Children’s books in Oslo. Interview with Raffaella Giampaola, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Oslo and Margit Walsø, Director of Norla (Norwegian Literature Abroad)

The Italian Cultural Institute in Oslo and Norla (Norwegian Literature Abroad, the body responsible for promoting Norwegian books abroad) are organizing an initiative dedicated to children’s literature in Oslo from 9 to 11 September 2024. The two-days program will engage the Norwegian and Italian publishers in a series of bilateral meetings aimed at consolidating and enriching a network of relationships that have already been in place for several years.

To find out more about this Italian-Norwegian dialogue in the editorial field, we met the director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Raffaella Giampaola, and the head of Norla, Margit Walsø.

How did the opportunity for this meeting arise? Is this the first time that Italian and Norwegian publishers specializing in children’s books have participated in a meeting specifically dedicated to them?

R. G.

The meeting with NORLA took place on the occasion of the 2023 edition of the Lillehammer literature festival: the program in fact included a session dedicated to the Children’s book fair in Bologna in which Norway will participate as a guest of honor in 2026. That first meeting was followed by some exchanges related to our promotional activities on children’s literature, and consequently we had the idea of organizing an event in which our respective promotional interests could converge. The initiative represents something new and I hope that it will booster further exchanges between our two Countries, providing effective support to the Italian literature in the Norwegian market.

M. W.

As a preparation for Norway as Guest of Honour in Bologna, we wanted to strengthen the contact with the Italian book industry, and the collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute gave us an excellent opportunity to do so. This is the first Norwegian-Italian book trade meeting of this kind, where agents and editors from both countries meet, and we hope to establish a long-term, fruitful collaboration to increase translations.

Which Italian publishers will take part in the work? Which Norwegians?

R. G.

We are very glad to host some important and varied Italian publishers, such as: La nuova Frontiera, De Agostini, Mondadori, Feltrinelli, Il castoro, Giunti, Terre di Mezzo.

M. W.

We noticed great interest from Norwegian publishers for this exchange event, and are happy that the publishing houses Gyldendal, Cappelen Damm, Egmont, Bonnier, Magikon, Davvi Girii, Figenschou and Vigmostad & Bjørke will take part in the exchange, together with literary agencies Northers Stories and Winje Agency.

What are the characterizing features of Norwegian children’s publishing?

M. W.

Exciting storytelling, high quality in text and illustrations and a great variety in topics, style and genres. There’s a richness from writing in several Norwegian languages; bokmål, nynorsk and Sàmi. The literature for children in Norway don’t shy away from difficult or challenging topics, with authors writing from the children’s and young adult’s perspective. Many authors from Norway write both for children and adults.

Does the translation of foreign titles occupy an important space for you? More specifically, what are the relationships with Italian publishing? Is there a balanced exchange between the two parties or do translations of Italian titles into Norwegian prevail?

M. W.

We have an extensive network with Italian publishers, from the perspective of Norwegian literature in Italian, in line with NORLA’s mandate. With the exciting collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute, we achieve a real cultural exchange that will give us greater insight into the journey of Italian literature in translation into Norwegian.

What aspects of Norwegian children’s publishing particularly strike you?

R.G.

It is a thriving publishing industry that reflects the richness of the Norwegian children’s literature, that has flourished in recent years through an interesting and unconventional offering, as it engages with new, sometimes challenging, subjects. The sector is also supported by the public system which promotes reading as a tool for growth also through the splendid and widespread network of libraries.

Which aspects of Italian publishing for children particularly arouse your interest?

 M. W.

The richness and variety in the Italian publishing industry for children is inspiring, together with great traditions and interest in illustrations of high quality.

What are the expectations on the overall outcome of these two days of work?

R.  G.

We expect it to be very positive: we have several appointments scheduled with the major local publishing houses and we believe that the informal events organized at the IIC and NORLA represent an excellent exchange and dialogue arena.

M. W.

We have high expectations for more translations of both Norwegian and Italian children’s books. Our experience is that meeting places such as the one we facilitate here are an effective way to make books and authors known across national borders. We see the event as an important preparation for Norway as Guest of Honour in Bologna.