LA Times Festival of Books Archives

*Many of the booths in the children’s areas offer book readings.*

It’s here: See the star-studded lineup for the 30th annual L.A. Times Festival of Books! The nation’s largest literary event is back, April 26-27 on the USC Campus. Find your spark with more than 600 celebrities and authors, 300 exhibitors and events for all ages.

General admission is FREE and includes access to all outdoor experiences and events, as well as two children’s stages.

For an upgraded experience, explore our Friend of the Festival VIP Ticket Packages. Unlock premium perks including:

Early access to ticketed panel reservations
Tickets to the Book Prizes awards ceremony
A free commemorative festival poster
Exclusive discounts on festival merch
And more!

This year’s kid-friendly lineup includes:

Blippi
Blippi’s mission is to unlock the wonders of the world for preschoolers and encourage a lifelong love of learning. Blippi is here to become your kid’s best friend and inspire them with the fun, engaging experiences he creates.

Pete Oswald & Phuc Tran
Authors of “Cranky Makes a Friend”

Lots of things make award-winning author Phuc Tran cranky: being too cold, being too hot, staying up too late and getting up too early. “Cranky Makes a Friend” is Tran’s first children’s book.

Award-winning illustrator Pete Oswald is best known for “The Angry Birds Movie” film franchise and “ParaNorman.” His bold, expressive illustrations bring “Cranky Makes a Friend” to life.

*Held on the campus of USC, the Festival of Books draws authors from around the country to share their stories.*

Kiese Laymon
Author of “City Summer, Country Summer”

Black Southern writer Kiesi Laymon is an award-winning author, MacArthur Foundation Fellow and professor. “City Summer, Country Summer” is Laymon’s debut children’s book. It illuminates the tenuous and tender bonds of friendship Black boys forge with one another.

Cuentos y Esperanza: A Bilingual Storytime with St. Jude & Sí Sabo Kids
Join Sí Sabo Kids author Mike Alfaro to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and el poder de la esperanza. Hear stories and learn in both English and Spanish and experience the magic of bilingual storytelling.

Ben Falcone
Author of “What’s Scarier Than Thunder?”

Ben Falcone is a happy dad and husband. He’s also a film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. He’s sometimes still recognized as Air Marshal Jon from Bridesmaids, though not when he shaves his mustache.

Kwame Mbalia
Author of “Captain America: Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You”

Celebrated author Kame Mbalia is the writer of the bestselling Tristan Song series and publisher of Freedom Fire, an imprint of Disney Hyperion devoted to stories about the Black diaspora by Black creators.

Max Greenfield
Author of “Good Night Thoughts”

Actor Max Greenfield wrote a children’s book that he read on the main stage last year.
Photos by Varon Panganiban/Pablo Cabrera

Max Greenfield is best known for his roles as Schmidt in “New Girl” and Dave Johnson in “The Neighborhood.” He is the bestselling author of “I Don’t Want to Read This Book,” a laugh-out-loud-fun children’s book for every child who thinks they don’t want to read a book.

Learn more about the Festival of Books and follow @latimesfob on Instagram, Facebook and X to stay up to date on this year’s event.

L.A. Parent