This year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair brought an exciting spotlight to standout titles from the Just Right catalogue, showcasing the talent of our authors and illustrators. From poetic picture books to thought-provoking middle-grade and YA fiction, six stories have captured the attention of various award juries.
Crack, authored by Matteo Pompili and Lorenzo Monaco — both experts in communicating science to a popular audience — features illustrations by Luogo Comune. This original nonfiction picture book explores the disruptive changes that propel the world forward. Already shortlisted for Un libro per l’ambiente Award 2025, the book has been displayed in the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf – Sustainability Category during the BCBF 2025.
The incredible duo composed by the award winning author Angelo Mozzillo and illustrator Davide Panizza reunites for Monsieur Claquette’s Sunday, a picture book that follows the meticulous Sunday routine of Monsieur Claquette as he journeys, right on time, to meet his beloved Madame Pochette. This funny and tender story earned second place at the Malerba Award for Picture Books 2025.
Neil Packer‘s The Parable of the Independent Bakers has had an incredible year. After being listed in the IBBY Italy Choice 2024, earning the Premio Micro Editoria di Qualità 2024 and being shortlisted for Premio Letteratura Ragazzi Cento 2024, the book that celebrates the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and the resistance against homogenization has been awarded with a Mention of Honour at the Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi Award 2025 and shortlisted for the Premio Letteratura Ragazzi Cento 2025 the second year in a row.
After being longlisted for Premio Bancarellino 2025, Giuliana Facchini‘s middle-grade novel, My Unexpected Life, illustrated by Daniela Demurtas was longlisted for the Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi Award 2025. The book follows Frances, who, after the sudden loss of her grandparents, moves in with her new foster family. Amidst unraveling mysteries and forging new friendships, Frances embarks on a heartfelt journey toward finding familial warmth.
Xenia Against Time, written by Lilith Moscon and illustrated by Francesco Chiacchio, is part of the Emons Raga catalog that Just Rights has recently acquired for the management of subsidiary rights. This middle-grade novel, shortlisted for the Andersen Award 2025, traces Xenia’s quest to find her missing cat, Alma. Her adventure leads her to a hermit who speaks in riddles, propelling Xenia and her friend Leone into a world where the present intertwines with a magical past.
Last but not least, Of Fire and Silk, a young adult novel by writer, screenwriter and director Manlio Castagna has been longlisted for the Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi Award 2025. This powerful and cinematic story explores themes of love, friendship, and the profound costs of choices, weaving narratives from 2024 and 1858. It follows Lianna’s encounter with Asé, a cemetery guardian, which bridges her world with that of two siblings during a pivotal historical battle.
These accolades underscore Just Right commitment to delivering enriching and diverse literary experiences for young readers.