Bologna Children's Book Fair 2026: Nordic Wind and the Poetics of Possibility

The 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) concluded with over 32,000 professional visitors and 1,540 exhibitors, reaffirming Bologna as a global hub for children's literature. The fair focused on Nordic literature, with Norway as Guest of Honor and the Hamelin association's BOOM! Crescere nei libri program. A key event was the conference "Vento del Nord: nuovi sguardi sull'infanzia" at Biblioteca Salaborsa, which traced a line from classics like Astrid Lindgren to contemporary authors such as Kitty Crowther, Maria Parr, Guus Kuijer, and Toon Tellegen. Authors Emma AdBåge, Øyvind Torseter, and Crowther discussed a poetics where graphic art explores themes of solitude, absurdity, and wild existence. The Norwegian delegation proposed books as spaces for infinite questions, reflecting values of democracy, freedom of expression, and trust in young readers. Italian publishers like Camelozampa brought works by Eva Lindström and Emma AdBåge to Italy, while Topipittori published Kitty Crowther's milestones. Crowther's new book "Madre Medusa" was released by Sigaretten, exploring the symbiotic mother-daughter bond. Exhibitions included Eva Lindström's "Niente è impossibile per noi!" at Palazzo Paltroni and a Kitty Crowther show at Arena del Sole, revealing the genesis of "Madre Medusa".