The world reference fair for children’s publishing: four days in which Bologna buys and sells the rights to the picture books we will be reading for years.
Guest of Honour country: Poland
Source: bolognachildrensbookfair.com, checked on 14 September 2026.
Updated: September 2026
Running since 1964, the Children’s Book Fair is the rights market for illustration and children’s fiction: publishers, agents, illustrators and scouts come from everywhere, and the Illustrators Exhibition is the most sought-after springboard for anyone who draws.
It is a trade fair, not a public one: entry is by accreditation and most of the work happens in meetings between publishers. The 2027 Guest of Honour country is Poland.
Log what you buy, your progress and the quotes you underline. Free, no account needed to start.
Start for freeStands do not sell to the public: people come for rights, contacts and portfolios.
For illustrators, the Illustrators Wall and portfolio reviews are organised well in advance.
Hotels near the fairgrounds sell out months ahead — book as soon as dates are out.
Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027 runs 5–8 Apr 2027 at BolognaFiere, Bologna.
At BolognaFiere, Bologna.
No, it is ticketed: check prices and sales on the official website.
Access is for accredited trade visitors; check the conditions on the official website.