The second International Children’s Book and Youth Fair 2024 concluded on Sunday, with 340 exhibitors from 29 countries participating and more than 101,000 visitors welcomed, according to a statement from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Communication.
The fair featured over 40,000 book titles and more than 150,000 copies on display, with Belgium’s Wallonia-Brussels as the guest of honor.
The expo also hosted 70 sessions as part of a professional program intended for young authors and illustrators entering the children’s book industry.
The program was designed to cultivate a new generation of Moroccan creators capable of establishing a Moroccan platform for children’s literature, including writing, illustration, and artistic design.
In addition, over 405 activities were held under the “Words of the Arts” program, covering various topics such as literary writing, media and cinema, theater, music, photography, physical expression, drawing, ceramics, architecture, design, and live arts.
More than 20,000 children visited the exhibition space dedicated to the works of Belgian artist Peyo, creator of the Smurfs, offering them a unique opportunity to explore his artistic legacy.
The participating institutions and publishing companies also hosted over 300 events at their booths, including book signings, awareness sessions, and workshops.