creativity, presenting original pieces by Chinese illustrators and award-winning works that reflected the increasing global appeal of Chinese visual storytelling.

The event also hosted a variety of forums designed to enhance international collaboration. For instance, the seminar titled "Chinese IP Going Global: Innovative Expressions of Chinese Civilization" engaged publishers, authors, and illustrators in discussions around cross-media storytelling and global communication avenues. Additionally, a significant moment in the fair was the signing of the international edition of the Chinese children's magazine Dongfang Wawa for distribution in Malaysia, a key milestone in the global expansion of Chinese-language children's periodicals.

Various activities, including copyright matchmaking sessions, dialogues, and author-sharing events, further strengthened ties between international partners and expanded opportunities in rights trading and co-publishing ventures.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Basarat Kazim, President of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), expressed enthusiasm about the vibrant Chinese pavilion at the fair. Kazim reflected on meeting Cai Gao the previous year and noted her impressive achievements, including winning the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration this year. He praised the range of wonderful children's books being produced in China, indicating their potential to resonate with young readers worldwide.

Elena Pasoli, Director of the Bologna Children's Book Fair, commended China's significant participation in the fair, emphasizing the increasing quality of their exhibited works each year. Pasoli recognized the importance of focusing on the innovative expressions of Chinese IP, suggesting that such cross-media innovations play a crucial role in bringing Chinese cultural heritage to a broader global audience. She anticipates a deepening of collaborative efforts with Chinese partners to elevate outstanding Chinese intellectual properties within the global market.

In conclusion, the 2026 Bologna Children's Book Fair not only showcased the strength and creativity of Chinese children's publishing but also set the stage for broader cultural exchanges and cooperative ventures. With an emphasis on innovation and quality, the contributions from Chinese publishers are establishing a foothold in the global literary scene, creating enriching experiences for children around the world.