Kids' books 35.6% of editorial exports

(ANSA) - Bologna, April 4 - The sale abroad of rights to Italian children's books makes up over one-third of all Italian publishing exports, according to a study by the Italian Editorial Association (AIE) released as part of the 53rd annual Bologna Children's Book Fair, which opened Monday and runs through Thursday, April 7.
    Sale of children's book rights has seen tremendous growth over the past 15 years, with exported Italian children's books now totaling 2,140 compared to 486 in 2001.
    Children's book sales grew 7.9% nationally in 2015, with sales of 182 million euros through traditional book distribution channels, according to Nielsen data for AIE.
    Francesca Archinto, director of AIE's Children's Editorial Group, said that sales alone aren't enough, however.
    "To seriously promote reading, schools and libraries must be involved," Archinto said.
    "Only by creating a network will it be possible to educate knowledgeable, curious and passionate readers," she said.