Advocate Art at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 Oct 28 2025

Another year, another Frankfurt Book Fair, and once again, it didn’t disappoint! Our Advocate Art team (Marion, Alice, and Steven) spent a few energetic days surrounded by colorful stands, lively halls, and plenty of creative chatter. Between coffees, meetings, and more coffees, we reconnected with familiar faces, met new publishers, and left feeling inspired (and maybe a little sleep-deprived).

A Fair Full of Connections

Alice met with our French, Belgian, and Dutch partners, from Yoyo Books and Clavis to Hachette and Auzou, who loved our themed portfolios and artist selections. Marion’s German clients were in great spirits, many expanding into games and series, while Ravensburger plans to triple its cardboard book production for toddlers. Steven, meanwhile, connected with publishers across Asia and Southern Europe, spotting new opportunities and exciting future collaborations.

Trends, Tech & AI

If we had to sum up this year’s vibe, it would be curious optimism; everyone’s looking for the next big idea, but also talking about AI. Publishers are experimenting cautiously: some use AI for layouts or mock-ups, but most agree that nothing replaces a real illustrator’s creativity. 

As for what’s trending, here’s what caught our eye:

• Interactive formats: lift-the-flap, seek-and-find, and object books that invite play.

• Beautiful non-fiction: fact-filled and richly illustrated titles are thriving.

• Humor & “poop-themed” stories: still going strong, especially in France.

• K-pop-inspired adventures: rising fast among girls aged 6–15.

• Artistic illustration styles: textured brush strokes, earthy colors, and expressive characters.

See You Next Year!

Between trend-spotting and laughter-filled meetings, Frankfurt once again reminded us why we love what we do: connecting stories, art, and imagination across the world. We left inspired, full of ideas, and already counting the days until next year’s fair.

Advocate Art illustration agency specializes in art licensing and children’s book illustrations. We represent leading illustrators who produce children's and decorative illustrations to commission or license.