Bibbiena Children's Book Festival

A festival that makes kids fall in love with books

In the heart of the Casentino, one of Tuscany's greenest valleys, the small town of Bibbiena (Province of Arezzo) hosts one of the most vibrant children's literary festivals in Central Italy every year. For about two weeks, the squares, halls, and cultural spaces of the historic center are filled with writers, illustrators, cartoonists, actors, and creators, all united by one goal: to bring children and teenagers closer to reading by turning it into a living, fun, and shared experience.

A formula that unites schools and the general public

What makes the Bibbiena Children's Book Festival special is its dual nature. In the mornings, events are dedicated to schools: every year, over 2,500 local students participate in meetings with authors and workshops designed for every age group, from preschool to high school. In the afternoon and evening, the festival opens up to the entire community, with book presentations, theatrical performances, reading marathons, and literary aperitifs open to families and curious visitors.

Big names and web stars

The stage in Bibbiena hosts a mix of established Italian novelists, children's authors, witnesses of important stories, and the creators most followed by young people. Over the years, the event has successfully blended literary excellence with the language of social media, hosting cartoonists and content creators capable of drawing huge crowds of teenagers. This ability to speak the language of the youth, without compromising on quality, is the secret to the festival's success.

A leading role for young people

One of the most successful aspects is the direct involvement of high school students, who during the festival are not just spectators but become journalists, presenters, and content creators, working alongside guests and covering the events. An educational experience that transforms the students from audience members into protagonists.

Bibbiena and the Casentino

Organized by the Municipality of Bibbiena in collaboration with the Mondadori Point in Ponte a Poppi, the festival is also an opportunity to discover the medieval village of Bibbiena and the Casentino area, a land of abbeys, forests, and ancient traditions in the heart of the Apennine Tuscany. An event that combines the promotion of reading with the enhancement of an authentic corner of the Province of Arezzo.