Uruguayan children's and young adult literature and illustration are getting international attention following their appearance at the Bologna Book Fair

Following its return to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Uruguay solidified its presence on one of the sector’s leading global stages. The delegation, coordinated by Uruguay XXI and the National Directorate of Culture, combined promotional activities, exhibitions, and the establishment of professional connections.

The results achieved in this edition reflect the international recognition that national production in literature and illustration for children and young people has attained.

Among the main highlights is the selection of Las canciones de Natacha, by Juana de Ibarbourou (Editorial Morisqueta), among the 150 best books of 2025 chosen by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The book, illustrated by Alicia Baladán, was featured in an internationally renowned exhibition and was also presented at an event where the illustrator discussed the book and the author in depth.

In turn, El animal en la piedra (Editorial Amanuense) was showcased following its inclusion on the prestigious 2025 White Ravens list, which recognizes outstanding titles from around the world.

On the publishing front, La Modernidad was selected to participate in the fair’s comic book exchange program, represented by its editorial director Diego Vázquez, opening up new opportunities for entry into international circuits that are already beginning to materialize.

Also noteworthy was the participation of illustrator Nat Cardozo in the official program, as part of a panel on the challenges facing children’s and young adult literature in Latin America.

In the field of illustration, Nathalie Beauvois and Ca_Teter were finalists in the Illustrators Exhibition 2026, one of the most competitive categories of the event, which attracts thousands of applicants from around the world.

As Omaira Rodríguez, a specialist in Creative Industries at Uruguay XXI, noted, “these milestones reflect the current momentum and consolidation of the Uruguayan children’s illustration and literature sector.”

Uruguay thus reaffirms the international standing of its children’s and young adult literature and illustration, the result of sustained collaboration between the creative sector and supportive public policies. The visibility achieved in this edition consolidates the country as a player with its own identity and growing prominence on the global stage.