Shortlisted: Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publishers of the Year 2020

We’ve been shortlisted for the Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publishers of the Year!

We are so incredibly honoured by this, and excited to have received this silver lining in an otherwise tough time for a business like ours. This is the second year in a row that we have been shortlisted for the award, and although the entire shortlist is made up of incredible houses, we have our fingers crossed that this year our team will walk away with the award. If you are a registered Bologna exhibitor, please do cast your vote for us using the designated online reserved area. 

What is the Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publishers of the Year?

The award is of a very respected class in the industry because there are only six publishing houses per year that are awarded with the title (one from each designated geographic area). 

Established in 2013, on the 50th anniversary of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (the industry’s most revered book fair for children’s literature), the BOP—Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year—is an extraordinary occasion to highlight and honour publishers who are at the forefront of creativity and innovation in their respective regions. 

Three parties manage the prize. Although, the prize is organised by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) and the Italian Publishers Association (AIE), it is done so in partnership with the International Publishers Association (IPA). The focus is to award publishers who have distinguished themselves for their creative, professional and intellectual skills in each of the six areas of the world: Africa, Central and South America, North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The prize is also intended to foster a mutual exchange of knowledge and ideas between different countries, areas and cultural identities across the world. 

How are the shortlisted publishers and winners selected?

The shortlist for the prize is selected based on nominations that Bologna exhibitors (i.e. industry professionals) send in, along with those of publishers associations and institutions devoted to book and reading promotion worldwide. The winners are then chosen by an internal voting process by the Bologna exhibitors and guests, and the results are usually announced on the occasion of the official opening of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (although this year will be slightly different, given the circumstances). The winning publishers have a selection of their titles showcased at the fair, as well as receive widespread visibility in various print, press and social networks. 

Have a look at the BOP 2020 Shortlist Candidates and vote for Imagnary House as your favourite!