From March 31 to April 3, 2025, ARPress proudly participated in the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), an event that brings together publishing professionals, authors, illustrators, and industry leaders from around the world. Held annually in Bologna, Italy, the fair is recognized as one of the most important international events in the publishing calendar. This year, ARPress seized the opportunity to showcase its bestselling books, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence in the literary world.
The Bologna Book Fair is renowned for facilitating networking and fostering partnerships that shape the future of publishing. ARPress’ participation at the fair underscored its dedication to engaging with the international community of publishers, authors, and literary agents. With thousands of professionals attending from across the globe, the event proved to be an excellent platform for ARPress to present its latest titles, connect with industry peers, and explore new opportunities in the ever-evolving world of publishing.
Beyond the display of books, ARPress leveraged the 62nd edition of the Bologna Book Fair to forge new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships. Meetings with international publishers, agents, and literary professionals provided invaluable insights into the global market, enabling ARPress to strategize for future growth and expansion.
As ARPress continues to push boundaries in the world of publishing, the connections made and the feedback received at the Bologna Book Fair will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the company’s future endeavors. The book was displayed at the Bologna Book Fair (BCBF) in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3, 2025.
“To Be a Rose” is a deeply moving memoir that recounts the author’s journey through adversity, survival, and the power of resilience. The book details Mason’s experience traveling to Afghanistan as an advisor, his unexpected battle with a life-threatening illness, and his arduous recovery upon returning home. Through this powerful narrative, readers gain an intimate look at the struggles he faced, the strength he summoned to fight for his life, and the profound ways in which this experience transformed him.
“To Be a Rose” by E.B. Mason (Anne Bowen) was also displayed at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London from March 11–13, 2025. LBF serves as a premier gathering for the global publishing community, providing a platform for individuals to forge connections, gain valuable insights, and shape the future of creative content. This event brings together a diverse spectrum of professionals, including publishers, dealmakers, copyright specialists, commissioners, and global licensors, all representing the broad scope of the publishing industry.
Additionally, this book was featured in the February 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR). The NYTBR is a weekly magazine supplement included in the Sunday edition of The New York Times, where professional critics review current fiction and nonfiction books. It is considered one of the most influential and widely read book review publications in the world, offering in-depth analyses of new books.
Recently, Anne Bowen, wife of E.B. Mason, author of To Be a Rose, was featured in the Author Spotlight of ARPress. For a more in-depth understanding of the memoir and its themes, you might find the following interview with Anne Bowen:
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from ARPress as it continues to innovate and inspire in the publishing industry.