Kids Can Press has been named North American publisher of the year at day one of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The awards recognize kidlit publishers in six international regions, as selected by publishing houses, associations, and books institutions.

Kids Can associate publisher Semareh Al-Hillal, who accepted the award at the prize ceremony, says it was a surprise and an honour. “It’s a lovely recognition because it’s from our peers around the world.” She hopes the prize also gives Kids Can authors a “real vote of confidence” that they are being represented by a highly regarded publisher.

This is the second year in a row that a Canadian publisher has won the top honour. Last year, the prize went to Toronto’s Groundwood Books.