Gianni Rodari Children's Literature Festival

A festival born in Rodari's hometown

The Gianni Rodari Children's Literature Festival takes place in Omegna, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Piedmont), overlooking the picturesque Lake Orta. The location is no coincidence: Omegna is the birthplace of Gianni Rodari (1920-1980), Italy's most beloved children's author, whose nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and stories have shaped generations of readers. Since its inception in 2014, the festival has become one of the most anticipated autumn events in the region.

Ten days of imagination for all ages

For about ten days, typically in October, the entire city turns into a large "laboratory town" inspired by Rodari's imagination. The program weaves together different genres and styles, all designed to introduce children and adults to the world of children's literature:

• Theatrical and musical performances in the city's historic venues;
• Storytelling sessions for children and families;
• Creative workshops on writing, illustration, and crafts;
• Screenings and exhibitions dedicated to illustration and children's publishing;
• Meetings with authors, illustrators, educators, and cultural figures, featuring projects like "Adopt an Author."

The Rodari Prize

The heart of the event is the Rodari City of Omegna Prize, organized by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Gianni Rodari Fantasy Park. The award recognizes the best recent works of children's literature in four categories: Picture Books, Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes, Novels and Short Stories, and Theatrical Performances. The jury, chaired by Pino Boero and including members such as Walter Fochesato and Marnie Campagnaro, selects the winners, who are honored during an official ceremony at the Forum Auditorium. Reader juries and hundreds of local students also participate in the voting process.

Festival locations

Events are held in various spaces throughout Omegna: the Forum Auditorium, the Teatro Sociale, Parco Maulini, and the grounds of the Fantasy Park, as well as the streets and squares of the historic center, which come alive with events like the "Blue Arrow" narrative train. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover Omegna and Lake Orta, one of the most poetic corners of Piedmont.

A free festival

One of the most appreciated features is that it is free of charge: most events are open to the public with no age restrictions, confirming the festival's mission as a cultural asset accessible to the entire community.