there can ever be an event more interesting, fun and educational than the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
There truly is something for everybody, between the seminars, concerts and books. So many books! Plus, amazing writers chatting and signing books. About 140,000 people are expected to attend the shows, seminars, panels, presentations and the more than 300 exhibitors at this multi-cultural and diverse event that celebrates the written word.
The Festival, being held this year for the first time at the University of Southern California (right in our Metro L.A. Best Start Community), is a wonderful opportunity to inspire a love of books in children. The excitement and energy of the Festival will rub off on even the youngest tots. Beautifully illustrated covers, tantalizing stories and talented people to read them are sure to spark an interest in reading and books that can last a lifetime.
Access to the entire Festival is free, including most of the entertainment. Those with children will find lots of great music and stories on the Target Children's Stage (click here for schedules). Celebrity author Jamie Lee Curtis and popular children's book author Mo Willems are among the presenters. High-energy and fun bands performing children's music, including Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players and Disney Junior's Choo-Choo Soul with Genevive are sure to get little ones dancing and clapping along.
The Los Angeles Times also honors authors during the event. This year, the prestigious Robert Kirsch Award is going to beloved children's author Beverly Cleary, the writer behind the adventures starring Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins and all of their pals. For decades, Cleary's warm and engaging books have fostered a love of reading in young children, and we congratulate her for her dedication, talent and inspiration.
La JaJa Kids will be there with our two Junior Journalists to hold their first media interview with the cast and screenwriter/author of the new summer movie Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Come by the movie's booth and join us for some entertainment industry fun!