Italy has successfully positioned itself on the world publishing stage and Bologna plays a pivotal part in building on this legacy as the host of the Bologna Children's Book Fair – the most exciting and influential event in children’s literature. It’s an opportunity for Italian publishers to showcase their work and connect with international peers and buyers. The Association of Italian Publishers (Associazione Italiana Editori, AIE) has unveiled figures that underscore the importance young readers have in the Italian publishing industry. In 2022, more than 20% of books sold in Italy were crafted explicitly for young audiences and that’s covering physical bookstores, big-store retail locations, and digital platforms. This segment, tailored to children and teenagers, amounts to €268.4 million (approximately US$287.8 million). The inclusion of comics and manga content, which has been making significant inroads in Italy's youth-focused book market, raises the value even further. The comprehensive worth of this younger demographic to the publishing industry reaches €283 million (around US$302.8 million). Moreover, Bologna Children's Book Fair 2023 promises an amplified presence of Italy's influential publishers association in the show's programming. The Bologna Book Plus program, now in its third year, will center its attention on ‘trading for general publishing’ under the directorship of Jacks Thomas. The AIE, the key partner, will conduct at least six professional meetings for trade professionals as means to strengthen their engagement with this vital sector. In a remarkable first, the Bologna Book Plus, in collaboration with the AIE, will host an Italian collective stand at BBPlus Hall 29, Mall 1, which will serve as the publishers association's operational center during the trade show. The International Publishers Association and BBPlus will join forces to present the prestigious Bologna Prize for the Best Children's Publishers in 2023, further elevating the event's profile and significance in the realm of youth literature.