An international showcase and $1,000 grant opportunity for emerging children's book authors and illustrators.
The International Artists Society (IAS) and Read With You Publishing are pleased to announce a new program to support emerging children's book authors and illustrators and help bring their creative work to an international audience.
Through this initiative, selected creators will have their work physically displayed at the 2027 Bologna Children's Book Fair, taking place April 5–8, 2027, in Bologna, Italy. As one of the world's leading international events for children's publishing, the fair brings together publishers, literary agents, illustrators, and industry professionals from around the globe.
Selected creators will also have the opportunity to participate in interviews, sharing the inspiration behind their stories and illustrations, their creative journeys, and their aspirations as emerging artists.
Supporting New Voices in Children's Literature
Every children's book begins with imagination, but turning a creative idea into a published work takes dedication, encouragement, and opportunity.
IAS and Read With You Publishing share a commitment to discovering and supporting promising new talent. This collaboration will provide emerging creators with greater visibility and an opportunity to introduce their work to the international children's publishing community.
Selected participants will have opportunities to:
· Exhibit their work internationally: Have their manuscripts, book projects, or illustrations physically displayed at the 2027 Bologna Children's Book Fair.
· Share their stories: Participate in interviews highlighting their creative process, inspiration, and artistic goals.
· Gain professional exposure: Introduce their work to an international audience of publishing professionals.
· Connect with a creative community: Build connections with fellow authors, illustrators, and industry professionals.
A $1,000 Grant for 2 Emerging Creators
To further encourage creativity and artistic development, IAS and Read With You Publishing will offer grants to one emerging children's book author and one illustrator selected through this initiative.
The grant is intended to support the recipient's continued creative development, whether through writing, illustration, portfolio development, or advancement of a children's book project.
Additional information about the selection criteria and award process will be provided to applicants.
Call for Submissions. We Want to See Your Work!
We are now accepting submissions from emerging children's book authors and illustrators with original ideas, compelling stories, and distinctive artistic voices.
Whether you are developing your first picture book, working on a children's story, or building an illustration portfolio, we welcome the opportunity to discover your work.
Submission materials:
· A short biography introducing yourself and your creative background.
· A sample manuscript, children's book concept, completed project, or illustration portfolio.
· A brief statement describing your inspiration and creative goals.
· Your contact information and portfolio or website link, if available.
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2027
How to Apply: email your submission to cs@readwithyou.com
Selected applicants will receive further information regarding the exhibition, interviews, and grant consideration.
Building Bridges Through Stories and Art
The International Artists Society believes that creativity connects people across cultures, languages, and generations. By providing a platform for emerging authors and illustrators, we hope to celebrate original storytelling, encourage artistic expression, and help promising creators take meaningful steps toward their professional goals.
Great stories deserve to be discovered. Your creative journey could begin on an international stage.
We look forward to seeing your work!