Books, publishers, and illustrators representing Uruguay at the Bologna Children's Book Fair

As part of Uruguay’s participation in the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair, Uruguay XXI has compiled a new catalog featuring illustrators, projects, and publishers that embody the diversity, quality, and international reach of Uruguay’s creative sector. The catalog is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the internationalization of the publishing industry and positioning Uruguayan illustration in global markets.

The catalog brings together a selection of creators and projects related to illustrated books, ranging from children’s and young adult literature to graphic experimentation and contemporary visual narrative. Through diverse styles and approaches, the participants showcase a body of work that engages with culture, education, and the environment, establishing a distinct identity that is gaining increasing international recognition.

Among the featured illustrators is Natalia Cardozo, an author and illustrator of children’s books who mixes her artistic practice with training activities in the publishing sector. María Paz Sartori, for her part, integrates illustration with journalism and scientific communication, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to her projects. Also participating is Ana Bidault, whose work is characterized by a narrative approach that combines traditional and digital techniques, with a strong presence in the international market.

The catalog also features Alfredo Soderguit, a leading figure in Uruguayan illustration with an extensive international career and works translated into multiple languages, and Dani Scharf, a visual artist whose work stands out for its conceptual approach and its presence in exhibitions and awards worldwide.

Joining them are Sebastián Santana, with solid experience in illustration and design for various sectors, and Ana Laura Luján, whose project Yuyos Ilustrados offers a sensitive perspective on flora and the local landscape through botanical illustration. The lineup is rounded out by Augusto Giussi, the driving force behind Fauna Indígena, a project focused on promoting local biodiversity through cultural products, reinforcing the link between illustration, knowledge, and sustainability.

In the publishing sphere, the catalog features a variety of imprints with complementary profiles. Amanuense specializes in illustrated books for children and young adults, with an internationally recognized catalog and a presence in reading programs. Criatura Editora, meanwhile, combines established authors and new voices across various genres, while Alter Ediciones focuses on publications with a critical perspective and meticulous graphic design.

Editorial Morisqueta positions itself in the picture book segment with editions of high aesthetic value, aimed at stimulating the imagination from childhood, and Ediciones del Garaje develops a diverse catalog ranging from children’s literature to popular science. Joining them are Gigantes, a periodical aimed at children that combines journalism and creative content, and the Fundación de Cultura Universitaria, focused on disseminating knowledge through academic publications.

The catalog also includes the participation of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, one of the sector’s leading global players, whose presence strengthens the link between local production and major international distribution networks.

This tool is part of Uruguay XXI’s strategy to promote the publishing sector’s exportable offerings, facilitating access to national production for international buyers and agents. In a context where the Bologna Book Fair has established itself as a key venue for the commercialization of rights and the identification of trends, the catalog serves as a platform for visibility and connection for Uruguay’s creative ecosystem. Within this framework, the national presence is strengthened through coordinated efforts with the National Directorate of Culture, which supports the international outreach of illustrators, authors, and publishing projects—both established and emerging—several of whom have been recognized through awards, selections, and programs at the fair itself.

Through this initiative, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to the development of the creative industries and their integration into international circuits, highlighting the value of illustration and publishing as cultural expressions with economic potential and global reach.