A host of initiatives is lined up for the 63rd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), taking place from 13 to 16 April 2026 at the BolognaFiere exhibition center in Italy, and its China edition in Shanghai from 14 to 16 November 2025.
Topping the list are the BolognaRagazzi (BRAW) Awards, an international showcase for the world’s finest, most innovative picture books and one of the most sought-after awards in children’s publishing. Submissions are now open, free to enter, and are open to all publishers, including those who are not exhibiting at BCBF.
Alongside the traditional categories – fiction, non-fiction, opera prima, comics (comic books and graphic novels), and toddler – this year, a special category dedicated to fables and fairy tales is being introduced. Publishers have until 31 January 2026 to send their titles. Click here for details on how to take part in the awards.
As a longstanding tradition, all the winning books will be added to the Children’s Book Fair Collection, dating to 1966 and held by Bologna’s Salaborsa Children’s Library.
Then there are the BolognaRagazzi Crossmedia Awards, dedicated to outstanding projects that bring stories from page to screen (or vice versa) and to digital platforms and products that deliver engaging online reading experiences.
Adjudicated by an international jury, the awards comprise two categories— CrossMedia Projects and Digital Reading Experiences. For the 2026 edition, a special category on gender equality and environmental sustainability is being added. The submission deadline is 31 January 2026.
The CrossMedia Awards are organized in partnership with the Mamamò Association. For all information, email to bolognaragazzicrossmediaward@bolognafiere.it or click here.
Submissions are also open for the Illustrators Exhibition, which offers a rare opportunity to bring the work of both established and emerging artists to the attention of industry professionals during the fair and in the months that follow. In 2026, the fair will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the exhibition.
Following the Children’s Book Fair, the exhibition will embark on a two-year tour, covering Japan (in collaboration with JBBY), Korea, China, and other destinations. Deadline for submission is 3 November 2025. More details here.
Registrations are open for the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, taking place from 14-16 November 2025. For certain countries, a visa-free policy is in effect until the end of 2025, meaning you can enter China with just your passport.
