Upcoming Trade Shows Bologna, Italy for Books

Bologna might be best associated as a top-tier tourist destination, but it’s also deeply intertwined with the Italian book publishing industry. The city has been home to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair for six decades now, which positions Bologna as a pillar in the country’s publishing landscape. Editions are massive with the latest edition gathering 1456 exhibitors from 90 countries around the world – an even bigger outing compared to pre-pandemic year of 2019, which hosted 1442 exhibitors. The fair goes beyond children's-focused content, encompassing the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair and BolognaBookPlus, a dedicated extension for general trade publishing. Publishers have expressed their joy in returning to the fair as the shadows of COVID anxiety gradually recede. Halls echo with the warmth of in-person reunions, with more hugs and fewer elbow bumps. Lori Benton, Vice President and Group Publisher of Scholastic, reflects on the experience: ""It’s so exciting to be back, and a little surreal, but it also feels like we were just here. It’s a perfect blend of excitement and familiarity.” The buoyant atmosphere is mirrored in the books on display. Not only is the fair larger than the past few years, but renovations have enhanced the overall experience. Publishers are noticing a demand for self-help books for children, particularly focusing on subjects like mindfulness, time management and anger management. This is a trend possibly influenced by the pandemic's spotlight on mental health. Wonder House Books, based in Delhi, India, is set to distribute its titles through IPG in the U.S. in June, and they've seen high demand for boxed-set editions of books on fundamental topics such as the alphabet and numbers. ""Library sales have already begun,"" says Prashant Pathak, publisher of Wonder House Books, citing a substantial order of 1,400 copies from the California state library system, highlighting the enduring appeal of children's literature.