Ladies and Gentlemen.

Signore e signori.

Buongiorno a tutti.

È un grande piacere per me essere presente in quest’occasione speciale e inaugurare la Fiera del Libro per Ragazzi di Bologna.

E se il su fosse giù?

E se il dentro fosse il fuori?

E se io fossi te? 

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What if up were down?

What if the outside were the inside?

What if I were you?

What if…

Those two small words are the slogan of the Norwegian program as Guest of honour at this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Two words that egg the imagination of all children that dare think them, dare say them out loud.

To a friend.

To a parent.

What might come next? What could possibly come next?

This anticipation.

It is the fundamental premise for all literature, but perhaps especially so for children’s and young adult-literature.

It captures the spirit of curiosity and courage.

It opens us up to stories, and perhaps, within those stories, to ourselves.

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For Norwegian writers and publishers, being the Guest of honour here, in Bologna, sets the scene. It is a chance to open the world’s eyes to our rich children’s and young adult literature.

As the Norwegian minister of culture and equality, it is both an honour and a privilege to be here.

Let me then – as best I can – take this opportunity to outline what makes Norwegian children’s literature so special, starting with perhaps the most important trait:

A tradition of taking children seriously.

Norwegian children’s literature is built on deep respect for the young reader. It does not over-simplify or patronize. Very rarely does it travel in stereotypes.

Instead, it meets the child at eye-level. 

Part of the reason for that, is a strong focus on emotional honesty and psychological depth. Norwegian books for young readers and children often explore emotions in ways that feel both authentic and nuanced.

It does not shy away from difficult topics. It does not resort to conformity.

And so you will find that a commitment to diversity and inclusion runs through contemporary Norwegian children’s literature. It has done so through decades.

The books highlight a broad range of voices, experiences and family constellations.

They depict issues and perspectives that concern minorities and marginalized groups.  

Our authors and illustrators are not afraid to confront struggles and difficulties in our society, and they do so while holding on to that most important thing: By taking children very seriously.

By acknowledging the resilience in children.

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This, obviously, does not mean that all Norwegian children’s books deals with realism.

There is a marked difference here.

Taking a child seriously, can of course involve giants that come out at night.

Raven rings and kings and plagues.

Mules that travel to dystopian cities.

We have that too.

You will reach far away lands. You will encounter myths.

And part of this, I think, is because of the close connection to nature. Nature – in Norwegian stories – is not a setting. It is a character in its own right.

All of this – the themes and traits of our stories – is accompanied by bold visual storytelling and illustrations.

Norway is blessed with innovative illustrators that blends artistry, experimentation, and narrative depth.

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Supported by strong cultural policies, Norwegian authors and illustrators enjoy creative freedom.

This, in turn, encourages them to push boundaries.

To explore new genres.

To seek artistic risks.

This approach reflects values that are deeply rooted in Norwegian society: democracy, freedom of expression, equality and trust.

This year, we proudly present twenty three remarkable authors and illustrators.

Voices such as Maria Parr, Øyvind Torseter, Stian Hole, and Maja Lunde, whose stories travel far beyond our borders.

Together, they embody the breadth, depth, and courage of Norwegian storytelling today.

The authors are joined by illustrators. The main exhibition showcases forty nine Norwegian illustrators, each responding to “What if” with their own artistic vision.

Here, established artists meet rising talents, and show why Norwegian illustration is renowned around the world.

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I would like to express my gratitude and thank everyone who carries the torch of children’s literature:

Organisers.

Partners.

Authors.

Illustrators.

And the many curious minds who fill this fair with life, both young and old.

A special thank you to Norwegian Literature Abroad – NORLA – who have been working systematically to strengthen their long-term work with export of Norwegian literature.

And a very special thank you to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair – and its director Elina Passoli – for having us as Guests of honour this year.

And so;

Dear audience.

Welcome into our world.

We are excited to invite you in.

What if something truly magical is about to happen?

Grazie mille!