The 61st Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) took place from 8 to 11 April 2024. This event, which attracts publishing professionals from all over the world, was attended by some 1523 exhibitors from around 100 countries. In fact, it is an international event with spaces dedicated to illustrations, publishing houses, author meetings, workshops and exhibitions.
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=202431225657721.jpg)
Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) was inaugurated by local authorities including the mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, and the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Culture, Lucia Borgonzoni, who emphasised the importance of this international event. During the inauguration, I was able to attend the speech by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, by videoconference from the Quirinale, who officially opened the 61st edition of the Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF). His speech was very interesting and I hope it will be a stimulus for everyone: 'Best wishes to all publishers, visitors, illustrators, fair organisers and young children. [...] The book is an indispensable instrument of knowledge and growth, it is a source of values, hopes and dreams, and it is important that children also become passionate about reading and find familiarity with books, learning to know, discuss, respect and share [...] publishers in general, and for children in particular, bear a great responsibility in the education of citizens [...] it is essential to create an alliance for reading between the world of books, families, schools, libraries and new technologies. [...] books help to make life fascinating [...] knowledge makes one authentically free.'
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=202431204136630.jpg)
After the ceremony, I was able to take a tour around the pavilions of the fair and see some exhibitions dedicated to illustrators from all over the world. The Korean illustrators who exhibited their work were: Suyeon Lee, Sunjin Kim and Miran Park.
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=202431204445415.jpg)
Their works deeply impressed and fascinated me with their beauty, technique and originality. My day continued with a visit to some stands of Korean publishers and a chance to partecipate some meetings with the illustrators.
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=20243123816105.jpg)
I had the opportunity to participate in three Korean workshops where the authors of the illustration books (Kim Jian, Noh Inkyung, Oh Sena) talked about their work, all of which were very interesting and gave me much idea and thought on the world of Korean illustration. I like the meeting with illustrator Kim Jian (winner of the Comics Early Reader Award Special Mention with her book 달리다 보면/As you drive) who presented her publications and talked about her experience and creative process. She talked about how the book Tulip hotel, its world came about and how nature and its flowers inspired her in the creation of the characters and the setting. It was also possible to ask her a few questions about her work as an illustrator. She was very kind and answered all questions about her work: ‘I enjoy making observations and telling stories about the things I love. I've become very interested in home-building as I spend a lot of time at home myself.'
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=20243120595036.jpg)
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=20243121457208.jpg)
After the workshops, I continued my tour of the Korean stands where I browsed through many illustrated books. I really enjoyed the graphics, the stories and the art of the Korean illustrators. Also, at each stand, people were really nice and helpful in explaining the authors and giving away some catalogues of their publications.
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=202431211246307.jpg)
This fair is a moment of dialogue between publishers and illustrators, but also an opportunity to come into contact with different publishing realities. In fact, the fair spaces feature illustrator walls, where each illustrator can hang their business cards and information about their work. A simple and direct way to get in touch with publishers and other artists.
From an early age, illustrated books accompany children as they grow up and help them embark on their first personal journey of knowledge, so events of this kind encourage cultural exchanges between the different approaches to children's publishing and are essential for creating constructive dialogue.
![](/file/thumbnail.do?img_physical=202431211832507.jpg)
Info and photo credits:
Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) 2024 Bologna Children's Book Fair (@bolognachildrensbookfair)
How about this article?
- Like5
- Support0
- Amazing0
- Sad0
- Curious0
- Insightful3