Q: This year marks the 47th edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Is there any other fair in the world that is comparable to BCBF?
A: As a matter of fact, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair is unique: there are other professional events, but not focused on children’s books. There are events dedicated to children’s books, but as they are open to the general public they are not the ideal place to do business in.

Q: The location offers 20,000m2 of exhibition space – is it easy to find your way around?
A: Yes – The Fair is spread over 4 halls (2 international halls and 2 gathering Italian and English speaking publishers). In addition, we have a space at the entrance dedicated to the Illustrators Exhibition. The halls are all close together and connected via covered passages.

Q: How many exhibitors and visitors will be present this year and from which countries mainly?
A: We expect about 1.200 exhibiting companies (publishing houses, literary agencies, illustrator scouts, licensors, etc). The most represented countries are Italy, Great Britain and the United States. Italian Publishers represent about 12% of the total number of exhibitors.

Q: Does Italy import more than it exports books?
A: Yes. Apart from a couple of genres (art books, for instance) Italy imports more than it exports, but there is an interesting trend, concerning namely children’s books, showing that there has been a growth in the selling of rights compared to the stable situation in the buying of rights.

Q: Is the fair open to the general public?
A: No, the Fair is only open to professionals (publishers, agents, librarians, illustrators, authors, booksellers, etc)

Q: What special initiatives does the BCBF offer to both exhibitors and visitors alike?
A: At the Fair we hold a very rich programme of meetings with some of the most popular artists, writers and critics, both at the Illustrators Café and at the newly born Authors Café. A lot of round tables on up-to-date issues are also held, also organized directly by publishers. The main feature is the Illustrators Exhibition, with the Guest of Honour Country. Plus, there is a very rich programme to be held in the city centre of Bologna: theme exhibitions, openings, ceremonies, debates that take place right after the closing of the Fair.

Q: Do publishers welcome budding authors to present their work to them during the fair?
A: Yes, especially illustrators. Although we always suggest they arrange appointments in advance because the schedule of most of the people is really tight. Some publishers are more willing to talk to authors and illustrators, some less.

Q: What does your event programme mainly focus on?
A: 2010 will mark a series of celebrations in honour of the most popular and translated Italian author, Gianni Rodari. We have prepared 3 main events: an illustration Exhibition, a Seminar on his work and a conference focussing on the translation of his most important work: La Grammatica delle Figure.

Q: Is education a focal point of the fair?
A: Not really. Of course there are a lot of titles that can be used as a support in teaching, but mainly the focus is fiction.

Q: What is the Illustrators Exhibition?
A: The Exhibition is one of the key events of the Fair. It shows the works of 87 (this year) illustrators, picked by an International Panel of Judges out of almost 3000 submissions. This is a unique competition, because it is the only Exhibition coupled with a trade event. It is an important opportunity for the Illustrators as well as for publishers that can find new talent or re-discover established artists. The Exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of global trends in children’s books illustrations and it is accompanied by an Illustrated Catalogue – the Illustrators Annual.

Together with the Illustrators Exhibition, we introduce a “Guest of Honour Country” each year: in 2010 it will be Slovakia, introducing their best contemporary illustrators. Within the Exhibition, at the Illustrators Café – an arena for debates and discussions the winners of our BolognaRagazzi Award will be presented and discussed with publishers and authors.

Q: Tell us about the BolognaRagazzi Award.
A: The BolognaRagazzi Award – comprised of four categories: fiction, non-fiction, new horizons, and opera prima – rewards the best books in terms of graphic and editorial design from among the titles submitted by Publishers that are attending the Fair. The Award is one of the most recognized prizes in the field because publishers submit their best productions thus guaranteeing the exceptional quality of candidates. Winners enjoy broad media attention and an astonishing level of interest in the news.

Q: What makes the BCBF Literary Agents Centre the ideal area for copyright business?
A: The whole Fair is, as a matter of fact, a rights centre. Of course some deals need more quiet and our Literary Agents Centre is in a central location, in a quiet and comfortable area, in a very friendly atmosphere.

Q: Could a self-published author participate in the TV & Film Rights Centre? Would there be someone to advise them?
A: Only production companies buying and selling rights are accepted for registration at the centre.

Q: The BCBF has a dedicated Translation Centre which was launched 2004 and run by Biblit. How have literary translators and publishers reacted to it?
A: The Centre was created to underline the importance of the role of translators. The feedback is very positive and every year we gather more translators and attention, also thanks to the programme run at the centre, which includes talks on literary cases with their translators and some professional workshops. It is a very important opportunity to create a network among people that normally work alone.

Q: Can any translator register in the World Directory of Children’s Book Translators?
A: The Directory only includes translators that have published at least 2 children’s books. This is the only pre-requisite to register, and it was introduced to offer a really efficient tool to publishers looking for specialized professionals.

Q: A cappuccino at the Illustrators Café - worth it?
A: Actually the Illustrators Café is a literary café, so no cappuccino!

Q: Any tips for first-time visitors?
A: Too many maybe! Plan in advance their schedule by contacting publishers and other people to set appointments, pre-register online to skip queues at ticket offices, plan the plane trip trying to get directly to Bologna airport, take some time to walk around and see the books, allow some time for a tour in the city centre and benefit of the exhibition programme and – why not – do a little shopping, make reservations at restaurants, plan well in advance for accommodation, bring some warm clothes (normally the weather is nice, but you never really know!).

YH: Roberta, thank-you for holding this interview.

Roberta Chinni is the Project Manager for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

The BCBF runs from Tuesday 23 March to Friday 26 March 2010. Hours: 09:00-18.30 (Tue, Wed, Thur) and Friday 09:00 – 17:00. Place: Bologna Fair Centre – Piazza Costituzione, Bologna, Italy.