China Expands Global Children's Publishing Footprint at 2026 Bologna Book Fair
Event summary
- 18 Chinese publishing brands, including China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd, showcased over 1,200 children's books at the 2026 Bologna Children's Book Fair, with 500+ English-language titles.
- Special zones highlighted works by artist Feng Zikai and classic lianhuanhua (picture-story books), along with a science and illustration section featuring award-winning Chinese visual storytelling.
- The international edition of the Chinese children's magazine Dongfang Wawa was signed for the Malaysian market, marking a new step in overseas expansion.
- Basarat Kazim, President of IBBY, praised the Chinese Pavilion and noted Cai Gao's win of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration.
- Elena Pasoli, Director of the Bologna Children's Book Fair, affirmed China's growing role as a source of high-quality original children's books and expressed interest in deeper cooperation.
The big picture
China's strong presence at the 2026 Bologna Children's Book Fair underscores its strategic focus on expanding the global reach of its children's publishing industry. The event highlights China's growing influence in the international children's book market, leveraging both traditional cultural elements and innovative storytelling techniques. This push aligns with broader trends in cultural export and intellectual property globalization, positioning China as a key player in the children's media sector.
What we're watching
- Cultural Export Growth
- How China's push to globalize its children's publishing IP will affect its cultural influence and market share in the international children's book industry.
- Cross-Media Innovation
- Whether the integration of educational content with artistic creativity in Chinese children's books can sustain global appeal and drive further international collaborations.
- Market Expansion
- The pace at which Chinese children's periodicals, like Dongfang Wawa, will expand into other international markets beyond Malaysia.