Cubola Publishers was proud to represent Belize at the Segundo Encuentro de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil de Centroamérica, held in Guatemala City from 4–6 July 2026 as part of the professional programme preceding this year's Feria Internacional del Libro en Guatemala (FILGUA). The three-day gathering brought together publishers, writers, illustrators, librarians, researchers, and reading promoters from across Central America and beyond to exchange ideas, strengthen regional partnerships, and explore the future of children's literature.
Representing Cubola Publishers, Montse Casademunt facilitated a panel discussion on children's literature in the native languages of the Caribbean coast of Central America, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity and the role of publishing in preserving and celebrating regional languages.
Belize was also represented by Katie Usher of Imagination Factri, who shared her work nurturing creativity and documenting and amplifying marginalised narratives, and Silvaana Udz, who presented the National Kriol Council's efforts to preserve and promote the Kriol language through the publication of the Kriol Dikshineri.
The event marked Belize's second participation in the regional gathering and reflected the country's growing contribution to Central America's children's publishing sector. Building on last year's inclusion of Belizean illustrators in the Catálogo de Ilustradores, this year's Catálogo de Editores featured Belize's publishing sector for the first time, recognising the country's expanding publishing community and creating new opportunities for regional collaboration.
Coordinated by Libros para Niños and supported by numerous national and international organisations, the Encuentro provided an inspiring forum for sharing experiences, building professional networks, and strengthening a collective vision for children's books and reading throughout Central America.
