What a delight it was to return to Bologna and the Bologna Children's Book Fair in April 2024. Once again Running the Goat exhibited at the Canada Stand. We were so happy to meet with publishing colleagues from around the world—including (but not only) Brazil, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, and Australia—to learn more about their books, and to share information about our own. A highlight of the fair is always seeing the wide range of wonderful work by emerging and established illustrators. The fair is endlessly invigorating and inspiring.
This year, a visit to the booth of the Tamer Institute of Palestine and several silent protests about the ongoing hostilities in Gaza were extremely moving, as was a collective reading of the UN Human Rights Declaration's 30 articles by children's literature professionals, in almost as many languages. Both, vital reminders of the desperate conditions so many children face daily.
Yet, there was joy and celebration, too, and there were many beautiful books. Here are a few that caught my eye.
We're already anticipating our return next year!