Hungarian Children's Literature Goes to Bologna

The four-day event is one of the most significant gatherings in the children's book industry, boasting a history of over 60 years, where every segment of children's and youth publishing is represented.

"As this book fair attracts publishers, authors, illustrators, literary agents, and various representatives of the publishing industry from around the world, the Bologna Children's Book Fair serves as a crucial platform for professional networking and promotion. Therefore, it is especially important that the Hungarian children's book industry is well represented," emphasized Margit Garajszki, writer, staff member of the Petőfi Cultural Agency, and editor-in-chief of the catalog.

Contemporary Hungarian children's literature is rich in high-quality, thematically, linguistically, and visually engaging books. Alongside classic narrative styles, it also explores innovative approaches. Illustrations are not merely decorative but engage in a profound dialogue with the text. "Hungarian children's literature excels at addressing the diverse needs of different age groups, from infancy to young adulthood," added Garajszki.

This year, several Hungarian publishers will showcase their titles at the national stand, including AMTAK, Boook, Cerkabella, Ceruza, Csimota, Graph-Art, Jelenkor Kiadó, Két Hold Kiadó, Kisgombos Kiadó, Kolibri, Könyvmentorok, Lampion Books (Central Publishing), Little Fox, Menő Könyvek, Manó Könyvek, Móra, Pagony/Orchard, Scolar, Tinta Kiadó, and Vivandra.

The New Hungarian ChildLit catalog was created specifically for the fair. The selection of twelve Hungarian authors and illustrators was based on two key criteria: the books had to effectively represent the diversity of Hungarian children's literature while also appealing to international audiences through their visual world and themes. The selection was curated by writer Judit Berg, president of HUBBY – the Hungarian Children's Book Forum, children's literature expert Artemisz Harmath,  director of the MeseCentrum program at the Petőfi Cultural Agency, and writer Margit Garajszki, staff member of PKÜ.

New Hungarian ChildLit 2025

• Mariann Máray: Elérhetetlen (Unreachable) – Csimota Kiadó
• Éva Veronika Kalapos: Nem hagylak itt (I Won’t Leave You Here) – Lampion Könyvek
• Gabi Kemény: A konkrét hiúz (The Concrete Lynx) – Móra Kiadó
• Tamás György Kovács & Dániel Szinvai: Metro – Pagony Kiadó
• Krisztina Rita Molnár: Maléna kertje (Maléna’s Garden) (Illustrated by Cecília Simonyi) – Naphegy Kiadó
• Célia Pifkó: The Guardians of Moonlight. The Herbarium) (Illustrated by Ildi Horváth) – Cerkabella Kiadó
• Andrea Rádai: Rókazsolt a Margitszigeten (Frederick the Fox on Margaret Island) (Illustrated by Fanni Sipos) – Pagony Kiadó
• Orsolya Ruff: Orczy Mimi kalandjai – A londoni gyémántrablás (Mimi Orczy’s Adventures – The London Diamond Heist) (Illustrated by Zsófia Magyari-Ésik) – Manó Könyvek
• Gábor Schein: Apa átváltozott (Dad has Metamorposized) (Illustrated by Alexandra Grela) – Pagony Kiadó
• Gyöngyi Solti: Nem beszélünk róla (We Don’t Talk About It) (Illustrated by Mari Takács) – Csimota Kiadó
• Imre Végvári: Priusz és Gordiusz. Jövőmenők (Priusz and Gordiusz: Future Ventures) (Illustrated by Norbert Nagy) – Ecovit Kiadó
• Balázs Zágoni: Csillag és a százados (The Star and the Captain) – Móra Kiadó

"The design of national stands and the selection of books provide an impression of a country’s children's literature trends and unique artistic flavors. That is why it is essential that a book’s visuals, illustrations, and physical design reflect the essence of its text, translating its language into a visual medium that leaves a lasting impact. The Petőfi Cultural Agency not only represents Hungarian publishers but also conveys a shared aesthetic vision through this catalogue"

--explained Artemisz Harmath regarding the publication, who is a children's literature expert, and coordinator of the MeseCentrum program at the Petőfi Cultural Agency