For a long time now, I have had an interest in writing a children’s book. Why? Because when we are young, this is when we have incredible curiosity to learn and our imagination is big. Books expose us to life, to adventure… We believe we can be or do anything. Reading is powerful.

A few years ago, someone told me about the annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Bologna, Italy. I immediately investigated.

Bologna seen from Asinelli Tower

The book fair takes place every year “at this time” – end of March beginning of April. Approximately 70 publishers from around the world travel to Bologna to buy and sell rights for international publication. They all gather here from authors, literary agents, illustrators, licensors, licensees, packagers, distributors, printers, and booksellers to librarians.

For me, this is super exciting! This is the place to see the latest in children’s literature and multimedia production from around the world.

We have all been influenced by different children’s books when we were young, i.e., Babar, Madeline, Pinocchio, Rupert Bear, Dr. Seuss, etc.

Who remembers being part of Junior Great Books?

Thinking of Italy, my children enjoyed this Italian children’s book called, “Strega Nona,” by Tomie dePaolo. The book was published in 1975 and won the Caldecott Honor in 1976. The story is about Strega Nona and her magic pasta pot and Big Anthony who secretly tries to use the magic pasta pot, fumbles on the magic verse, filling the town with pasta. Strega Nona comes to the rescue.

It’s fun to read about the author, see Tomie dePaolo’s story here: http://www.tomie.com/about_tomie/index.html

So, how do I get into the Bologna Children’s Book Fair? You’ve got to be in the industry to attend. I still have this on my Bucket List, there’s got to be a way…

I know, I hear you saying, “Start writing!”