#Italy #Bologna #children's literature #Chinese Publishing #Bologna Children's Book Fair

Showcasing Chinese Children's Literature in Bologna

The 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair, which took place from April 13 to 16, 2026, in the picturesque city of Bologna, Italy, was a grand demonstration of China's publishing strength. Under the unifying theme of 'Reading China', the event welcomed 18 prestigious Chinese publishing houses, including the noteworthy China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd. These publishers showcased an impressive collection of over 1,200 children's books, with more than 500 titles available in English. This rich variety included award-winning literature, thematically focused works, and books that celebrate traditional Chinese culture.

The fair featured a dedicated exhibition space that highlighted the artistry of renowned Chinese artist Feng Zikai, along with classic lianhuanhua, which are traditional picture-story books. This inclusion not only reflected the artistic heritage of Chinese publishing but also integrated creativity with educational content, particularly in the science and illustration section. Attendees were treated to original pieces by talented Chinese illustrators along with notable award-winning artworks that emphasize the global appeal of Chinese storytelling.

In addition to the book displays, a series of forums and events aimed at fostering international collaboration were conducted throughout the fair. A significant seminar titled 'Chinese IP Going Global: Innovative Expressions of Chinese Civilization' gathered publishers, authors, and illustrators to share insights on cross-media storytelling and the importance of global communication. A noteworthy moment at the fair included the signing of an international edition of the Chinese children's magazine 'Dongfang Wawa' intended for the Malaysian market, marking a pivotal expansion of Chinese-language children's publications beyond its borders.

Moreover, various activities, such as copyright matchmaking events, panel discussions, and author sharing sessions, were organized to enhance cooperation and open new avenues for rights trading and co-publishing opportunities.

Basarat Kazim, the President of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), expressed her delight at witnessing the events at the Chinese Pavilion during the fair. Reflecting on a past meeting with acclaimed illustrator Cai Gao, who recently received the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, Kazim noted the vibrancy of the Chinese exhibition and the remarkable array of children’s literature designed for young audiences across the globe.

Elena Pasoli, the Director of the Bologna Children's Book Fair, acknowledged China's growing participation at the fair, emphasizing that the quality of their exhibited titles continues to elevate year after year. Pasoli reaffirmed the importance of sessions dedicated to innovative forms of Chinese intellectual property, believing these cross-media initiatives play a critical role in introducing Chinese cultural heritage to a worldwide readership. She expressed her anticipation for deeper collaborations with China in cultivating children's content, with hopes that more outstanding Chinese IP will gain international visibility.

The 2026 Bologna Children's Book Fair thus stood as a testament to the dynamic landscape of Chinese children's literature and its potential to captivate and educate young readers around the world. As global interest in stories that communicate cultural richness grows, it becomes increasingly significant for countries like China to share their narratives in innovative ways. The fair not only showcased the current state of Chinese publishing but also set the stage for future developments in international children’s literature, making it an affair to remember for all stakeholders involved.