Ladybird reveals Bologna highlights

Ladybird has announced its highlights for the Bologna Book Fair, including three new children’s series and the inaugural ‘Bluey summit’.

Penguin Random House (PRH) will be hosting its first Bluey summit for confirmed and prospective publishing partners. PRH has already agreed global publishing partnerships in 14 languages with more expected to follow as the CBeebies character takes the world by storm.  

In addition to this, Ladybird will be selling world rights for three new series: Ladybird Lane, a lift-the-flap storybook for toddlers; Little Helpers, a novelty series for ages two to five; and Penguins Don’t Like Pants! a picture book series encouraging children to see the positive side of things they don’t want to do – from getting dressed to eating vegetables.

Leanne Gill, Ladybird publishing director, said: “We are thrilled to be showcasing an exciting array of our upcoming publishing at Bologna this year. From interactive books for inquisitive toddlers to rhyming books about penguins getting dressed we’ve got a brilliant range of books to help support little ones – and their families – around early milestones.  

“In addition to this we’re holding our first summit for our Bluey publishing partners. Bluey has captured the hearts of families around the world, and we have big plans for 2023 and beyond.”  

Jouda Fahari-Edine, head of international rights, PRH Children’s, said: “The PRH rights team is excited to go out to Bologna with a bang this year returning in full attendance and introducing a terrific cast of books: our non-fiction list is maturing and finding its audience including a fifth showstopper by Ben Rothery and a carefully crafted five plus series encouraging first conversations on inclusivity; we’ll also unveil a gorgeous new novelty series by none other than award-winning Sam Lloyd, and a gorgeous new bear character called Niko for pre-school audiences from favourite Chris Chatterton.  

“Plus, we are very much looking forward to our very first Bluey summit with attendance to include BBC Studios as well as prospective and confirmed publishing partners: we’ll be sharing all of our new publishing, brand, marketing and PR plans. As our favourite Blue dog enters the home of millions of families all over the world, her tie-in publishing is taking the world by storm with publishing partners now confirmed in 14 languages, and counting.”