In early April, an intrepid group of SOIS students set off on a trek across the globe in search of the newest and best literature for young people. Sounds exciting, right? Well, it is! New books and gelato around every corner. Getting to meet world famous authors and stuff yourself with tortellini. Learning from and with a group of passionate book-people and exploring a new country with your colleagues.
Maybe you’ll join us in 2027? Here’s what you can expect…
Exploring Bologna: Gorgeous Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and home to the oldest university in the world (University of Bologna was founded in 1088!). Known as the Fat City (for mouthwatering food), the Red City (for the red-tiled roofs and leftist politics), and the Learned City (for the university), Bologna has something for everyone’s tastes. Explore the endless list of restaurants and markets, but be sure to try the tortellini or Bolognese that the region is known for. Wander the very-walkable city for amazing architectural sites spanning from the Etruscans to modern times. The stunning Biblioteca Salborsa (main library) and associated city government buildings are some of my favorite spots to explore. Or spend your first day in one (or many) of the free museums dotting the city—occupying your mind and belly is a great way to fight the first day jet lag!
Excursion to Florence: Bologna is a great jumping off point to explore the region. In past years, DU students have ventured to Modena, Verona, Florence, Ravenna, and more. This year, the group decided on a day in Florence to explore museums, gardens, churches, and more. The ItaliaRail express train gets you there in just 37 minutes and gives plenty of time to get your 20,000 steps in before heading back to Bologna.
BCBF Day 1: Then to the main event—book fair day. The class joined thousands of book industry professionals in a celebration and exploration of kid lit from around the world for the 63rd year of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Did you know nearly 40% of all international kid’s book rights are bought and sold right here? The scope and scale of the event are massive, spanning five halls of the sprawling Bologna Fiere conference complex. Day one highlights include: the lovely opening ceremonies, early childhood reading experiences through play and fairytales, and a fantastic program focusing on children’s reading habits from around the world (and what we can learn from each other’s data).
BCBF Day 2: More to see and do with the global community of book lovers! The fair includes awards, programming, author and illustrator presentations, visual showcases, and publisher booths (for showing off and the buying/selling of international book rights). Day two highlights include: the new BBPLUS AI Summit, programming focused on reading promotion, and Jacqueline Woodson’s in conversation with Maria Russo on “The Global Majority and the Future of International Children’s Publishing.”
Individual travel: SOIS students branched out on their own this year too, exploring Rome and Venice on their free day or before/after the official class travel. If you’re already headed to Italy, you should check some extra things off the bucket list while you’re traveling, right?
Sneak Peek at 2027: Keep an eye out for an official Information Session in Fall 2026 to discuss the Spring 2027 course, including coursework, itinerary, associated costs, and more. And save the date for travel—BCBF 2027 will take place April 5-8, 2027, with Poland as the guest of honor country. Are you an SOIS alum or interested in participating as a student at large? Reach out to butler@dom.edu with questions. Arrivederci, friends!
Butler's Pantry 