The Bologna Book Fair opened this week to spring sunshine and plenty of activity, whether on the show floor, in the agents center, or in presentations and discussions taking place all around the fairgrounds. Read on for pics of the publishers, authors, and deal-making from the week. Photos: Diane Roback and John A. Sellers.

The aisles of the show were steadily busy throughout the week, both with publishing professionals and curious locals.

British publisher David Fickling caught up with Scholastic's Shelly Veehoff out in the spring sun.

The literary agents center remained a hub of activity.

On Monday night, Dav Pilkey helped kick off Scholastic's "Open a World of Possible" campaign by tracing his own path to becoming both a reader and a creator of books.

Author Jennifer Niven was at the show to meet with international publishers of her YA novel 'All the Bright Places.' On Tuesday, Random House threw a party to celebrate the book's publication.

Artist Lisbeth Zwerger signed copies of her picture books for fans at the Minedition stand on Wednesday afternoon.

China sent a sizable contingent of publishers to the fair.

Chronicle children's publishing director Ginee Seo checking her schedule.

A crash course in Latin turns Wimpy Kid into Inepto Puero, in a new Latin edition from Il Castoro.

Eerdmans president and publisher Anita Eerdmans showing her list.

The 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland' was one of several notable book birthdays at the fair. Multiple versions of Alice's story were on display in the show's International Bookstore.

Another literary legend, Pippi Longstocking, turned 70.

The Moomins also marked their 70th anniversary at the show.

Dick Bruna's Miffy turned 60.

French publisher l'ecole des loisirs celebrated 50 years.

It's... Peppa!

U.K. rights consultant Margot Edwards raises a glass – until next year, Bologna!