Fête du Livre Jeunesse de Manosque

A Spring Event Dedicated to Youth Literature

The Fête du Livre Jeunesse of Manosque and Forcalquier is an annual literary event held every May in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Since its creation in 1990, this festival aims to introduce contemporary youth literature to the widest possible audience, from toddlers to teenagers, including parents and book professionals.

A Rich and Varied Program

Each edition is structured around several highlights:

• Meetings with Authors and Illustrators: About ten guests present their work through workshops, signings, and public exchanges.
• Exhibitions of Original Drawings: The works of invited illustrators are displayed in various cultural venues in Manosque, notably at the Hôtel Raffin and the Fondation Carzou.
• Shows and Readings: Companies offer live performances related to youth literature, accompanied by readings and storytelling.
• Creative Workshops: Illustration, creation, and writing workshops are offered to children and families throughout the week.
• Literary Karaoke: An original and festive activity that invites young and old to bring youth literature texts to life through song.

A Guest of Honor Each Year

Each year, the Fête du Livre Jeunesse honors a major author or illustrator on the youth scene. Recent guests of honor include: Jérémie Fischer (2026), Carl Norac (2025), Bernadette Gervais (2024), and Christian Voltz (2023). The guest of honor benefits from an artistic residency and their work is highlighted through a retrospective exhibition and special encounters with the public.

Two Cities, One Festival

The festival spans two complementary towns: Manosque, home to the Hôtel Raffin (headquarters of the Éclat de Lire association), the Théâtre Jean Le Bleu, the Fondation Carzou, and the MJC; and Forcalquier, where the Croq'Livres association organizes activities, workshops, and exhibitions. This geographical distribution allows the festival to reach a broad audience throughout the Haute-Provence region.

A Professional Day

Each edition begins with a professional day for librarians, teachers, booksellers, and cultural mediators. Conferences, round tables, and practical workshops delve into the challenges of promoting youth literature and explore the latest publishing trends.

An All-Year-Round Associative Commitment

The Fête du Livre Jeunesse is driven by the association Éclat de Lire, created in 1993 in Manosque, in partnership with the Croq'Livres association from Forcalquier. Throughout the year, Éclat de Lire carries out activities promoting reading: street libraries in six neighborhoods of Manosque, readings in nurseries and health centers, writing and illustration workshops in schools, a literary prize for middle and high school students, and three-month artist residencies.