The 53rd edition of Bologna Children’s Book Fair opened on April 4 in Italy, once again bringing together a global audience that makes up the international experience.
Iran Cultural Fairs Institute (ICFI) is Iran’s representative at the event, which has planned a variety of programs at the 32squaremeter pavilion. Introducing Iranian illustrators, whose works partake in the fair’s illustration competition, and Iranian books whose rights have been purchased by international publishers are planned, IRNA reports.
Amir Kabir, Ofogh, Paidayesh, Chekeh, Khane-Adabiat, Mohajer and Shabaviz are among the local publishers whose publications will be showcased.
Furthermore, a catalogue containing information on Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) will be presented and the ICFI will invite foreign publishers to participate in the 29th TIBF edition in May.
Iran will show 270 titles from 30 publishers during the four-day annual event. The ICFI will also introduce 110 top authors and 128 outstanding illustrators, providing a short resume ofeachin a catalogue.
Some participants have been among the winners of a local illustration competition, organized by ICFI, which was aimed to strengthen the link between young authors and illustrators. PayamEbrahimi, FatemehKhosravian and HamidehKhosravianare winner authors who made it through the current book event.
MarjanFarmani, JilaHodaei, TaherehZahmatkesh, Sara Khoraman and Sa’eidehSabet Nia are also the illustrators whose works are presented in the BCBF catalogue.
Award for Apps
According to the fair’s website, the event’s main prize, known as the Bologna Ragazzi Award, is a major acknowledgement of publishing excellence. It is also an enormous international copyright business opportunity. This year the BRAW has a special category for publications on disability.
Then there is the Bologna Ragazzi Digital Award for excellence in the field of interactive apps for children and young adults. Publishers too have a Best Children’s Publisher of the Year Prize (BOP) that each year acknowledges the most enterprising publisher in the six main areas of the world, giving them a place on the prestigious international stage.
Furthermore, the event will see the first ‘StregaRagazze e Ragazzi’, the Strega Prize promoted by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the Maria and GoffredoBellonic Foundation, and StregaAlberti Benevento together with the Centre for Books and Reading and with the support of BPER and Unindustria Bologna.
Dario Francescchini, the Italian minister of cultural heritage and activities and tourism will announce the winners on April 6.
Bologna International Children Book Fair is the most important international event dedicated to children’s publishing and multimedia industry.
Gathering big brand names and publishing companies around the world, the fair is displaying books in 1200 pavilions from 70 countries with the attendance of illustrators and graphic designers, literary agents, publishers, authors, translators, business developers, licensors and licensees, packagers, printers, distributors, bookstore owners, librarians, teachers, publishing services providers.
For the first time this year a hall is dedicated to the digital media. Germany is the guest of honor at the prestigious event.
