The jury for the Norwegian illustration exhibition at the Bologna Book Fair 2026 is ready
In April 2026, Norway will be the Guest of Honour at the Bologna Book Fair. Established in 1960, this fair is the world’s largest and most important meeting place for the international children’s book industry.
Illustration plays a central role in the fair, and a key element of Norway’s Guest of Honour program will be an exhibition showcasing illustration art from Norwegian books for children and young adults. The exhibition space, approximately 300 m², will be centrally located at the fairground. It will accentuate the high quality of illustrations in Norwegian children’s literature and showcase the diversity of artistic expressions.
NORLA is proud to present a highly competent jury, composed entirely of illustrators.
“Together, the jury members bring extensive experience and a broad perspective on the Norwegian children’s book illustration field. We look forward to seeing the outcome of their work over the next six months,” says NORLA’s director, Margit Walsø.
The jury consists of:
Øyvind Torseter, jury foreman
Nora Dåsnes
Marianne Gretteberg Engedal
Hilde Hodnefjeld
Stian Hole
Jury foreman Øyvind Torseter is eager to take on the task of curating the exhibition:
“A common trait among our most skilled illustrators and comic artists is that they have developed distinctive, personal styles over time without conforming too much to popular trends or commercial interests. There is a boldness and individuality in much of Norwegian illustration that is not always found elsewhere. Playfulness, experimentation, and exploration are key elements, both in terms of artistic expression, technique, and themes. This approach takes creativity seriously and stands in contrast to more generic, formulaic work.”
Strengthening children’s literature and illustration
The Guest of Honour program in Bologna represents a significant boost for children’s and young adult literature, both in Norway and internationally. Through this initiative, NORLA aims to further promote Norwegian children’s books and illustration art worldwide, while also fostering a love of reading and emphasizing the importance of literacy at home.
The program will include extensive pre-events, both internationally and in Norway, a rich program at the fair itself, as well as cultural events throughout Bologna during the fair. A post-event program is also planned. Additionally, NORLA is launching a translation subsidy guarantee for Norwegian children’s and YA books into all languages throughout 2025.
NORLA is organizing the Guest of Honour project in collaboration with the Norwegian book industry, literary and cultural institutions, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Rome, and international partners.
Read more about Norway’s Guest of Honour project at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair here
Biographies of the members of the jury for the 2026 Norwegian Bologna illustration exhibition
Øyvind Torseter (b. 1972) is one of Norway’s leading illustrators, cartoonists, and picture book authors. He has written and illustrated numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning books, and he has also collaborated as an illustrator and co-author with other writers. He has received around 55 awards, honours, and grants, including the Bologna Ragazzi Award, Prix Jeune Albert, the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize, the Premio Andersen, the Critics’ Prize, the Ministry of Culture’s awards six times, and the Brage Prize. His books have been translated into over 20 languages.
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Nora Dåsnes (b. 1995) is an author, illustrator, and comic book creator. She debuted in 2020 and received the Pondus Award and the Ministry of Culture’s Prize for her debut. For the graphic novel Missed Calls (orignal title: Ubesvart anrop, 2021), she was awarded the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize, the Ministry of Culture’s Prize for Best Comic Book, and the Riksmål Society’s Children and Youth Book Prize.
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Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (b. 1986) is a trained illustrator who also works under the artist name Skinkeape. She debuted in 2019 and has received the Ministry of Culture’s Picture Book Award twice, as well as the Nynorsk Children’s Literature Prize. She has also been nominated for the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize.
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Hilde Hodnefjeld (b. 1966) is a Norwegian illustrator and children’s book author, trained in graphic design and illustration. She has written and illustrated numerous children’s books and has received several awards, including the Ministry of Culture’s Illustration Prize, the Ministry of Culture’s Picture Book Prize, and the Critics’ Prize.
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Stian Hole (b. 1969) is a critically acclaimed and award-winning illustrator, graphic designer, and picture book author. He has received numerous national and international awards, including the Brage Prize twice, the Ministry of Culture’s Debutant Prize, the Ministry of Culture’s Picture Book Prize, the Bologna Ragazzi Award, and the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, among many others. His books have been translated into nearly 30 languages.
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