# Bologna Children's Book Fair's 'Grand Tour' Continues to Build Opportunities **Date:** 26.06.2026 **URL:** https://samolit.com/news/27 The Bologna International Book Fair concluded its annual “Grand Tour” this month, making its final stops in New York, Beijing, and Annecy. This program began in 2021, backed by the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Its primary objectives are to… --- The Bologna International Book Fair concluded its annual “Grand Tour” this month, making its final stops in New York, Beijing, and Annecy. ![](/storage/images/news-content/27/27-1782492372.webp) This program began in 2021, backed by the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Its primary objectives are to broaden BCBF's global connections, collect fresh concepts for advancing and publishing children's books, and establish partnerships across various media platforms. The bond between the U.S. publishing industry and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair is robust and continuously strengthening, thanks to popular events held throughout the year. Earlier in the year, BCBF partnered with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals Book Club to present an exhibition titled “Turning the Page on Change: Children’s Books Inspiring Action for the Global Goals.” This display showcased 173 illustrated books from across the globe, selected from top contenders in the special Sustainability category of the BolognaRagazzi Awards 2025. On June 9th, BCBF revisited New York to host a well-attended event called “Bridging Markets: Women in Children’s Publishing from Italy and North America.” This gathering highlighted the exchange of rights between Italian and American publishers and agents. Held at the Society of Illustrators in New York City, it was also a component of the Zig Zag Festival, an illustration event orchestrated by the Italian Cultural Institute in New York and curated by Hamelin alongside Steven Guarnaccia, in partnership with BCBF. During the recent Beijing International Book Fair, BCBF made its debut with its own dedicated booth and engaged in several associated events. Elena Pasoli, BCBF Director, highlighted in her address the significant opportunities present in the Asia-Pacific region, expressing BCBF's commitment to nurturing these connections further. BCBF has been actively investing in this market by forming alliances with the Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, enabling participation in local festivals and fairs. Additionally, it has partnered with China South Publishing & Media Group and Sìdee Cultural Communication for the "Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration" exhibition series. With these endeavors, BCBF seeks to draw an increasing number of publishers from throughout the Asian continent. Currently, BCBF is in France, attending MIFA – the International Animation Film Market, which is part of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This festival is renowned globally as a premier event for the animation sector. The objective here is to reinforce BCBF's expanding connections within the cross-media industry, especially concerning adaptations from books to screens and gaming. Over the past few years, BCBF has pioneered innovative projects and programs in this domain via the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, which serves as a crucial link to this largely unexplored international publishing segment. This week, BCBF has been organizing various events and workshops to broaden its network within the animation industry. They are also presenting their popular program, "The Illustrators Survival Corner," which includes workshops, portfolio reviews, and masterclasses specifically for illustrators, curated by Mimaster Illustrazione. Among the individuals participating in this week's Illustrators Survival Corner are Simone Albrigi (Sio), a cartoonist and YouTuber, and Francesca Presentini (Fraffrog), a cartoonist, illustrator, and YouTuber, both co-founders of Gigaciao publishing house. Also present are Beatrice Fini, Director of the Children’s and Young Adult Division at Giunti Editore; Alida Pintus, an illustrator and concept artist; and Giacomo Manzotti, a director, animator, and motion designer. To learn more about all the activities conducted during this year's Grand Tour, please refer to the provided link.