Italian guests visit Norway ahead of Bologna 2026

On 16–19 September, NORLA will host a delegation of Italian industry and media representatives in the run-up to Norway’s Guest of Honour appearance at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2026.
The delegation will get to know Norwegian children’s and young adult authors and illustrators, gain an introduction to the Norwegian children’s and YA literature landscape, and build networks for future cooperation.

The programme includes author presentations and meetings with organisations such as Norwegian Writers For Children (NBU), The Norwegian Publisher´s Association, The House of Literature, Deichman main library, The Norwegian Film Institute (NFI), Performing Arts Hub Norway (PAHN) and MUNCH.
The aim is to open doors for Norwegian books, authors and illustrators at Italian festivals and venues – and to create new connections between Norwegian and Italian children’s and YA literature.

Upcoming activities

November 14-November 16

Shanghai, China

Norwegian Participation at the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair

NORLA is taking part in the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair with a stand designed for meetings and professional networking. The two illustrators/authors Øyvind Torseter and Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (Skinkeape) will participate in the fair’s professional program and panel discussions. Both also serve on the jury for the Norwegian illustration exhibition at Bologna 2026.
In addition, several Norwegian publishers/agents will take part.

The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Shanghai.

December 3-December 5

Rome, Italy

Networking Event and Launch of the Guest of Honour Program during the Rome Book Fair Più libri più liberi

The book fair Più libri più liberii is dedicated to small and medium-sized publishers, and NORLA is looking forward to participating for the second time – focusing on Norway’s Guest of Honour initiative at Bologna 2026 and on Norwegian children’s literature in general. And just like last year, we are hosting a networking event and gearing up for Bologna 2026 by launching the Guest of Honour concept and program. Also, Norwegian agents will take part in the fair’s fellowship and/or be present in the rights centre. The program is organized in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Rome.

In the lead-up to the book fair, we are organizing a full-day seminar for Italian translators and Norwegian language students from universities in Italy. The seminar will take place at Casa delle Traduzioni, and participants will have the opportunity to meet author and illustrator Malin Falch. The sessions will be led by established Italian translators of Norwegian literature.