The boom of children’s publishing: 1,500 Publishers from 95 countries at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair

All set for the 2025 edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the most significant event in European children’s publishing. This fair, exclusively for industry professionals, will happen at BolognaFiere from March 31 to April 3.

This year, directed by Elena Pasoli and organized in collaboration with the Italian Publishers Association and the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, marks the 62nd edition of the fair. It boasts impressive attendance numbers, with 1,500 publishers from 95 countries expected. In addition, the entire city will come alive with the initiative “Boom! Growing in Books,” running from March 27 to May 28 and featuring 150 events—approximately 100 authors will participate—dedicated to the public and families passionate about books, including those who have continued reading children’s literature into adulthood. Estonia will serve as the guest country this year, and sustainability will be the central theme, reflecting all 17 sustainable development goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.

Superstar Authors Pennac and Kinney

The event will feature renowned authors such as Daniel Pennac, who will present his new children’s book co-written with Stefano Bartezzaghi, Le parole fanno il solletico (Salani), on March 31 at 14:30 at The Next Chapter Café (located at the fair). Jeff Kinney, the creator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Il Castoro), will engage in a dialogue with Davide Calì on March 31 at 17:30 at the Caffè Illustratori (also at the fair).

Celebrating Iconic Characters

The year 2025 also marks significant anniversaries. The 50th anniversary of *Pimpa*, a beloved childhood character for generations, will be celebrated with an exhibition at the Biblioteca Salaborsa in Bologna and an appearance by its creator, Altan, on March 31 at 11:15 at The Illustrator Survival Corner (at the fair).

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80 Years of the Moomins

The fair will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, whimsical creatures created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, and Pippi Longstocking, the ultimate rebellious child. A panel featuring Donatella Di Pietrantonio, Beatrice Alemagna, Simona Vinci, and Jansson’s great-grandson Johan Palmberg will focus on these iconic characters on April 1 at 14:00 at the Caffè Illustratori (at the fair). There will also be toasts for the 25th anniversary of Geronimo Stilton, the 10th anniversary of the Premio Strega Ragazzi, and the 60th anniversary of the Bologna Ragazzi Award. Additionally, the celebrated illustrator Katsumi Komagata will be honoured a year after his passing, along with Leo Lionni, in the presence of his granddaughter, Annie Lionni.

Furthermore, the 70th anniversary of Dick Bruna’s Miffy will be recognized, along with the introduction of a new project, Lupoguido. The historic Sellerio editions will also venture into children’s books, launching two brand-new titles in their inaugural series, La memoria dei ragazzi (Memory of the Kids), aimed at young readers aged nine and up.