Official Conference and Seminars

CCBF is well-known for its professional seminars covering a wide array of topics. Speakers include experts on publishing, digital marketing, social media, and content creation.

CCBF is well-known for its professional seminars covering a wide array of topics. Speakers include experts on publishing, digital marketing, social media, and content creation. These events aspire to promote communication and cooperation between professionals and share the latest children’s literature industry trends with all attendees.

The 10th China Shanghai International Children's Book Fair (CCBF), will be held from 17 to 19 November, 2023 at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

Nov 14 2025
09:30 11:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Chinese and Global Children’s Book Retail Market Analysis: 2025 Trends and Data

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

Moderator:
Solene Xie (China), Founder, Yanchang Literary Agency

Speakers：
Hazel Kenyon (UK), Commercial Director, NielsenIQ BookData
Yang Lei (China), Executive Vice President, OpenBook

*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

10:00 12:30

Official Conference and Seminars

International Children’s Reading Promotion Forum

No. 2 Meeting Room Level B2

Supported by:
Shanghai Press & Publication Administration, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)

Co-organised by:
Children’s Reading Materials Working Committee of the Publishers Association of China, Chinese Board on Books for Young People (CBBY), CCBF Organising Committee, Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group

In collaboration with:
China Children's Press and Publication Group, Shanghai Juvenile and Children's Publishing House

Special Media Partner:
China Publishers Magazine

With the continuous advancement of globalization and digitization, cultivating children's love for reading in a multicultural context has become increasingly important, as much as increasingly challenging. What is more, the growing economic breach, rising of social inequalities at global scale, not to mention wars and conflicts, are challenging the fair distribution of quality reading materials to all children around the world.

Reading advocacy is not a philanthropic deed. It is a set of actions in which all stakeholders of the book and publishing industry contribute, from their different perspective, to build a healthy and well-informed society. At the same time, reading promotion—whether it comes from public policies or private initiatives—is tightly connected to the sustainable growth of the children’s book market.

This forum offers a platform for an international dialogue between different stakeholders of the children’s book world, including educators, publishers, librarians and reading advocates. Together, they will share their different approaches to reading promotion, explore their respective roles in this important mission, and discuss the impact of new technologies on children's reading.

How to build a safe, equal and diverse reading environment for children in the digital age?

Moderator:
Irene Zhang (China), Chief Writer, China Publishers Magazine

Welcoming Regards:
Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee
CBBY (TBC)
Gvantsa Jobava (Georgia), President, International Publishers Association (IPA)

Keynote Speeches:
Moderator: Carolina Ballester (Spain), Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Basarat Kazim (Pakistan), President, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Li Nianzu (China), Deputy Director, Capital Library
Hazel Kenyon (UK), Commercial Director, NielsenIQ BookData
Wang Xinting (China), Grant Officer, Writer, Shenzhen iRead Foundation 

Panel Discussion:
Moderator: Zhang Mingzhou (China), Chairperson, Life Tree Cultural Promotion Center
Ahmad Redza Bin Ahmad Khairuddin (Malaysia), President, IBBY Malaysia
Carmen Leung (Hong Kong, China), Assistant General Manager, Sun Ya Publications (HK) Ltd
Lu Xiaoxin (China), Editor-in-Chief, Shanghai Juvenile & Children's Publishing House Co., Ltd.
Margit Walsø (Norway), Director, Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA)
Xu Haifeng (China), Director of Reading Publishing Division, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press
Zhang Hong (China), Founder, Magic Reading; Writer

*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This forum is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

11:00 12:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Children’s Books in Norway

Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)

Moderator:
Andrine Pollen (Norway), Literature Program Manager, Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA)

Speakers：
Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (Norway), Author, Illustrator 
Merete Thime Pharo (Norway), Literary Agent, Information Consultant, Saga Literary Agent/Det Norske Samlaget 
Svein Størksen (Norway), Publisher, Magikon Publishing
Øyvind Torseter (Norway), Author, Illustrator
Marit Alette Utsi (Norway), Deputy Publisher, Davvi Girji

*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
*This conference is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

11:20 12:30

Official Conference and Seminars

Children's Book Creation: Innovative Storytelling and Themes

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

The world of children's book is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination. This panel will delve into how authors and illustrators are experimenting with new narrative techniques, embracing diverse perspectives, and tackling contemporary themes that reflect the realities and dreams of today's children. Together, we will explore how to weave captivating plots, create memorable characters, and craft stunning visual experiences to engage and inspire young readers.

Moderator:
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna

Speakers:
Claudia Zoe Bedrick (US), Publisher, Artistic Director, Enchanted Lion Books
Huang Xiaoyan (China), Founder of Everafter Books, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief of The Little Bridge
Thea Lu (China), Illustrator
Alessandro Sanna (Italy), Illustrator, Author
Leo Timmers (Belgium), Illustrator  

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

13:30 14:40

Official Conference and Seminars

Award Winners’ Series – Sydney Smith

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

Co-Organiser:
Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award

Moderator:
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna

Speakers:
Sydney Smith (Canada), Illustrator
Zhou Xiang (China), Artist, Co-founder of Oriental Babies & Kids, Senior Picture Book Editor

*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

13:30 17:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Empowering Education with AI: Envisioning a Future of Infinite Possibilities

Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)

Co-Organiser:
DUOJING

*Chinese only
*This conference is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

15:15 16:30

Official Conference and Seminars

Award Winners’ Series – Yoshitake Shinsuke

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

Moderator:
Zhang Hong (China), Founder, Magic Reading; Writer

Speakers:
Yoshitake Shinsuke (Japan), Picture Book Author, Illustrator
Machiko Wakatsuki (Japan), President, Editor-in-Chief, Bronze Publishing Inc.

*Guest list in speech order
*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

Nov 15 2025
09:30 10:50

Official Conference and Seminars

Breaking Boundaries, Co-Creating Value: Innovative Practices and Global Perspective in IP Operations

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

In the era of content-driven markets, the value of children's book IP has transcended the value of standalone texts, evolving into core assets that connect readers, expand brands, and generate diverse value. This panel, focusing on Innovation, aims to explore how, in the context of the deep integration of traditional and digital publishing, innovative thinking, models, and technologies can unlock the boundless potential of children's book IP and achieve a holistic leap in value, from content creation to brand licensing. We will bring together leading global IP operation experts, publishers, creators, and licensors to share cutting-edge insights, real-world case studies, and future trends, injecting fresh momentum into the prosperous development of the children's publishing industry.

Moderator:
Cristina Angelucci (Italy), Publisher and Senior Consultant, BM SRL

Speakers:
Veronica Espinosa-Cabalinan (Philippines), Vice President, Disney Publishing and Digital Experiences, APAC, The Walt Disney Company
Matthew Forsythe (Canada), Author, Artist 
CITIC Press Group
Bud Zhan (Taiwan, China), Senior Licensing Manager, Rights and Brands Asia

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

10:00 11:00

Official Conference and Seminars

How to apply drama technique into English teaching

Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)

Co-Organiser:
INHANA

Speakers:
Wu Yi (China), Academic Director, INHANA
Xu Mengqiu (China), Drama Teacher, INHANA

*Chinese only
*This conference is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

11:10 12:30

Official Conference and Seminars

The Vibrant World of Asian Children's Content: Trends, Exchange, and Impact

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

This seminar will delve into the diverse and vibrant children's book and content industries emerging across Asia. We will focus on the latest trends in the creation, production, and distribution of children's content across Asia, exploring effective strategies for promoting and sharing these culturally rich narratives in Asia and beyond, fostering regional exchange and understanding the growing global influence of Asian children's stories.

Moderator:
Zhang Mingzhou (China), Chairperson, Life Tree Culture Promotion Center

Speakers:
Ahmad Redza Bin Ahmad Khairuddin (Malaysia), President, IBBY Malaysia
Kim Young Mi (South Korea), Agent, May Agency
Kitamura Akira (Japan), Chairman and General Manager, Beijing Poplar Culture Project Co., Ltd.
Carmen Leung (Hong Kong, China), Assistant General Manager, Sun Ya Publications (HK) Ltd
Hue Peng (Macao China), President, Macao Illustrators Association
Wei Ling (China), Managing Director and Editor in Chief, Xiron Books
Shu-Nu Candy Yen (Taiwan, China), President, SCBWIT-Taiwan

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

11:30 12:20

Official Conference and Seminars

Unlocking Imagination: Rodari's Blueprint for Inventing Worlds

Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)

Moderator:
Grazia Gotti (Italy), Co-Founder Accademia Drosselmeier; Author, Critic, Advisor

Speakers: 
Claudia Zoe Bedrick (US), Publisher, Artistic Director, Enchanted Lion Books
Matthew Forsythe (Canada), Author, Artist
Francesca Marastoni (Italy), Publishing, Branding, Foreign Rights, Reggio Children
Merete Thime Pharo (Norway), Literary Agent, Information Consultant, Saga Literary Agency/Det Norske Samlaget
Zhao Yun (China), Director of Product Development at the General Education Publishing Center of China Children's Press & Publication Group

*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
*This conference is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

13:00 14:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Crossmedia Best Practices

Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)

Moderator:
Cristina Angelucci (Italy), Publisher and Senior Consultant, BM SRL

Speakers:
Vesna Caselotti (Germany), Co-Founder and Author, Weltentdecker Verlag 
Laura Henderson (UK), Head of Program, Frontiers for Young Minds 
Catalina Holguin (Columbia), Director, MakeMake Digital Library
GeumJoo Lin (South Korea), Rights Agents, DreamingKite Corp. – BookGorae

*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
*This conference is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

13:15 14:40

Official Conference and Seminars

“Children Plus” Comics: Exploring the World, One Bubble at a Time

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

This panel is a featured event of the Children Plus Special Exhibition focusing on comics. Publishers, authors, illustrators and critics will come together to explore the dynamic and visually captivating world of children’s comics. Comics are much more than entertainment: they are a powerful language, capable of speaking to children and young readers in a way that is immediate, engaging and profoundly educational. Just as the exhibition showcases 280 outstanding international and Chinese comic works, our discussion will focus on the unique value of comics as an art form and a learning tool.

Moderator: Mariaelena Schiavo (Italy), Special Projects Manager, BCBF; Co-curator Children Plus

Panel 1 – Early Reader & Middle Grade

Moderator:
Felicia Low (Singapore), Publisher & Writer, Difference Engine

Speakers:
Dong Yan (China), General Manager, Dargaud Shanghai/Media Participations
Grazia Gotti (Italy), Co-Founder Accademia Drosselmeier; Author, Critic, Advisor, Co-curator Children Plus
Yutaka Hara (Japan), Writer, Illustrator, Author of Incredible Zorori

Panel 2 – Young Adult

Moderator:
Fei Jia (China), Senior Editor, Picture Book Researcher; Curator, Chinese section of Children Plus

Speakers:
A Geng (China), Member of the Animation Arts Committee of the China Artists Association,Professor at Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication
Ruan Yunting (China), Comic Artist, Illustrator, Associate Professor at Chinese Academy of Art
Andreina Speciale (Italy), Rights Manager, Editrice Il Castoro
Øyvind Torseter (Norway), Author, Illustrator

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

14:50 15:40

Official Conference and Seminars

60 Years of Wonder: The Legacy of the BolognaRagazzi Award

Official Conference Room B (Hybrid Zone)

Moderator:
Marcella Terrusi (Italy), Professor at the Department of Quality Life Studies, University of Bologna

Speakers:
Donna Chai (China), General Manager, Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. 
Isabella Del Monte (Italy), Cultural Projects Manager, Bologna Children’s Book Fair 
Grazia Gotti (Italy), Co-Founder Accademia Drosselmeier; Author, Critic, Advisor
So Taniuchi (Japan), Subsidiary Rights Director, Gallimard Jeunesse
Zheng Lizhu (China), Vice President, 21st Century Publishing Group

*Consecutive interpretation in Chinese and in English
*This conference is open to all onsite visitors. The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require.

15:00 16:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Bridging Worlds: Navigating Cultural Nuances in Children's Publishing

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

The global children's book market offers tremendous opportunities, yet cultural differences can present significant challenges. This panel brings together seasoned publishers, rights agents, and translators to explore strategies for successfully introducing children's literature across diverse cultural markets. From identifying culturally sensitive topics to understanding local taboos and best practices, this session will equip publishers with essential knowledge and tools to navigate these complexities and foster successful cross-cultural collaborations. 

Moderator:
Carolina Ballester (Spain), Executive Director, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)

Speakers:
Debbie Bibo (Italy/USA), Literary Agent & Founder, Debbie Bibo Agency
Karolina Jaszecka (Poland), Translator,  Literary agent, KaBooks
Sara Wang (China), CEO, Sidee Cultural Communication
Solene Xie (China), Founder, Yanchang Literary Agency

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

Nov 16 2025
09:45 11:00

Official Conference and Seminars

Powerful Impact of Children's Books on Shaping Young Minds

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

In an increasingly complex world, the role of children’s books extends far beyond entertainment. This panel will delve into the profound power of children’s books in shaping young minds and nurturing socially responsible individuals. Bringing together educators, acclaimed authors, and publishing professionals, we will explore how thoughtfully curated children’s books can address critical social issues, foster empathy, and enrich educational experiences. 

Moderator:
Zhang Zhenzhen (China), Editor, Beijing Science & Technology Publishing

Speakers:
Baptiste Beaulieu (France), Author
Emma Hopkin (UK), Managing Director, Post Wave Publishing UK
Gvantsa Jobava (Georgia), President, International Publishers Association (IPA)
Ruan Ling (China), Independent Publisher, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Fox Family
Wang Xinting (China), Grant Officer, Writer, Shenzhen iRead Foundation  

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

11:30 12:30

Official Conference and Seminars

Art as Narrative: Inclusive Storytelling in Children’s Books

Official Conference Room A (Copyright Zone)

How can art institutions and children’s books collaborate to tell more inclusive, engaging stories? This panel brings together publishers, art museum directors, mediators, and educators to explore the power of visual narratives in shaping young minds. We’ll discuss how art institutions and books can work together to represent diverse voices, innovative ways to make art and storytelling accessible to all children, and how visual storytelling in books and exhibitions can foster empathy and curiosity. 

Moderator:
Wu Binrong (Hua’er) (China), Author, Editor, Curator

Speakers:
Giovanna Ballin (Italy), International Relations and Subsidiary Rights Manager, Corraini Editore
Du Keming (China), Founder, Green Seed Child Development Center
Steven Guarnaccia (USA), Professor Emeritus, Parsons School of Design
Li Jie (China), Director, A4 Kids Space; Chief Curator, iSTART Children’s Art Festival
Kiyoko Matsuoka (Japan), Director, Itabashi Art Museum

*Simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English
*This conference is open only to professional attendees holding official event passes. Exhibitors, VIPs, and media pass holders may also attend free of charge.  The organiser reserves the right to adjust the meeting time, theme and speakers without notice if the circumstances so require. Please refer to the on-site arrangements for the final programme.

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