Frankfurt Kids Conference 2025: "Children’s Books in a Fragile World".

This year's Frankfurt Kids Conference (15. October 2025, 4.00 - 6.30 pm) theme: "Children’s Books in a Fragile World".

PASSING ON THE TORCH – Ensuring a brighter future for our kids in a fragile world.
Cornelia Funke is passing on the torch to this year’s Frankfurt Kids Conference keynote speaker Axel Scheffler with the following words:

“I'm so happy to pass the baton as the keynote speaker for the Frankfurt Kids Conference to Axel. His art has enchanted my children and now it enchants my granddaughter Lyra; it is timeless and there is a kindness in it that makes us all believe in a world ruled by friendship, tender and fair despite all the darkness gathering outside. I am sure Axel will inspire all book makers to bring even more diverse and joyful books to children and thereby build a world that comes a little closer to the Gruffalo woods”, says Cornelia Funke.

Besides being the creator of The Gruffalo and a well-known illustrator, Axel Scheffler acts as an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, UK.

After last year’s successful event, with a focus on responsibility in children’s book publishing, Frankfurter Buchmesse is laying emphasis on insights and takeaways for this year’s Frankfurt Kids Conference: “Children’s Books in a Fragile World.”

Different actors from across the book sector will discuss how to fight back against some of the many different forces such as the rising illiteracy and book censoring. How can the industry enable access to a diverse range of books and give takeaways that can be adapted in other contexts, countries, and languages?

“We live in a fragile world. Illiteracy is on the rise as are attacks against children's books and their creators or publishers (…) Educating and entertaining future generations remains more important than ever, which is why the Frankfurt Kids Conference continues to shine a spotlight on children's books, following and building upon last year's conference focused on responsibility” says Funke.

This year’s conference will once again be moderated by Lawrence Schimel and, following Axel Scheffler’s keynote, will feature two panel discussions with experts and publishing professionals such as Jon Yaged, Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Publishers and the Ukrainian writer, translator and editor Kateryna Mikhalitsyna.

The event will take place on 15 October, from 4.00 - 6.30 pm on the fairground, followed by a networking reception.

Admission included with exhibitor and trade visitor ticket.

More information on the special programme Frankfurt Kids: https://www.buchmesse.de/en/highlights/professional-programme/special-topics/frankfurt-kids

Purchase your trade visitor tickets for #fbm25 here: https://www.buchmesse.de/en/visit/tickets#47964