Tracing the Evolution of Contemporary Italian Children's Literature

The Italian children's publishing industry is currently enjoying a highly successful period, characterized by robust sales and a diverse range of editorial offerings. In 2022, 8,625 titles for children and adolescents were published in Italy. More than one-third of the translation rights sold abroad by Italian publishers pertained to this sector. In 2023, nearly one out of every four books sold—representing 23% of the market—was aimed at children or adolescents. This thriving sector not only demonstrates substantial financial success but also a rich and diverse quality of offerings. Additionally, this field benefits from substantial academic interest—increase in university positions related to children's literature, and a proliferation of advanced courses, master's programs, research groups, awards and exhibitions. The deep-rooted revolution, beginning in the post-war era and persisting until today, harnessed the transformative power of Italian children's literature and profoundly altered its landscape. Four fundamental years can be identified in this revolution: 1962, 1972, 1987, and the turn of millennium.