Bologna Children’s Book Fair reveals how publishers navigate AI and global tensions

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025 offers a window into global publishing’s resilience and innovation, highlighting how industry professionals are navigating challenges from AI disruption to geopolitical tensions. As publishers and creators from around the world gathered in Italy, the event showcased both the enduring cultural importance of children’s literature and the industry’s determination to adapt to technological and societal changes while maintaining its core mission of connecting young readers with meaningful stories.

Guest of honor spotlight: Estonia’s prominent presence at the fair created valuable exposure for the Baltic nation’s publishing industry and creative talent.

• Tauno Vahter of Tänapäev Publishers noted that while the guest of honor status might not directly increase book sales, it offered Estonian illustrators crucial international visibility.
• Kadri Rahusaar from Koolibri publishing celebrated an unprecedented achievement, with two of their titles selected for the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf—the first such recognition in the publisher’s 34-year history.

Industry resilience: Children’s publishers demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the face of ongoing global challenges.

• Despite geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, and technological disruptions, the international publishing community found solidarity in their shared commitment to educating and entertaining young readers.
• The fair showcased how publishers are successfully maintaining their core cultural mission while navigating significant industry transformations.

Technology concerns: AI developments emerged as a significant focus for publishers attending the event.

• Industry professionals engaged in discussions about how artificial intelligence might impact various aspects of publishing, from content creation to distribution.
• Publishers expressed both interest in AI’s potential benefits and concern about possible disruptions to traditional publishing models and creative processes.

Market dynamics: American publishing trends and international events received particular attention from global publishers.

• Attendees closely monitored developments in the American market, recognizing its outsized influence on global publishing strategies and business models.
• Publishers demonstrated awareness of how world events continue to shape both industry operations and the thematic content of children’s literature.