Georgian children’s literature debuts at international fair

Pieces of writings created by Georgian authors for the world's youngest readers will make their debut at the world’s leading professional fair for children’s books.

Georgian literature created for the youngest members of society will be presented for the first time at the Georgian national stand during the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Italy, from March 30 to April 2.

Six publishing houses that focused on children’s literature will be represented at the Georgian stand.

The decision for Georgia to take part in the important book fair was announced by Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Monument Protection Mikheil Giorgadze and the director of the Georgian National Book Centre Medea Metreveli. They pair spoke highly of the importance of Georgia’s participation in international book fairs and literature events.

"The Georgian National Book Centre is actively working towards the promotion of Georgian children's literature, and from 2015 Georgia will be presented at the national stand at the Bologna Book Fair. This is the first precedent of participation of Georgian children’s literature within the Georgian national stand,” Metreveli said.

As a way to promote Georgian literature abroad, translations of Georgian writings and the latest editions of work by Georgian publishers will be displayed at a selection of international book fairs within Georgia’s national stand. Traditionally, Georgia participates in the Leipzig and London Book Fairs each spring.

Meanwhile, while in Italy Georgian National Book Centre representatives are expected to meet partner organisations of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, representatives of different international literature events, foreign publishers, literature agents, translators and more.