The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)
Where Imagination Takes Flight: Haldane & Beacon Media at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Date: March/April 2026
Haldane & Beacon Media Rights & Acquisition
Ciao from historic Bologna! Every year, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair becomes the global epicenter of illustration, children’s literature, and YA publishing—and Haldane & Beacon Media is right in the heart of it.
Stepping into the exhibition halls here is like entering an endless gallery of color, creativity, and boundless imagination. From picture books that tackle big emotions to rich middle-grade fantasies, Bologna represents the gold standard for visual and youth storytelling.
Our Focus in Bologna
Children’s literature has the power to cross borders faster than almost any other genre. This week, Haldane & Beacon is focusing heavily on:
International Rights & Translations: Acquiring world-class visual works and licensing our flagship titles into European and Asian markets.
Illustrator Showcases: Meeting talented artists from across the globe to collaborate on upcoming illustrated editions.
Themes of Empathy & Sustainability: Pitching titles that inspire young readers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Favorite Moments So Far
Beyond the incredible coffee and pasta, the real highlight has been the rights meetings! The enthusiasm for cross-cultural collaboration here is inspiring. We’ve reviewed hundreds of mockups, portfolio submission sheets, and translated samplers—and we can’t wait to bring these visual masterpieces home to our readers.