Publishers, agents, and editors reflect on ten years of transformation in visual storytelling
Today, the Society of Illustrators in New York hosts “Picture Books in Transition: A Decade of Creative Evolution Between North America and Italy,” a conversation dedicated to the transformations that have shaped the world of picture books over the past decade and to the increasingly close relationships between the Italian and North American publishing landscapes.
The event brings together some of the most influential voices in international publishing: Elena Pasoli, Director of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair; Debbie Bibo of the Debbie Bibo Agency; Kirsten Hall of Catbird Agency; Tara Walker of Tundra Books; Giulia Rizzo of Terre di Mezzo; and Maddalena Lucarelli of Fatatrac. The discussion will be moderated by journalist and critic Maria Russo.
The event will open with a message from Claudio Pagliara, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, highlighting the importance of cultural dialogue between Italy and the United States and the role that illustration and children’s publishing play in fostering new forms of international exchange.
Over the past decade, the picture book has undergone a period of profound evolution. The boundaries between author-driven books, visual narratives, illustrated nonfiction, and graphic experimentation have steadily expanded, giving rise to an increasingly rich and international landscape. In this context, the dialogue among Italian and North American publishers, agents, authors, and illustrators has helped redefine visual languages, publishing formats, and the ways stories travel across borders.
The conversation will provide an opportunity to reflect on changes within the publishing industry, the emergence of new artistic sensibilities, and the future of illustrated publishing. Particular attention will be devoted to the role of international book fairs, literary agencies, and independent publishers in circulating works and discovering new creative voices.
The event is part of “Zig Zag: A Visual Bridge Between Italy and the USA,” a festival dedicated to illustration and to the exchange and experimentation of visual languages between Italy and the United States. From June 8 to June 12, 2026, New York City welcomes some of the most compelling voices in contemporary Italian illustration through a program of talks, conversations, and events taking place across several iconic venues throughout the city.
Curated by Steven Guarnaccia and Hamelin, in collaboration with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute of New York, the festival was conceived to strengthen cultural dialogue between the two countries and to offer new perspectives on contemporary visual storytelling. Within this framework, “Picture Books in Transition” represents a unique opportunity for professionals on both sides of the Atlantic to reflect together on the present and future of illustrated publishing.
Elena Pasoli is Director of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the world’s leading international event dedicated to children’s publishing and illustration. Over the course of her career, she has played a central role in expanding the Fair’s global reach, strengthening its position as a key meeting point for publishers, authors, illustrators, agents, booksellers, and cultural institutions from around the world. Under her leadership, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair has broadened its international partnerships and developed new initiatives focused on illustration, translation, licensing, and visual storytelling. She has been instrumental in fostering dialogue between different publishing cultures and supporting the circulation of books and creative talent across borders. Pasoli has contributed significantly to the promotion of children’s literature as a space for cultural exchange, innovation, and artistic experimentation. Through her work, she has helped create opportunities for emerging and established professionals alike, reinforcing the role of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair as one of the most influential platforms in the global publishing industry.
Debbie Bibo is the founder of the Debbie Bibo Agency, a literary and illustration agency based in New York specializing in children’s books and visual storytelling. She has built her career working at the intersection of publishing, illustration, and international rights, representing authors and illustrators across a wide range of markets. Through her agency, she has played a significant role in introducing European illustrators and picture book creators to the North American publishing industry, facilitating translations, co-editions, and cross-cultural collaborations. Her work has contributed to expanding the circulation of contemporary illustrated books globally, with a particular focus on innovative and author-driven picture books. With extensive experience in both editorial and rights management, she is recognized for her deep understanding of the international children’s publishing landscape and its evolving dynamics. She regularly collaborates with publishers, editors, and cultural institutions, helping to build bridges between different publishing traditions. Her practice reflects a long-standing commitment to illustration as a global language and to the development of sustainable professional pathways for authors and illustrators working in the field of children’s literature.
Kirsten Hall is the founder of Catbird Productions, a literary agency and illustration-focused studio based in the United States that represents authors and illustrators working in children’s books. With a background as a picture book author herself, she brings a dual perspective to her work, combining creative practice with a deep understanding of the publishing industry. Through Catbird Agency, she represents a diverse roster of international talent, supporting projects that range from picture books to illustrated narratives. Her work focuses on developing long-term creative careers for artists, with particular attention to the artistic integrity and visual voice of each creator. Hall is known for her strong commitment to illustration as an independent narrative language and for her role in fostering connections between artists, editors, and publishers across different markets. She frequently collaborates with publishing houses in North America and abroad, helping to shape projects from early concept to publication. Her practice is marked by an emphasis on storytelling, artistic development, and the global circulation of contemporary picture books, positioning her as a key figure in the international illustration and children’s publishing ecosystem.
Tara Walker is a senior editor at Tundra Books, the Canadian publishing house known for its strong focus on author-driven picture books and illustrated storytelling. With a background in children’s publishing and editorial development, she has worked extensively on shaping and guiding picture book projects from concept to publication. In her role at Tundra Books, she collaborates closely with authors and illustrators, supporting creative development while maintaining a strong editorial vision. Her work is characterized by a deep attention to narrative structure, visual rhythm, and the balance between text and image, which are central elements in contemporary picture book production. Walker has contributed to the international recognition of Tundra Books as a key player in the field of illustrated publishing, helping to bring innovative and diverse voices to a global readership. She is particularly attentive to emerging talent and to projects that expand the expressive possibilities of the picture book form. Through her editorial practice, she plays an active role in fostering dialogue between creative communities and in supporting the evolution of children’s literature as a dynamic and evolving art form.
Giulia Rizzo is an editor at Terre di Mezzo, an Italian publishing house based in Milan known for its focus on children’s books, illustrated narratives, and socially engaged publishing. Within the editorial team, she works on the development and production of picture books and illustrated titles, contributing to the selection and shaping of projects that combine narrative quality and strong visual identity. Her work involves close collaboration with authors and illustrators, guiding projects from manuscript to final publication and paying particular attention to the relationship between text and image. At Terre di Mezzo, she contributes to a catalogue that values diversity, experimentation, and contemporary storytelling, with a strong openness to international perspectives. Rizzo is engaged in the promotion of illustrated books as tools for cultural exchange and education, and she participates in initiatives that connect Italian publishing with broader international networks. Her editorial practice reflects an interest in stories that address contemporary themes while maintaining accessibility for young readers. Through her work, she supports the growth of new voices in children’s publishing and contributes to the ongoing evolution of illustrated storytelling in Italy.
Maddalena Lucarelli is an editor at Fatatrac, an Italian publishing house specializing in illustrated books for children, educational publishing, and visual storytelling. In her editorial role, she works on the development of picture books and illustrated projects, supporting authors and illustrators through all stages of production, from concept to final publication. Her practice is centered on the relationship between text and image, with a strong attention to clarity, narrative coherence, and visual effectiveness. At Fatatrac, she contributes to a catalogue that combines educational values with contemporary illustration, often addressing themes related to knowledge, creativity, and social awareness. Lucarelli collaborates closely with a wide network of creative professionals, helping to shape projects that are accessible, visually engaging, and culturally relevant. Her work reflects a commitment to children’s publishing as a space for learning, imagination, and artistic exploration. Through her editorial activity, she supports the development of illustrated books that aim to connect educational content with strong visual storytelling, contributing to the evolution of contemporary Italian children’s publishing.
Maria Russo is a journalist, critic, and editor specializing in children’s literature and contemporary publishing. She has built a career at the intersection of journalism and editorial work, with a particular focus on picture books, storytelling for young readers, and the cultural role of children’s literature. She has worked in senior editorial roles in major publishing contexts and has contributed extensively to the public conversation around books for children through essays, reviews, and critical writing. Her work often highlights the artistic and literary value of picture books, situating them within broader cultural and social frameworks. Russo is also known for her advocacy of diverse voices in children’s publishing and for her attention to the evolving forms of narrative for young audiences. Through her criticism and editorial projects, she has helped expand the visibility of international authors and illustrators. She frequently participates in panels, festivals, and public conversations, where she brings together editorial insight and critical perspective. Her work contributes to shaping a deeper understanding of children’s literature as a significant field of contemporary culture.
Claudio Pagliara is an Italian journalist and cultural director, currently serving as Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York. His career has been deeply rooted in international reporting, with a long trajectory as a correspondent for RAI, where he covered major global developments from key geopolitical centers including the United States and the Middle East. His work has consistently focused on interpreting complex political and cultural dynamics for an Italian audience, combining field reporting with a strong analytical perspective. Over the years, Pagliara has developed a journalistic approach attentive not only to events, but also to the broader cultural and historical frameworks in which they unfold. This sensitivity to context has shaped his way of understanding international relations as narratives shaped by both power and perception. His experience in different regions of the world has contributed to a nuanced view of global interconnections, particularly between Europe and the United States. In his current role at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, he works at the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and public engagement. He oversees programs that promote Italian cultural production abroad and encourage dialogue between artists, institutions, and audiences. His direction reflects a vision of culture as an active space of exchange rather than a static representation of identity.
Through his dual background in journalism and cultural management, Pagliara brings together storytelling, institutional strategy, and international perspective.
Zig Zag Festival
New York, June 8-12, 2026
Some of the best Italian and American illustrators gather in New York for a visual dialog that spans and unites both sides of the Atlantic.
A program of talks on illustration and comics celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Organized by the Italian Cultural Institute
Curated by Hamelin and Steven Guarnaccia,
in collaboration with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Partners: Society of Illustrators, Rizzoli Bookstore, Salotto, Sullaluna Bookshop & Bistrot, SVA School of Visual Arts
