Latvia has officially launched its presence at the annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair, deploying a national stand to showcase the country’s latest contributions to children’s literature and illustration. Running from April 13 to 16 in Bologna, Italy, the event serves as the global epicenter for the children’s publishing industry, where Latvian publishers and specialists are seeking to expand their international reach.
The national delegation is coordinated by the Latvian Literature export platform, an initiative designed to boost the visibility of Latvian authors and facilitate partnerships with global agents, translators, and publishers. This year’s participation is financially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, signaling a strategic push to integrate Latvian storytelling into the global market.
Beyond the commercial exhibits, the Latvian delegation is deeply embedded in the fair’s professional discourse. From high-level jury appointments to specialized seminars on literacy trends, the presence of Latvian experts reflects a growing influence in the pedagogical and artistic aspects of children’s publishing. The visual identity of the Latvian stand, designed by Jānis Mercs and visualized by artist Reinis Pētersons, follows the aesthetic of the #iamintrovert export campaign, creating a cohesive brand for the nation’s literary exports.
Strategic Appointments and Professional Influence
A significant milestone for the delegation is the appointment of Alīse Nīgale, head of the “Liels un mazs” publishing house, to the international jury for the 2026 Illustrator Exhibition. Nīgale is one of only five jury members selected globally, serving alongside professionals from South Korea, Finland, Slovakia, and Italy.
“Alīses Nīgales kļūšana par vienu no pieciem starptautiskās žūrijas locekļiem kopā ar nozares profesionāļiem no Dienvidkorejas, Somijas, Slovākijas un Itālijas apliecina augstu uzticēšanos un ir nozīmīgs pagodinājums ne tikai viņai, bet arī Latvijas valstij,” stated Inga Bodnarjuka-Mrazauskas, head of the Latvian Literature platform.
This level of institutional trust is mirrored in the fair’s official programming. On April 14, Emija Emilija Grigorjeva, an industry information specialist from the Literature Center of the National Library of Latvia, will lead a seminar addressing a critical global trend: “Why boys fall behind in reading (and what to do about it).” These contributions move the Latvian presence from mere exhibition to active leadership in solving global literacy challenges.
Recognition on the ‘Amazing Bookshelf’
The prestige of Latvian children’s literature is further evidenced by the inclusion of three works on “The BRAW Amazing Bookshelf.” This curated selection features 150 of the best entries from the BolognaRagazzi Award, a competition that typically sees approximately 4,000 submissions from 43 different countries.
The selected Latvian works highlight a diverse range of storytelling, from detective mysteries to political education and cultural heritage:
- Dace Krēsliņa: “Spīdošās gaismas tracis” (from the “Aizvēstures pilsētas detektīvi” series), blending mystery with children’s narratives.
- Ūna Laukmane: “čuči čuči,” a picture book for the youngest readers inspired by the traditional Latvian lullaby “Aijā žūžū.”
- Elīna Brasliņa and Caroline Stevan: “Le pouvoir, c’est moi!” (I am the power!), a collaborative work with a Swiss writer and journalist that explores the complexities of political power and its potential for misuse.
Global Awards and High-Stakes Nominations
The fair coincides with the announcement of some of the most prestigious honors in children’s literature. Latvian artists and writers are heavily represented in the shortlists for these awards, marking a peak in the country’s international recognition.
Among the five finalists in the illustration category for the Hans Christian Andersen Award is Latvian artist Gundega Muzikante. Simultaneously, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award—one of the world’s most significant prizes for children’s literature—has nominated several Latvian figures, including writers Inese Zandere and Luīze Pastore, as well as artists Gundega Muzikante and Aleksejs Naumovs.
Further artistic validation is found in the Illustrator Exhibition, where the work of Aleksandra Runde was selected by a jury from a pool of 317 submissions. Only 75 works from 31 countries were chosen for the final display.
Key Event Timeline and Participation
| Date | Event/Activity | Key Participant/Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 13 | Andersen Award Announcement | Gundega Muzikante (Finalist) |
| April 14 | Literacy Seminar (14:30) | Emija Emilija Grigorjeva |
| April 14 | Astrid Lindgren Award Live Stream | Zandere, Pastore, Muzikante, Naumovs |
| April 14 | Networking Reception (17:00) | Hall 30, Stand E8-F7 |
| April 15 | Jury Meeting (11:30) | Alīse Nīgale |
A Collaborative National Effort
The Latvian presence is not limited to government agencies but is a broad coalition of the private and academic sectors. The national stand represents a diverse group of publishers including Liels un mazs, Aminori, Baltais Valis, Zvaigzne ABC, Jāņa Rozes apgāds, Pētergailis, Latvijas Mediji, and Sapņu spalva, alongside the Jelgava Printing House and the Latvia Academy of Arts.
The diplomatic dimension is similarly prominent, with the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Italy and the Jelgava Printing House collaborating to host the traditional networking “happy hour” on April 14. This event serves as a critical touchpoint for establishing long-term cooperation with international partners.
Whereas Norway serves as the Guest of Honor country this year, the Latvian delegation’s focus remains on the “long game”—building a sustainable export pipeline for its authors. By combining commercial publishing with academic research and high-level artistic achievement, Latvia is positioning its children’s literature as a sophisticated export product.
The next critical milestone for the delegation will be the official announcement of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award winners and the subsequent follow-up meetings with international publishers to secure translation rights for the works featured on the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf.
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