The FLF is taking dozens of children's and youth books to present to an international professional public. Three recently published titles will be given extra attention, with an English information sheet and extract translation: Klaas Verplancke's 'Appelmoes' [Applesauce] (De Eenhoorn), Ingrid Godon's 'Is het nog ver?' [Is It Still Far to Go?] (Querido) and 'Galgenmeid' [Gallows Maid] by Jean-Claude van Rijckeghem and Pat van Beirs (Manteau).
Illustrators Stefanie De Graef and Tom Schamp, a young talent and an old hand, will be travelling with us to Bologna. They are following in the footsteps of Carll Cneut and Kaatje Vermeire, who were the first two to accompany the FLF last year, with great success. In the meantime, the Chinese (Taiwan), French and Norwegian rights for Vermeire's latest book, 'Mare en de dingen' [Mare and the Things That Matter] (De Eenhoorn, with Tine Mortier) have been sold and negotiations are in progress for yet more languages.
As the Dutch-speaking market is too small to survive as an illustrator, the FLF is eager to encourage young talents to set their sights further abroad. In Bologna, they can find their own place in the international market, learn to present and sell themselves and become more aware of the business side of the job. In time, foreign connections may even enable them to make a living from their work.
The latest issue of the review magazine 'De Leeswelp' features an extensive article on the FLF's foreign policy for children's and youth literature. This is part of a series on Bologna that also shows a glimpse of Stefanie De Graef's portfolio and a fascinating review of her work, by Tom Schamp. The May issue, published after the children's book fair, will include a report from the illustrators.
Each year, the Bologna book fair stages an exhibition of work by illustrators from all over the world. This year, Flemish illustrator Carll Cneut is being accorded the great honour of a seat on the professional jury. Two Belgians have been selected: French-speaking Anne Crahay and Dutch-speaking Ingrid Godon. After Bologna, their work will travel the world and the exhibition will be hosted at various Japanese venues.
> Website Bologna Children's Book Fair...
> Article on foreign policy of FLF (published in 'De Leeswelp')...
