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The Frankfurt Book Fair will have to look towards the US if it wants to cement its place in the children’s publishing schedule further, publishers told The Bookseller Daily.
Frankfurt has made concerted efforts in ramping up its children’s programme in 2013. Yet, Penguin Children’s Books m.d. Francesca Dow said the fair would have to bring more American attendees before it starts to rival the Bologna Book Fair.
Dow added: “Bologna is obviously important to us, but it’s good that there is more of a children’s presence at FBF and that they are recognising that there are lots of opportunities in the children’s market. But there are few American publishers that come to Frankfurt, so while that remains the case we have to find other ways to talk to them.”
Andersen Press’ rights director Sarah Pakenham agreed, suggesting that in order to compete with Bologna, FBF would need to do more. “Not that many US publishers come to Frankfurt, which is a shame. It would be fantastic if they did, it would be great to see FBF do more to attract them.
"Both fairs are equally important to us, but Bologna is more intense and publishers seem to stay for a bit longer.”