Villeurbanne Youth Book Festival Unveils 27th Edition Program
Villeurbanne, April 5, 2026 – The 27th edition of the Villeurbanne Youth Book Festival, a significant event in the youth literature landscape, has announced its program. Scheduled to run from April 22 to 26, 2026, the festival is organized by the city’s librarians and promises a rich array of activities and encounters.
A Major Literary Event in the Region
The Villeurbanne Youth Book Festival has established itself as a cornerstone of youth literature in the region. Its success is attributed to the large number of invited authors and illustrators, totaling no less than 37 this year, as well as the diversity of its offerings. The festival continues to thrive, even as other literary events, such as the Bron Book Festival, have ceased operations.
The Four Elements: This Year’s Theme
Each year, the festival centers around a specific theme. For its 27th edition, the librarians have chosen “the four elements.” This theme was selected for its accessibility to young audiences and its frequent appearance in childhood narratives, allowing for various approaches through embodiment, sensation, and metaphor.
Featured Artists and Illustrators
Among the notable participants is the associate artist, Marie Mirgaine. Mirgaine, known for her unique naive and sensory style using cut paper enhanced with gouache, spent a month working with students from Louis-Pasteur school to develop an exhibition. She also published a well-received youth album, “Bonjour Bébé,” last autumn.
The festival will also welcome other prominent artists, including Benjamin Chaud, the illustrator of the famous character Pomelo, and Camille Jourdy, recognized for her graphic novel “Juliette, les fantômes reviennent au printemps,” which was adapted into a film by Blandine Lenoir.
A Program of Free and Playful Activities
The festival’s program includes numerous shows, readings, and interactive experiences, most of which are free and designed to be engaging for young attendees. These activities aim to foster a love for reading and creativity among children and teenagers.
Practical Information
The 27th Villeurbanne Youth Book Festival will take place from April 22 to 26, 2026, in Villeurbanne. The complete program can be found on the event’s official website.
Source: le-tout-lyon.fr
