We asked this year’s fellows to present one title which represents their publishing house or agency. Here is what they chose:
My Friend Hippocampus Unicornus
Written by Jurga Vilė, illustrated by Kornelija Žalpytė
Represented by the Book Smugglers Agency
One day, a big explosion shook the ocean depths, and a whole flock of seahorses was born. Among them was the hero of this story—one who stood out from the crowd. His unusually high crown made him look like a unicorn.
Curious and social, he made friends in no time. A big, scary fish invited him to perform in an underwater modern circus, and the mysterious Cyclop gave him a name: Hippocampus Unicornus. Together with his siblings and wanderers from Australia, Hippocampus Unicornus will stage an incredible play aboard a sunken ship. We invite you all to the premiere!
This picture book highlights the special connection between humans and sea life. As a bonus, it offers curious readers a nonfiction spread about seahorses and Jean Painlevé, a French photographer and filmmaker known for his work on underwater fauna.
Awards: Selected for the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf 2025; Best Illustrations Award at the Lithuanian Publishers Association Awards 2025; Diploma in the Book Art Competition 2025.
Download all the materials here!
Fort
by Agata Królak
Represented by KA books
This is a small story about a BIG need for autonomy, play, and belonging. Who hasn’t built a fort, a secret place for adventures, and imagination? Who hasn’t been upset with their parents at some point?
Immerse yourself in this book to learn how to make the ultimate fort and why it’s something we all truly need.
All the details about this wonderful book are available on the agency website.
Pacita Abad: The Woman Who Painted The World
Written by Pacita Abad Art Estate
Illustrated by Sienny Septibella
Published by Cinnamon Art Publishing
Young Pacita’s life took a turn when she found herself immersed in the bohemian spirit of sunny San Francisco. She spent her life travelling the world, spending time with marginalised communities, and drawing attention to socio-political issues through her art. From traversing the highlands of Papua New Guinea to visiting refugee camps in Bangladesh to experiencing the rich cultures of Southeast Asia, this book tells the inspiring story of Filipino artist Pacita Abad – the woman who painted the world.
Pacita Abad: The Woman Who Painted The World was selected for the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf special exhibition at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025. In addition to the winners and mentions of the BolognaRagazzi Awards, 105 outstanding picture books were selected out of 3,858 titles submitted by publishers from 68 countries.
Find out more about the book on the publisher’s website.
Fairy Camomile
Written by Ramona Miza
Illustrated by Cristina Mureșan-Toth
Published by Nomina Publishing
Fairy Chamomile had always been different from all the other flower-fairies. Her hair was messy, her skin freckly and her purpose unclear. Will she ever be able to compete with Fairy Rose, Fairy Orchid, or any other flower fairy in her garden? A story about the importance of inner beauty and self-esteem.
Visit the publisher’s website to find out more!
The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent
Written by Irene Vasco
Illustrated by Juan Palomino
Published by Editorial Juventud
A young teacher sets out for the Amazon rain forest, eager to share geography, science, and math with the remote community of Las Delicias. The town’s children love the books the young teacher brings, and yet they keep repeating legends about a great and dangerous serpent. The young teacher can’t believe her students still care about that nonsense. But as the river rises, those stories don’t seem so strange anymore. Maybe books aren’t the only way to discover the wisdom of past generations…
The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent is a poetic, thought-provoking exploration of how stories can protect and guide a community. Bold, dynamic art and lyrical writing will open unforgettable conversations about cross-cultural relationships, the importance of indigenous knowledge, and what it means to be a lifelong learner.
Selected awards: The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), The New York Times New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award, BRAW Amazing Bookshelf 2025
Visit the publisher’s website in English to find out more!
Written by Laura Carusino
Published by Il Battello a Vapore, Mondadori
# 1. I AM BEA. FIRST DAY AT MIDDLE SCHOOL!
Bea is about to begin middle school and…no, she isn’t worried at all! She just needs to find the right look and the right way to introduce herself… Luckily, waiting for her at the gate is Alix, her best friend, but so is her bitter rival with the same name, Bea. With her slightly over-enthusiastic parents, her teacher Mr. Top, love at first sight for Paolo P and a mystery, it’ll be a roaring start of the year!
The perfect series for budding readers looking for a friend!
Clumsy, fiery, idealistic and feet firmly on her skateboard, Bea is a genuine, authentic protagonist with whom it is impossible not to identify.
All information available on the publisher’s website.
Sau Disappears
Written by Katerina Andrianaki
Illustrated by Eftychia Panousi
Published by Vakxikon Publications
Sau is a smart viper who helps anyone in need. All the animals love and admire her. All, except one…
What will happen when the cunning fox, full of jealousy and anger, traps her? Will the other animals manage to save Sau?
A story about friendship, courage and solidarity.
Yum, Yum, Jam
Written by Majda Koren
Illustrated by Ana Maraž
Published by KUD Sodobnost International
At the Eat-and-drink inn, Aunt Cook started making pancakes for the Petelinček family. She went to the pantry to get some jam, but she was in for an unpleasant surprise! Someone had been licking the jam from the jars at night! Who could it be? Fearless Aunt Cook must investigate. Will she get to the bottom of the matter? Of course she will!
Readers of Yum, Yum, Jam will have fun with words and get to know some new creatures with very special tastes. It will make you long for your very own cooking adventure!
Find out more about this and other titles by Sodobnost here!