The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) celebrated its 62nd edition from March 31 to April 3, 2025, at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre, where the vibrant world of children’s literature came alive. With over 61 years of experience, BCBF continued to be a pivotal event, uniting a diverse global audience and fostering invaluable connections within the publishing industry.
Bologna transformed into the epicenter of illustration and publishing for children and young adults, with Estonia proudly serving as the guest of honor. This Baltic nation showcased its rich publishing market, emphasizing high-quality content that preserved its culture and language.
Flying from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Bologna, Italy, Citi of Books did not miss the chance to attend this amazing book fair showcasing our authors’ spectacular works amidst the global celebration of creativity and collaboration in Bologna.
A book included in the gallery was “Alisa in Washerland (Mandarin Edition)” by Marian Flores.
Author and illustrator, Marian Flores attended Paier School of Art, where she earned a certificate in Advertising and Commercial Art. After working for many years as a graphic artist, she returned to college in 2002, graduating from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2004, where she received an A.S in General studies.
In preparation for a career teaching art, she will graduate Central Connecticut State University in December 2006, with a B.S. in Art Education. Marian currently resides in Wolcott, CT, with her husband, Pete, and son Richard.
“Alisa in Washerland (Mandarin Edition)” offers a modern take on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, drawing inspiration from the author’s childhood aversion to washing dishes and her nieces’ reluctance to load the dishwasher. When Marian’s sister dreamt of living inside a dishwasher, it sparked the idea for this whimsical fable.
The story follows a ten-year-old girl named Alisa, who despises doing the dishes and wishes she could avoid it forever. After making her wish, she magically shrinks and is transported into a fantastical realm within the dishwasher, where she encounters peculiar creatures engaged in cleaning the dishes. As Alisa navigates this enchanting world, she begins to miss her family and friends, ultimately wishing to return to reality. This experience leads her to promise that she will never complain about washing dishes again.