Uruguay returns to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and strengthens its international presence in the global publishing industry

From April 13 to 16, 2026, Uruguay will participate in the 63rd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the world’s leading event for the children’s and young adult publishing industry. The national presence, coordinated by Uruguay XXI together with the National Directorate of Culture of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), marks the country’s return to this strategic platform following its participation in 2019 and 2022.

With a sustained track record since 2013, Uruguay has consolidated its position at this fair as a key platform for promoting its publishing and illustration sector. In this edition, participation is part of a broader policy aimed at strengthening the internationalization of the creative industries, expanding the circulation of works, and fostering connections with international industry stakeholders.

A strategic platform for international visibility

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair brings together more than 26,000 professionals annually—including publishers, illustrators, agents, and distributors—and serves as a central hub for rights trading, trend identification, and the global expansion of content.

Within this framework, Uruguay will have a 32-square-meter country stand located in the Latin American pavilion (Hall 29, stand C28D27), funded by Uruguay XXI. The space will function as both an exhibition area and a meeting point for business meetings, while promoting children’s and young adult literature, national illustration, and the IDA Program, which supports the translation of works.

The stand will also feature a selection curated by the National Directorate of Culture, bringing together outstanding and award-winning works from the 2024–2025 period, including the 10th National Illustration Award (2025), the 2024 and 2025 National Literature Awards, projects supported by Competitive Funds and FEFCA Scholarships (2024–2025), the Bartolomé Hidalgo Awards (2024 and 2025), and the Juan Carlos Onetti Literary Contest (2024 and 2025).

An open call for publishers and illustrators enabled the selection of participants showcasing titles published over the past five years, along with a visual concept that integrates illustration into the stand’s design. These companies are part of Uruguay XXI’s International Buyers Catalog, a strategic tool that enhances the visibility of exportable content and promotes it among international counterparts.

Awards and notable presence

Uruguayan participation in this edition includes significant milestones that reinforce the visibility of national talent. Among them is the book Las canciones de Naracha, published by Editorial Morisqueta, selected among the 150 titles featured in the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf exhibition, which brings together outstanding works from 43 countries.

This reissue of Juana de Ibarbourou’s classic offers a delicate tribute to childhood. Illustrated by Alicia Baladán, the edition combines poetry and imagery in a format accessible to young readers, and includes additional content that introduces the author’s life and literary legacy.

Additionally, illustrator Nathalie Beauvois was selected as a finalist in the Illustrators Exhibition 2026, one of the most competitive and prestigious sections of the event, which this year received over 4,000 submissions from 95 countries. This distinction will grant her access to portfolio review sessions with international experts, opening up valuable opportunities for professional development.

Uruguay’s presence in this exhibition has a distinguished track record: illustrators such as Daniela Beracochea, Francisco Cunha, Dani Scharf, Alfredo Soderguit, Eduardo Sganga, Sabrina Pérez, Cecilia Rodríguez Oddone, Álvaro Díaz, Jorge Mato Troche, Victoria Capdepon, and Alfonso Lourido have been selected in previous editions, helping to position the country as an emerging player in children’s and young adult illustration.

National creativity on display

The Uruguay stand will also feature illustrations by Nino Fernández, winner of the 10th Illustration Award in the children’s and young adult narrative category, alongside works by illustrators included in the Uruguay XXI catalog, such as Natalia Cardozo, Alfredo Soderguit, María Paz Sartori, Ana Bidault, Dani Scharf, Sebastián Santana, Ana Laura Luján, and Augusto Giussi, who lend identity and visibility to the country’s presence at the fair.

Publishers Amanuense, Alter Ediciones, Gigantes, Criatura, Morisqueta, FCU, Penguin Random House, and Ediciones del Garage will also participate with their works. This initiative aims not only to showcase the country’s artistic quality but also to create a cohesive visual identity that enhances the experience of international visitors and buyers.

Through this participation, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to the development and internationalization of the creative industries, positioning its publishing and illustration sector on one of the world’s leading stages.