The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) has announced the shortlist of the BOP – Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year, which is awarded annually to highlight excellent publishing houses from all over the world.
The 2026 shortlist of the children’s publishing houses has been recommended from each of the six geographical areas — Asia, Afica, Caribbean, Central-South America, Europe, North America, and Oceania — by publishers, publishers’ associations and institutions devoted to reading promotion worldwide.
BCBF exhibitors have started voting from February 10 to choose the #boppist 2026, and have until time Monday 16 March 2026.
The winners will be announced during BCBF, 13-16 April 2026. From India, Tulika Publishers and Pratham Books made it to the shortlist.
The Bologna book fair is important for Indian publishers and book print exporters, who showcase their work and get international clients.
BCBF at the United Nations
The BCBF also flew to New York, the final stop of the Bologna Grand Tour 2026. On February 20, at the United Nations Headquarters, the exhibition Turning the Page on Change opened, bringing together 173 international children’s books dedicated to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
The titles were selected from hundreds of submissions to the BolognaRagazzi Award 2025, and the selection, supported by the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI), also includes a special focus on Italian books addressing the theme, showcasing the excellence of Italian publishing on the international stage.
Open to visitors until March 13 at the UN Headquarters, the exhibition crowns a partnership with the United Nations that has been active since 2019 through the Sustainable Development Goals Book Club, reinforcing a shared commitment to promoting a culture of sustainability through the very best in children’s publishing.
The initiative will also feature a special round table with three authors whose books are included in the exhibition — Elizabeth Zunon, Hannah Salyer and Patricia McCormick — moderated by Maria Russo.
