book festival

The Rise of the Baker’s Dozen is an illustrated adventure fantasy series for middle grade readers, following thirteen unforgettable biscuit characters who must work together to defeat three sinister teabags. Alongside the book, there’s a free companion platform, avatarenglish.com, giving teachers, parents, and readers ready-made lesson content and course planners built directly around the story, with activities covering the key themes for middle grade students. Avatarenglish.com also creates custom-built digital content for teachers around the material they use in class, saving hours of prep and grading time.   

Arts Council Malta (ACM) is the national agency for development and investment in the cultural and creative sectors. Its central task is that of effectively funding, supporting and promoting the cultural and creative sectors in Malta. The Council manages a funding portfolio for the cultural and creative sectors through its national funding programmes. Our mission is driven by our commitment to cultural rights and to invest in the arts to strengthen Malta’s creative and cultural ecology.

Since 1990, BDL Distributors has been the leading publications distributor to all bookshops and retail outlets in Malta and Gozo. BDL Publishing, the second mast holding the compan y’s sails, specializes in quality books ranging from children’s fiction to prestigious Melitensia literature. The third mast of the company is BDL Retail. Its outlet in San Ġwann is a large depository of quality books where one can browse and shop directly from a selection of over 20,000 titles.

Proudly independent since 1986, the Bonfirraro publishing house has immediately distinguished itself for the production of quality fiction, to which is added a focus on historical truths that have never been revealed and a successful line of essays and investigations on issues of strong social impact. The orientation towards a type of “committed” literature determines courageous publications with the character of denunciation against any form of injustice, with the aim of contributing to the struggle for the affirmation of freedom, a value considered inalienable. With seriousness, a spirit of sacrifice and in line with the maxim “Our history is the future toward which we are heading…”, Bonfirraro likes to look far, to observe the elsewhere, “beyond the border,” to give himself and win challenges that seem only seemingly impossible.

Step into the worlds of atmospheric mystery and psychological intrigue with Maltese author Bradley Zerafa. Showcasing two captivating titles at this year’s Malta National Book Festival, Zerafa’s showcase features The Garrison of Għajnsielem—a eerie, historical ghost novella steeped in island lore—and The Roots of Thorne, a high-stakes psychological thriller packed with suspense and complex character dynamics.

Whether you are a fan of local historical fiction, supernatural tales, or edge-of-your-seat thrillers, visit Bradley Zerafa’s stand to browse the titles, pick up signed paperbacks, and chat with the author about his writing process and upcoming projects.

Bullet Turtle Studio is a storytelling studio telling stories through graphic novels, animation and games. We love to create characters and worlds that connect with people and tell stories that are meaningful and relevant.

Christopher Mannino, author of fiction and nonfiction for kids and adults. 

Delicon Books is a small independent Maltese publishing initiative focused on preserving collective memory, local heritage, and specialised studies that might otherwise never reach publication. The company operates with a strong cultural and educational ethos rather than a purely commercial one, aiming to produce books of lasting historical and social value.

Its publications have included works dedicated to Maltese and Gozitan oral traditions, memoirs, folklore, and niche research projects compiled over many years. Among the themes associated with Delicon Books are unpublished legends from Gozo, family recollections passed through generations, autobiographical memories of Maltese life, and specialised documentary studies intended to serve as reference material for future generations.

The publishing house places emphasis on carefully designed, often full-colour editions produced in limited quantities, prioritising quality, preservation, and accessibility of Maltese cultural narratives. Delicon Books also collaborates with authors, educators, collectors, and researchers to ensure that stories and studies of local significance are documented in permanent form rather than lost over time.

Enchanted Grove Publishing is an independent children’s publishing imprint by author Rita Antoinette Borg, dedicated to imaginative and heartfelt stories for young readers, with a focus on wonder, courage, kindness, family, and the natural world.

Faber-Castell

Faraxa Publishing, established in Malta in 2011 by Joanne Micallef, is dedicated to publishing both literary and non-literary translations, while also embracing a wide range of other genres. The company’s mission is to introduce Maltese readers to diverse and groundbreaking literature from around the world, thereby enriching the local literary landscape.

Fondazzjoni Sagħtar is an independent and autonomous voluntary organisation without any political affiliation, whose main purpose is to serve a social and educational function among educators and students in Malta and Gozo. The principal aims of the Foundation are: to contribute towards the enhancement of the professional role of educators and the advancement of students; to provide opportunities for the professional growth of educators; to undertake projects or organise activities for the purposes of providing professional training to educators and enhancing the advancement of students; to generate and publish educational material.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (FWA), established in 1987, is a voluntary, non-governmental organisation dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Malta’s rich cultural heritage. Specialising in military heritage, FWA manages a diverse array of historic sites spanning over centuries of Maltese history. These sites include coastal fortifications, and 20th-century military installations, all open to the public.

The German‐Maltese Circle is a voluntary organisation founded on 18 October 1962 with the aim of “promoting closer understanding between Germany and Malta in all appropriate fields of activity and relationship, excluding political activities”.  To this end, the German‐Maltese Circle has been organising various activities since then along with German language courses for adults and schoolchildren. // The Department of German is part of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Malta. It offers the opportunity to study German in a range of courses: full‐time undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses (BA Honours in German, BA General with German, MA and PhD in German), part‐time language courses for all language levels (Certificate/Diploma in Language Proficiency), and part‐time evening courses for the general public (Certificate/Diploma in German).

Heritage Malta Publishing is the publishing arm of the National Agency for Museums, Conservation and Cultural Heritage. It produces a wide range of titles targeting diverse audiences and spanning the full spectrum of the Maltese Islands’ tangible and intangible patrimony.

Gutenberg is a privately owned printing company based in Malta, offering professional printing, binding and carton packaging solutions. Dedicated craftsmen since 1982, Gutenberg Press is a trusted name in quality printing. What began as a small letterpress operation in a garage has grown into a modern, forward-thinking industry leader serving publishers and brands across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Today, with continuous investment in people, technology and infrastructure, Gutenberg Press offers a full-cycle manufacturing process in a state-of-the-art plant in Bulebel equipped with the latest Heidelberg technology.

An experienced management team with extensive industry knowledge leads Gutenberg Press, driving its operational excellence for long-term success.

Horizons has become one of the main book publishers in Malta, winning the National Book Prize in different categories over the years. It publishes mainly novels, short stories, poetry, Melitensia and children’s literature. Horizons believes that through books it is helping to create a space where independent thinking, free expression and creativity grow. In addition, Horizons has a corporate social responsibility to extend its role beyond the books it publishes. Apart from building relationships with its authors, Horizons is close to the readers and the market, and its challenges.

Inspire is committed to transparency, accountability and innovation. Our governance ensures integrity in all decisions, while financial management maximises our impact. With our dedicated team and generous supporters, we are creating a world where every individual with different abilities can thrive.

As the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Italy in Malta, the Italian Cultural Institute of Valletta is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Emblem of a heritage whose roots run deep into the Maltese islands, the Institute’s primary mission is to promote the Italian language, art and culture. This translates into the organisation and promotion of events such as exhibits, concerts, plays, and conferences. However, the Institute also aims at interacting with the whole network of universities, study centers and educational institutions – both in Malta and Italy.

Creativity, innovation, high quality and interest for readers are among the most important considerations for Kite Group. Through each book, Kite Group aims to create an experience that delights readers. This is true for both the visual seeker and even the reading seeker. Among the books published by this house of publications, winners of various awards, are those on art, culture, biographies, short stories, humor books, photography, architecture, law and the history of our country. Kite Group offers a service to readers and anyone who wants to publish a book.

Midsea Books Ltd and Klabb Kotba Maltin are considered to be Malta’s leading publishers. It was set up in 1969 by Pawlu Mizzi with its first book Il-Gaġġa published in 1971. Midsea Books with its subsidiaries Klabb Kotba Maltin, and Heritage Books, have become a household name in producing children’s titles, novels and fiction, reference and fine art books about Malta. A number of books published are award winners or have been shortlisted for awards both in Malta and overseas.

The Kollezzjoni Traduzzjonijiet Letterarji (A Collection of Literary Translations) is a personal initiative by Paul Zahra to translate books from French literature into Maltese. KTL has been active since its inception in 2013. So far, the KTL consists of 8 publications, 3 of which are National Book Prize-winners in the Translation category. The translated authors include Marcel Proust, Flaubert and Balzac. KTL’s aim is to provide translations of literary classics to the Maltese reader in the Maltese language.

Publisher and producer of handmade books and paper products. The story of Kotba Calleja starts with a love for paper as a humble, unique and versatile material. It is a passion that translates into quality products made entirely in Malta. Every part of the process – every fold, every cut, each and every stitch, every gluing – is rigorously made by hand with a lot of patience. That’s why they’re unique. Kotba Calleja’s publications are biased towards experimentation and fresh imagery and nuance that give today’s Maltese prose and poetry its contemporary identity. This publishing house represents both established and emerging writers.

Founded by Rużar Briffa and Ġużè Bonnici in 1931, l-Għaqda tal-Malti – Università is a student organisation which strives to promote Maltese and aspects related to it as well as st udents and beyond. The aims of l-Għaqda are: to work towards the use of the Maltese language across all aspects of life and Maltese culture; to instil interest and inspire studies in the Maltese language and literature among students hailing from University and other academic institutions, as well as the general public and authorities; to exercise and train competencies and media relevant to literary and linguistic aspects of Maltese; to celebrate Maltese authors, or writers who have written in Maltese or about the Maltese language; to help students hone their writing skills u publish their work in l-Għaqda’s publications.

In 1975, the Society of Christian Doctrine known as M.U.S.E.U.M. developed a well-established bookshop named after its founder, Librerija Preca. It specialises in the sale of religious literature and other multi-media resources from several of the main publishing houses in Europe, Asia and North America. In November 1997, the bookshop was moved to a more spacious and specifically designed area, which is incorporated within the Society Central House at Blata l-Bajda, affording easier access to the general public. Apart from the large variety of spiritual books, Librerija Preca offers a large variety of Christian souvenirs for all occasions.

Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) is an independently run, Maltese government infrastructural legacy project for the culture and the arts, realised through state-funded restoration of the historical fortifications of the Floriana lines, and part financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014–2020.

MICAS strengthens Malta’s cultural infrastructure by providing a platform for contemporary art and internationalisation, with an artistic programme that engages with contemporary art and culture both globally and locally to present a schedule of world-class exhibitions from acclaimed artists.

Malta Libraries is the entity responsible for the National Library of Malta, the National Library (Gozo), the Central Public Library, the Gozo Public Library, all Regional and Branch Public Libraries in the Maltese Islands as well as the National Bibliographic Office. As an entity, Malta Libraries was established by the Malta Libraries Act (Act VII of 2011), replacing the former Libraries Department.

Malta Online Bookshop, established for over 25 years, is Malta’s leading virtual local bookshop specialising in Maltese publications. We proudly offer a diverse collection, featuring current titles and over 3,500 out-of-print and rare and antique works, catering to Melitensia enthusiasts and collectors alike. Committed to excellent service, we provide free delivery on local orders over €40 while also shipping worldwide via registered airmail. Payment by major credit cards is accepted online. Our mission is to promote Malta’s rich Melitensia and make it accessible to readers and collectors worldwide.

Meli Bookshop offers a wide selection of books ranging from fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and classic literature. Meli Bookshop has two outlets, both found in the capital city, Valletta.

The Mellieħa Local Council helps local authors to publish their books as part of their series ‘Ħannieqa Kotba Melleħin’. These are published in Maltese or English across various genres such as fiction, nonfiction and poems. The council is also committed to help authors from our locality to showcase their works and make it more accessible to the general public.

Merlin Library has supplied Primary and Secondary textbooks as well as Sixth Form textbooks to customers since 1978. Our bookshop in Blata l-Bajda is the only bookshop in Malta to stock textbooks all year round. A good selection of revision and self-study material for most subjects can also be found in stock. We are a specialist children’s bookshop and therefore stock thousands of titles suitable for children from 3 months to young adults. We stock a good selection of fiction, nonfiction, and general interest books for adults too. We often have special offers running at the bookshop and special discounts for children that are members of the Wizzies Club. Merlin Library was the first to introduce in Malta meet-ups between children’s authors and children in schools, hence supporting schools in their quest to instil the importance of reading among students. In 2003, Lynne Reid Banks was the first guest author brought to Malta by Merlin Library, and many have since followed. 

Set up in 1964, Merlin has grown into Malta’s most innovative and exciting publisher. Home to most of Malta’s key authors, Merlin prides itself on its backlist of Maltese literature, as well as on its nurturing of new authors with innovative styles and expression. Winner of the Best Book Production for multiple years, Merlin has been at the forefront of production, design, packaging and marketing. Merlin’s books have been exhibited at Frankfurt, London and Bologna Book Fairs.

Pandora Bargain Books offers a large variety of English and Maltese books at reduced prices both for adults and for children. Furthermore, Pandora Publications publishes books in Maltese at affordable prices for every family in Malta.

Maryanne’s Imprint

SKS is a publishing house based in Malta specialising mainly in the genres of history, literature, political theory, culture and biography. SKS strives to inform and educate the general public by publishing high-quality books based on a liberal understanding of life, history and literature, to provide writers and researchers of a similar persuasion the opportunity to publish their works, and to contribute towards the social, cultural, intellectual and national enrichment.

Super Heroes In Science

Steven Xuereb Haber is the creator / writer / artist of ‘Dance of Death’ (in collaboration with Hassan Hameed Tabrizi) – Supernatural Horror Graphic Novel inspired by the Dancing Plague of 1518

Steven is a London-based Maltese film & TV art director, illustrator, and former architect. He has worked on projects like Wake Up Dead Man, Poor Things, Gladiator II, Dune: Prophecy, Napoleon and others. He has also production designed a number of short films such as ‘The Door’, ‘Gimcrack’, ‘Shoal’, ‘If You Can Believe it’ and stop-motion animation ‘The Song of a Lost Boy’ which earned a shortlist BAFTA nomination and an Royal Television Society award for production design. Steven wrote the story and drew the pages for Dance of Death, his debut graphic novel.

The Embassy of France in Malta, the Alliance Française and Lireka (an online French bookstore with free delivery worldwide) will offer new and second-hand French books for sale.

The Maltese Society for Christian Civilisation Pro Malta Christiana, is a society founded in 2018 and inspired by Prof. Plinio Correa de Oliveira’s works. Its main aim is to defend Christian Civilisation and life, especially the values of Tradition, Family and Property. Its activities incorporate the publication of works that are inspired by the Catholic faith and the Church’s social doctrine, as well as the message of Fatima. The society is inspired by similar societies that are found in Europe and the rest of the World, who also defend our basic Catholic values.

The University of Malta will once again attend the Malta Book Festival, represented by THINK Magazine, Malta University Press, and Malta University Distributors. Our collective mission is to showcase the knowledge and innovation of UM’s academics and students. THINK, our official research magazine, spearheads this effort by disseminating current UM research in its publications. UM’s academic publisher, Malta University Press, produces and distributes scholarly publications that embody the essence of exploration, creativity and cultural enrichment within the global literary community. Malta University Distributors produces scholarly works and journals of research, including textbooks according to UM and matriculation syllabi.

Wirt iż-Żejtun is a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in the heritage sector, founded on the 3rd October 2010. Wirt iż-Żejtun has published seventeen books. Among these publications, six gather the collection of academic papers presented at the biennial symposia organised between 2012 and 2025 and another six cover the series ‘Għamlulna Ġieħ’, portraying past personalities from Żejtun who left their mark on the history and culture of the town. Its flagship publication is the coffee table book Iż-Żejtun Citta’ Beland: Our Heritage – Our Place – Our Life.