Speakers：
Hazel Kenyon (UK), Commercial Director, NielsenIQ BookData
Yang Lei (China), Executive Vice President, OpenBook
*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
09:30
11:00
Official Conference and Seminars
Chinese and Global Children’s Book Retail Market Analysis: 2025 Trends and Data
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)
10:00
12:00
Official Conference and Seminars
International Children’s Reading Promotion Forum
No. 2 Meeting Room Level B2Supported by:
Shanghai Press & Publication Administration, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Co-organised by:
Children’s Reading Materials Working Committee of the Publishers Association of China, Chinese Board on Books for Young People (CBBY), CCBF Organising Committee, Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group
Moderator:
Carolina Ballester (Spain), Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Welcoming Regards:
Quan Heng (China), Deputy Director of Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee
CBBY (TBC)
Gvantsa Jobava (Georgia), President, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Keynote Speeches:
Basarat Kazim (Pakistan), President, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Li Nianzu (China), Deputy Director, Capital Library
Hazel Kenyon (UK), Commercial Director, NielsenIQ BookData
Panel Discussion:
Moderator: Zhang Mingzhou (China), Chairperson, Life Tree Cultural Promotion Center
Ahmad Redza Bin Ahmad Khairuddin (Malaysia), President, IBBY Malaysia
Lu Xiaoxin (China), Editor-in-Chief, Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House
Wang Xinting (China), Grant Officer, Writer, Shenzhen iRead Foundation
Xu Haifeng (China), Director of Reading Publishing Division, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press
*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
10:00
12:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
Meet the Big Shots! 2025 Golden Pinwheel Yearbook Release!
MasterclassesModerator:
Ivan Canu (Italy), Illustrator, designer, Writer and Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Address Speaker:
Lu Xiaoxin (China), Editor-in-Chief, Shanghai Juvenile & Children's Publishing House
Speakers:
A Geng (China), Member of the Animation Arts Committee of the China Artists Association, Professor at Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication
Steven Guarnaccia (USA), Professor Emeritus, Parsons School of Design
Hei Mi (China), Picture Book Maker, Illustrator, Printmaker
Alexandra Mîrzac(Romania), Author, Illustrator
Daniele Morganti(Italy), Freelance Illustrator, Art Director
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
11:00
12:00
Official Conference and Seminars
Children’s Books in Norway
Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)Moderator:
Andrine Pollen (Norway), Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA)
Speakers：
Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (Norway), Author, Illustrator
Merete Thime Pharo (Norway), Literary Agent, Information Consultant, Saga Literary Agent/Det Norske Samlaget
Svein Størksen (Norway), Editor and Owner, Magikon Publishing
Øyvind Torseter (Norway), Author, Illustrator
*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
11:20
12:30
Official Conference and Seminars
Children's Book Creation: Innovative Storytelling and Themes
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)The world of children's book is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination. This panel will delve into how authors and illustrators are experimenting with new narrative techniques, embracing diverse perspectives, and tackling contemporary themes that reflect the realities and dreams of today's children. Together, we will explore how to weave captivating plots, create memorable characters, and craft stunning visual experiences to engage and inspire young readers.
Moderator:
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna
Speakers:
Claudia Zoe Bedrick (US), Publisher, Artistic Director, Enchanted Lion Books
Huang Xiaoyan (China), Founder of Everafter Books, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief of The Little Bridge
Thea Lu (China), Illustrator
Alessandro Sanna (Italy), Illustrator, Author
Leo Timmers (Belgium), Illustrator
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
13:00
14:00
Moderator:
Ivan Canu (Italy), Illustrator, designer, Writer and Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speaker:
Yoshitake Shinsuke(Japan), Picture Book Author, Illustrator
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
13:30
14:40
Official Conference and Seminars
Award Winners’ Series – Sydney Smith
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)Co-organiser: Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award
Moderator:
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna
Speakers:
Sydney Smith (Canada), Illustrator
Zhou Xiang (China), Illustrator
*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
13:30
17:00
Official Conference and Seminars
Empowering Education with AI: Envisioning a Future of Infinite Possibilities
Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)Co-organiser: DUOJING
*Chinese only
14:30
16:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
From Inspiration to Masterpiece: The Creative Journey of the Winning Authors of the Feng Zikai Chinese Children's Picture Book Award
Masterclasses
15:15
16:30
Official Conference and Seminars
Award Winners’ Series – Yoshitake Shinsuke
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)Moderator:
Zhang Hong (China), Founder, Magic Reading; Writer
Speakers:
Yoshitake Shinsuke (Japan), Picture Book Author, Illustrator
Machiko Wakatsuki (Japan), President, Editor-in-Chief, Bronze Publishing Inc.
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
16:15
17:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
A Kaleidoscope of Ideas: The Art and Legacy of Leo Lionni
MasterclassesModerator:
Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speaker:
Kiyoko Matsuoka (Japan), President, Itabashi Art Museum
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
09:30
10:50
Official Conference and Seminars
Breaking Boundaries, Co-Creating Value: Innovative Practices and Global Perspective in IP Operations
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)In the era of content-driven markets, the value of children's book IP has transcended the value of standalone texts, evolving into core assets that connect readers, expand brands, and generate diverse value. This panel, focusing on Innovation, aims to explore how, in the context of the deep integration of traditional and digital publishing, innovative thinking, models, and technologies can unlock the boundless potential of children's book IP and achieve a holistic leap in value, from content creation to brand licensing. We will bring together leading global IP operation experts, publishers, creators, and licensors to share cutting-edge insights, real-world case studies, and future trends, injecting fresh momentum into the prosperous development of the children's publishing industry.
Moderator:
Cristina Angelucci (Italy), Publisher and Senior Consultant, BM SRL
Speakers:
Veronica Espinosa-Cabalinan (Philippines), Vice President, Disney Publishing and Digital Experiences, APAC, The Walt Disney Company
Matthew Forsythe (Canada), Author, Artist
CITIC Press Group
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
10:00
11:00
Official Conference and Seminars
How to apply drama technique into English teaching
Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)Co-organiser: Inhana
*Chinese only
10:00
11:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
Ask Me Anything: How To Make A Picture Book: From Idea To Publication
masterclassesModerator:
Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speakers:
A Geng (China), Member of the Animation Arts Committee of the China Artists Association, Professor at Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication
Namjung Kim (Republic of Korea), President, Hankwon Publishing Company; Vice President, KBBY (IBBY Korea)
Leo Timmers (Belgium), Illustrator，Author
Nina Wehrle (Switzerland), Picture Book Maker
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
11:10
12:30
Official Conference and Seminars
The Vibrant World of Asian Children's Content: Trends, Exchange, and Impact
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)This seminar will delve into the diverse and vibrant children's book and content industries emerging across Asia. We will focus on the latest trends in the creation, production, and distribution of children's content across Asia, exploring effective strategies for promoting and sharing these culturally rich narratives in Asia and beyond, fostering regional exchange and understanding the growing global influence of Asian children's stories.
Moderator:
Zhang Mingzhou (China), Chairperson, Life Tree Culture Promotion Center; Executive Committee Member, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Speakers:
Ahmad Redza Bin Ahmad Khairuddin (Malaysia), President, IBBY Malaysia
Hiroki Kato (Japan), Poplar Publishing
Carmen Leung (Hong Kong, China), Assistant General Manager, Sun Ya Publications (HK) Ltd
Hue Peng (Macao China), President, Macao Illustrators Association
Wei Ling (China), Managing Director and Editor in Chief, Xiron Books
Shu-Nu Candy Yen (Taiwan, China), President, SCBWIT-Taiwan
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
11:30
12:20
Official Conference and Seminars
Unlocking Imagination: Rodari's Blueprint for Inventing Worlds
Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)Unlocking Imagination: Rodari's Blueprint for Inventing Worlds
*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
13:00
14:00
Crossmedia Best Practices
*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
13:00
14:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
Ask Me Anything: Editorial Illustration-Beyond Illustrated Books
MasterclassesModerator:
Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speakers:
Steven Guarnaccia (USA), Professor Emeritus, Parsons School of Design
Luca Lu (China), Illustrator
Sonia Pulido (Spain), Freelance Illustrator
Birthe Steinbeck (Germany), Art Director, Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazin
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
13:15
14:30
Official Conference and Seminars
“Children Plus” Comics: Exploring the World, One Bubble at a Time
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)This panel is a featured event of the Children Plus Special Exhibition focusing on comics. Publishers, authors, illustrators and critics will come together to explore the dynamic and visually captivating world of children’s comics. Comics are much more than entertainment: they are a powerful language, capable of speaking to children and young readers in a way that is immediate, engaging and profoundly educational. Just as the exhibition showcases 280 outstanding international and Chinese comic works, our discussion will focus on the unique value of comics as an art form and a learning tool.
Moderator: Mariaelena Schiavo (Italy), Special Projects Manager, BCBF; Co-curator Children Plus
Panel 1 – Early Reader & Middle Grade
Moderator:
Felicia Low (Singapore), Publisher & Writer, Difference Engine
Speakers:
Dong Yan (China), General Manager, Dargaud Shanghai/Media Participations
Grazia Gotti (Italy), Co-Founder Accademia Drosselmeier; Author, Critic, Advisor, Co-curator Children Plus
Yutaka Hara (Japan), Writer, Illustrator, Author of Incredible Zorori
Panel 2 – Young Adult
Moderator:
Fei Jia (China), Senior Editor, Picture Book Researcher; Curator, Chinese section of Children Plus
Speakers:
A Geng (China), Member of the Animation Arts Committee of the China Artists Association, Professor at Guangxi Arts University
Ruan Yunting (China), Comic Artist, Illustrator
Øyvind Torseter (Norway), Author, Illustrator
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
14:30
15:30
Moderator:
Ivan Canu (Italy), Illustrator, designer,Writer and Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speakers:
Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (Norway), Illustrator
Max de Radigues (Belgium), Cartoonist, Professor, Editor
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
14:50
15:40
Official Conference and Seminars
60 Years of Wonder: The Legacy of the BolognaRagazzi Award
Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)60 Years of Wonder: The Legacy of the BolognaRagazzi Award
*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
15:00
16:00
Official Conference and Seminars
Bridging Worlds: Navigating Cultural Nuances in Children's Publishing
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)The global children's book market offers tremendous opportunities, yet cultural differences can present significant challenges. This panel brings together seasoned publishers, rights agents, and translators to explore strategies for successfully introducing children's literature across diverse cultural markets. From identifying culturally sensitive topics to understanding local taboos and best practices, this session will equip publishers with essential knowledge and tools to navigate these complexities and foster successful cross-cultural collaborations.
Moderator:
Carolina Ballester (Spain), Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Speakers:
Debbie Bibo (Italy/USA), Literary Agent & Founder, Debbie Bibo Agency
Karolina Jaszecka (Poland), Literary agent, KaBooks
Jiwone Lee (South Korea), Translator, Curator, Art Historian
Sara Wang (China), CEO, Sidee Cultural Communication
Solene Xie (China), Founder, Yanchang Literary Agency
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
16:00
17:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
The Illustrator's Profession Today: Tried and True Tools in a Changing World
MasterclassesModerator:
Ivan Canu (Italy), Illustrator, designer,Writer and Director, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speakers:
Christian Inaraja Genís (Spain), Freelance Illustrator
Sonia Pulido (Spain), Freelance Illustrator
Xavi Ramiro (Spain), President of the Professional Illustrators Association of Catalonia (APIC), Freelance illustrator
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
09:45
11:00
Official Conference and Seminars
Powerful impact of children's books on shaping young minds
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)In an increasingly complex world, the role of children’s books extends far beyond entertainment. This panel will delve into the profound power of children’s books in shaping young minds and nurturing socially responsible individuals. Bringing together educators, acclaimed authors, and publishing professionals, we will explore how thoughtfully curated children’s books can address critical social issues, foster empathy, and enrich educational experiences.
Moderator:
Zhang Zhenzhen (China), Editor, Beijing Science & Technology Publishing
Speakers:
Baptiste Beaulieu (France), Author
Emma Hopkin (UK), Managing Director, Post Wave Publishing UK
Gvantsa Jobava (Georgia), President, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Wang Xinting (China), Grant Officer, Writer, Shenzhen iRead Foundation
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
10:00
11:00
The Illustrators Survival Corner
Global Picture Book Lab: The Cross-Cultural Illustrator's Masterclass
MasterclassesModerator:
Solene Xie (China), Founder，Yanchang Literary Agency
Speakers:
Yara Bamieh (Palestine), Architect, Graphic Designer
Hu Yifan (China), Illustrator, Picture Book Maker
Taltal Levi (Switzerland), Freelance Illustrator, Author
Thea Lu (China), Picture Book Author, Illustrator
Qin Yujun (China), Freelance Illustrator
Maeva Rubli (Switzerland), Freelance Illustrator, Author
Franci Sanna (Switzerland), Freelance Illustrator, Children's Book Author
Bandana Tulachan (Nepal), Freelance Illustrator,Graphic Designer
Nina Wehrle (Switzerland), Picture Book Maker
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
11:30
12:30
Official Conference and Seminars
Art as Narrative: Inclusive Storytelling in Children’s Books
Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)How can art institutions and children’s books collaborate to tell more inclusive, engaging stories? This panel brings together publishers, art museum directors, mediators, and educators to explore the power of visual narratives in shaping young minds. We’ll discuss how art institutions and books can work together to represent diverse voices, innovative ways to make art and storytelling accessible to all children, and how visual storytelling in books and exhibitions can foster empathy and curiosity.
Moderator:
Wu Binrong (Hua’er) (China), Author, Editor, Curator
Speakers:
Du Keming (China), Founder, Green Seed Child Developmenet Center
Kiyoko Matsuoka (Japan), Director, Itabashi Art Museum
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
11:30
12:30
The Illustrators Survival Corner
Incubating and Promoting Illustrator IP: How Niche Illustration Culture Goes Mainstream
MasterclassesModerator:
Qin Nan (China), Founder, Ananas Illustration; Publishing Consultant, CITIC Children’s Books
Speakers:
Walson (China), Travel Illustrator, Graphic Designer
Vikki Zhang (China), Illustrator, Founder of NIANYI
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
13:00
14:00
Moderator:
Giacomo Benelli (Italy), Co-founder and Coordinator, Mimaster Illustrazione, Milan
Speakers:
Elodie Bourgeois (Spain), Publisher, Editorial Juventud
Øyvind Torseter (Norway), Author, Illustrator
Representative of Jieli Publishing House
*Simultaneous interpretation in English and Chinese
