Looking for a family friendly weekend activity that will delight kids and parents alike? Look no further than the 2024 L.A. Times Festival of Books, April 20th and 21st on the USC Campus.
Now in its 29th year, the L.A. Times Festival of Books is the country’s largest book festival — and it goes far beyond books. With hundreds of exhibitor booths, there are exciting experiences for all ages including live performances, cooking demonstrations, screenings, live readings and plenty of food and drink options. It’s a great way to nurture a love of books and reading, and best of all, it’s FREE!
There are seven stages, two of which are specifically geared toward kids and families. Check out the Young Adult Stage, Children’s Stage, L.A. Times Main Stage, Latinidad Stage, Poetry Stage, Cooking Stage and USC Stage. The USC Friends and Neighbors Pavilion will feature family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. The Children’s Area is one of the most popular places in the 220-acre festival, and features more than 25 children’s events with authors, actors and other performers. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
‘No David!’ With David Shannon
Local favorite David Shannon celebrates the 25th anniversary of “No, David!,” the Caldecott-winning book that launched the bestselling series featuring the high-energy antics of Shannon’s namesake.
Blippi Live
YouTube sensation Blippi brings his contagious curiosity to the stage helping young ones to understand the world around them while building vocabulary and going on fun learning adventures.
Station Little
The energetic world of Station Little comes to real life featuring sing-alongs and story time, with readings of Station Little’s two brand-new children’s books narrated by Morgan Evans and JoJo Wright.
Emily Arrow & Friends
Emily Arrow and friends celebrate her latest album, “Nature Sings!” as she leads the audience on a journey through nature-inspired songs, stories and fun with her ukulele named Bow.
Storytime With the Los Angeles Public Library
Librarians from the Los Angeles Public Library will be hosting multiple children’s storytime and sing-a-long sessions on the Children’s Stage and the Latinidad Stage.
Lil’ Libros on the Latinidad Stage
Discover the world of bilingualism & Latin American culture with Lil’ Libros. Each day, visitors can enjoy readings by Lil’ Libros authors on the Latinidad Stage.
‘Piper Chen Sings’ With Phillipa Soo of ‘Hamilton’
Phillipa Soo brings her personal story to the page with an empowering tale about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Astronaut
The first Latina in space, Dr. Ellen Ochoa brings her “Stellar World” board book series to the stage with “Dr. Ochoa’s Stellar World: Arts!” featuring the “A” in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Parents will adore this bilingual English-Spanish STEAM board book as it introduces little ones to the extraordinary ways their passions for art and science can be combined into one.
‘Layla, the Last Black Unicorn’ With Tiffany Haddish
The beloved comedian, actress and New York Times bestselling author brings her new book “Layla, the Last Black Unicorn” to the stage. This hilarious, original picture book is a sweet tale about a lovable but awkward unicorn who learns why her uniqueness is her biggest strength.
‘Ride With Rampage’
The Los Angeles Rams will kick-off the Children’s Stage on Sunday. One of SoCal’s favorite mascots, Rampage, will be joined by the Rams Cheerleaders to read from “Ride With Rampage.”
‘I Don’t Want to Read This Book Aloud’ With Max Greenfield
Festival fan favorite Max Greenfield will be in discussion on the L.A. Times Main Stage on Saturday morning for his book “I Don’t Want to Read This Book Aloud.” The author of 3 children’s books, Greenfield focuses on getting reluctant readers excited about reading.
‘Bubbly Beautiful Kitty-Corn’ With Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham
From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning superstar duo Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, creators of Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn, comes another heart-bursting story featuring an utterly adorable kitty-corn pair, showing readers that it’s OK to embrace our flaws and share the messy parts of ourselves.
‘Buffalo Fluffalo’ With Bess Kalb
This National Bestseller introduces a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story by an Emmy-nominated comedy writer shows it’s okay to be yourself.
‘For You I Will’ With Elle Duncan
ESPN SportsCenter anchor Elle Duncan’s new Children’s Book is a moving ode to her daughter. The poetic text and heartwarming illustrations depict a mother teaching her daughter how to be confident, how to be a part of a community, and, ultimately, how to be unapologetically herself.
‘Pocket Peaches’ With Dora Wang
Join Peaches and pals as they navigate friendships, debate over the perfect amount of frosting and learn the value of being yourself. This full-color graphic novel is great for young readers beginning their graphic novel journey and graphic novel enthusiasts alike. It also features a Dyslexia-friendly font and is a 2023 American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children Reading List Honoree.
‘Penguin and Ollie’ With Salina Yoon
Perfect for young readers, award-winning author/illustrator Salina Yoon’s signature bright illustrations and touching, humorous text brings to life this uplifting story that demonstrates how having true friends who appreciate and care for you is the best treasure of all.
‘This Book is Banned’ With Raj Haldar
From #1 New York Times bestselling author of “P Is for Pterodactyl” comes a silly and irreverent new picture book all about sharing ideas. Discover just what can happen when ideas are erased instead of expressed with this hilarious picture book romp that kids (and grown-ups) will want to read over and over again.
Middle Grade Superstars
For slightly older kids ages 8 to 12, literary legend and Newbery Award-winning author of “The Giver,” Lois Lowry, will join Donna Barba Higuera and Aida Salazar on the Middle Grade Superstars panel.
Visit the L.A. Times Festival of Books website for dates and times of these events and more.