After two digital editions, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair reopens its doors from March 21 to 24, with a largely French-speaking prize list this year.
Organized since 1963, the Fiera del libro per ragazzi is the most important international fair dedicated to children’s literature. Reserved for professionals – authors, illustrators, translators, publishers, booksellers, television producers – it remains the place par excellence for the purchase of rights to books for young people and international exchanges. Highlighting the different artistic currents of the moment, it allows you to discover the trends in children’s publishing internationally.
The Fair is also known for the prizes Bologna Boys which reward the best children’s publishing titles around the world.
Five categories of works are rewarded every year: Fiction, Non fiction for documentaries, New Horizons intended to encourage children’s publishing from “emerging” countries, First work for the first works and Comics for comics. The jury also awards “mentions” or “special mentions” to works it wishes to highlight, with poetry in the spotlight this year.
A largely French-speaking 2022 list
A total of 23 prizes were awarded this year, including 10 books and a collection, published by French, Quebec or Swiss houses.
the Fiction Prize was awarded to Who owns the clouds? by Mario Brassard and Gérard Dubois published by La Pastèque, publishing house in Montreal. This album with a resolutely retro look with its black and white illustrations and its particular typeface approaches war with great sensitivity without naming it or situating it. Some readers speak of a slap received in the face to express the effect felt. An essential work according to all.
the Non-Fiction Prize was also awarded to La Pastèque editions for Sacred Monsters – Journey to the Heart of Volcanoes by Julie Roberge and Alessandra MC. This documentary between science, history and fantastic legends written by a volcanologist offers a thrilling journey to discover the most famous volcanoes.
Finally, the Poetry Prize was given to Murielle Szac, the author of the famous series of soap operas of Greek mythology in 100 episodes for Huge are their wings published by Bruno Doucey. This long narrative poem, accompanied by drawings by Nathalie Novi, is a tribute to the children of Syria.
An Italian title Theater of nature by Michelangelo Setola at Canicola Publishing received the prix Comics – Middle Grade. This comic book adventure story set in the 16th century tells of a child’s passion for all forms of life.
Highlights of the 2022 edition
In addition to the emirate of Sharjah, guest of honor for this edition, Ukraine enjoys a special status with the free invitation of its authors, illustrators and publishers and the organization of a conference on the value Peace.
Yuval Noah Harari, historian and best-selling author Sapiens, a brief history of mankind and 21 lessons for the 21st century will take advantage of the Fair to announce its long-awaited new project for children.
Another event of the 2022 edition, the launch on the Italian market of the famous comic book series Max and Lily published by the Swiss publisher Calligram. The series, whose titles are the most borrowed in French libraries, offers stories that are both fun and educational regarding the daily lives of children. It now has more than a hundred volumes. Christian Gallimard, the founder of Calligram and Dominique de Saint-Mars, the author, presented this launch on the opening day of the Fair.
In parallel with the show, until April 18, the Festival Boom! organized by the city of Bologna and the Hamelin Association will celebrate children’s books and illustrations. No less than 45 exhibitions, more than 100 workshops, meetings and screenings spread over 86 spaces!
The opportunity to come and spend a nice day under the sign of imagination, creativity and poetry with the children in the capital of Emilia-Romagna (one hour by train from Milan).
To follow the news of children’s literature and find children’s books in French in Milan, go to the website of the Librairie William Crocodilethe first project of the Association for Reading in French Abroad.
