The 2026 Bologna Children's Book Fair opened on April 13, featuring the Taiwan Pavilion under the theme "Story Forest." Three Taiwanese creators, Liu Xugong, Zhou Yifen, and Lin Xiaobei, all nominated for the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, attended the event. The Cultural Content Aid Institute organized the Taiwan Pavilion, bringing together 35 publishers, 228 original books, and supporting 8 rights/licensing professionals to expand international copyright and IP cooperation. The pavilion also featured a bookstore selling Taiwanese picture books translated into Italian, French, and Spanish.
The Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF), held from April 13-16, is a major platform for children's books, comics, and graphic novel rights matching. Taiwan's Representative to Italy, Tsai Yun-chung, and Taipei Book Fair Foundation Chairman, Hao Ming-yi, attended the opening. Tsai Yun-chung emphasized the Taiwanese government's efforts to promote cultural exchange with Europe, with Italy being a key focus. The "Story Forest" theme symbolizes Taiwan's creative energy. Liu Xugong, a National Taiwan University Civil Engineering graduate, became a picture book author ("Orange Horse"). He noted differences in focus between Western (art/image) and Eastern (story content) children's books. Zhou Yifen, founder of Ho-Ying Publishing, authored "Grandma Xueying's Story" and the "Mimi Series," which has 14 language licenses. She focuses on developmental psychology in children's literature. Lin Xiaobei's "The Practice of Goodbye" gained international attention, leading to a Spanish publication in Mexico. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is considered the "Nobel Prize of Children's Literature."
FACT BOX
- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: event
FAQ
When and where was the Bologna Children's Book Fair held, and what is its primary purpose?
The Bologna Children's Book Fair was held from April 13 to 16 in Bologna, Italy, and serves as a major platform for children's book, comic, and graphic novel rights matching.
Who attended the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, and what roles do they hold?
Tsai Yun-chung, Taiwan's Representative to Italy, and Hao Ming-yi, Chairman of the Taipei Book Fair Foundation, attended the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
What does the 'Story Forest' theme represent in the context of Taiwan's participation in the book fair?
The 'Story Forest' theme represents Taiwan's vibrant creative energy and cultural richness showcased through its children's literature at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
Which picture book author transitioned from civil engineering to children's literature, and what is one of his notable works?
Liu Xugong, a National Taiwan University Civil Engineering graduate, became a picture book author known for his work titled 'Orange Horse' presented at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
What achievement has Zhou Yifen's 'Mimi Series' reached, and what approach does she emphasize in her writing?
Zhou Yifen's 'Mimi Series' has secured 14 language licenses, and she emphasizes developmental psychology in her children's literature, including works like 'Grandma Xueying's Story'.