Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027
MAKE VALUABLE CONNECTIONS WITH PUBLISHERS AND SECURE MEETINGS
This book grew out of my mentorship and creative launch programme with illustrator Anastasia Yustus.
At the book fair, I had a meeting with the publisher Weltendecker Verlag, where I presented Anastasia’s portfolio that we had developed throughout the mentorship.
They responded very positively and felt her work was a perfect fit for a story by Alena Letscher, leading them to commission the book to her.
“Wolkenfreunde,” meaning “cloud friends,” is a story that gently helps children understand that what we love stays in our hearts forever.
One of the most rewarding moments of this collaboration was receiving my copy in the post and finally seeing the book in its true form.
Mentorships for Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027
This mentorship is specially designed to prepare you for the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027.
You will develop your portfolio to meet industry publishing standards, or create a strong author–illustrator book proposal in time for the fair.
The programme is focused on developing your work with real industry insight, so you create illustrations that capture the attention of publishers and increase your chances of securing commissions.
I will also support you in building meaningful connections at the fair, helping you approach the right clients and secure meetings.
I’ve been working with Helen for a few months now, and her mentorship could not have come at a better time. I was preparing for my very first trip to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair as an illustrator, and I needed both clarity and direction.
In the lead-up to the fair, Helen helped me tremendously to elevate my work and shape a portfolio that I felt genuinely proud of and confident presenting. Beyond that, she offered practical, experience-based guidance and shared essential insights that are difficult to find elsewhere. She also shared client connections so that I could make meetings with publishers at the fair.
During the Bologna trip itself, she was an absolute gem. She was always there, responsive, supportive, and incredibly thoughtful in her advice. Whenever I felt unsure, she helped me refocus, approach things with confidence, and make the most of every opportunity. Her understanding of the market and her ability to guide me toward the right direction made a real difference.
That trip was truly eye-opening for me, and I can say with certainty that a large part of that experience was shaped by Helen’s precious guidance and her ability to make you feel confident and proud of your work.
I’m really looking forward to continuing this mentorship. I cannot recommend it enough. This kind of one-to-one support goes far beyond generic online training or simple portfolio reviews. Having a dedicated mentor made all the difference for me and was exactly what I needed at this stage in my journey.
KYRIA MCKIE