By Honorary Reporter Daniela Astolfi from Italy

Photos = Donatella Astolfi

The Bologna Children's Book Fair of Italy, one of the world's top events for children's literature, from March 31 through April 3 attracted illustrators, publishers and translators from around the globe.

Korea made a strong presence there with many publishers and 15 authors at the event. For instance, writers Kim Dong Soo, Bamco, Seo Hyun, Ahn Kyoung Mi and Luly held talks and autograph sessions.

The Korea Publication Industry Promotion Agency at the fair runs a booth featuring Korean children's literature.

Managing the Korean pavilion was the Korea Publication Industry Promotion Agency, established in 2012 under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote creativity and cultural exchange in publishing.

"If You Want to Eat a Red Apple" (left) written by Jin Joo and illustrated by Lee Ga Hee, won the BolognaRagazzi Awards' Opera Prima for debut works and "Star Papa," written and illustrated by Han Dam Hee, won the CrossMedia Award.

Among Korean creators, writer Jin Joo and illustrator Lee Ga Hee's "If You Want to Eat a Red Apple" became the first Korean picture book to win the Opera Prima of the BolognaRagazzi Awards, while Han Dam Hee's "Star Papa" received the CrossMedia Award. 

The jury called "Red Apple" "an incredible photographic story immersing the reader in the everyday life of Korean childhood."

Author Ahn Kyoung Mi discusses her creative process at the fair.

At the Korean pavilion, artist Ahn Kyoung Mi gave an engaging presentation about her creative process, showcasing works like "Before the Door" and "Three Little Pigs Beyond the Pages."

Illustrated Korean books translated into Italian shown at the fair included Kim Sang Keun's "Little Mole's Wish," Shin Sun Mi's "The Ant Fairies" and those by acclaimed picture book author Baek Heena. During her Italy visit, Baek conducted workshops with students and lectured at the University for Foreigners of Siena.

The fair featured an area for international illustrators to network and showcase their works, including a virtual wall of digital art to run through September. Korean artists Ahn, Lee Yunso, Yang Hyoju and Oh Dara were selected to exhibit their original works there.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.