A Showcase of Historical Fiction and Children’s Literature at the LA Times Festival of Books 2026

Through a diverse collection of genres and storytelling styles, authors Margaret Tutor, Dr. Annie, and Cecelia Powell bring readers into worlds shaped by hardship, wonder, healing, and transformation. From historical family sagas to imaginative children’s adventures, each work stands on its own while contributing to a shared exploration of how kindness and human connection shape lived experience. These compelling narratives will be featured at the Inks and Bindings Booth 978 during the LA Times Festival of Books 2026, offering stories that are both emotionally resonant and universally relatable.

In “We’re All Just Passing Through,” author Margaret Tutor presents a moving historical fiction narrative rooted in 1920s rural America. The story follows the Ward family, itinerant workers whose journey through hardship leads them to Dover, Arkansas, where they encounter the struggling Cartwright household.

Through the fractured dynamics of pride, neglect, and redemption, Tutor crafts a deeply human exploration of whether empathy can soften even the most hardened lives. At its heart, the novel reflects on how fleeting encounters can leave lasting emotional imprints, reshaping families and futures in unexpected ways.

Shifting into a lighter, more whimsical tone, Tutor’s children’s adventure fiction “Polar Bear Wearing a Blanket” invites readers into the curious world of young Mary Jane, whose imagination transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary search for a polar bear in need of warmth.

As Mary Jane wanders through her surroundings in pursuit of this imagined adventure, the story becomes a gentle celebration of curiosity, empathy, and the boundless creativity of childhood. Tutor captures the innocence of youthful wonder, where caring for even an imagined creature becomes a meaningful journey of discovery and emotional growth.

In children’s holiday fiction, “A-Make-Do-Christmas,” Tutor turns to a heartfelt portrayal of resilience during the holiday season. Set within a family making the most of limited means, the story follows siblings Mary Jane and Jerry as they create a Christmas celebration built entirely from ingenuity, resourcefulness, and love.

From handmade decorations that transform a simple Christmas tree into something adorned with meaningful ornaments, every detail reflects the quiet beauty of togetherness amid scarcity. With the help of their older brother Bill, who crafts a glowing star to crown their creation, the story becomes a tribute to family unity and the enduring spirit of celebration, found not in abundance but in shared effort, care, and love.

Raised by a single mother who supported seven children, Margaret Tutor draws enduring inspiration from her mother’s unwavering determination, an influence that shapes her storytelling through recurring themes of resilience, unity, and strength found in love and shared struggle.

Adding a deeply reflective and emotionally rich voice to the collection, Dr. Annie presents her inspirational children’s literature, “The Giving Children.” The story centers on an elderly man who shares memories of a meaningful tree from his childhood with his grandchildren—once a source of generosity, now reduced to a stump.

As the narrative unfolds, the grandchildren come to understand themes of gratitude, loss, and reciprocity, ultimately finding their own way to honor what was once given to them. With her background in psychology, Dr. Annie infuses the story with emotional depth and gentle insight, encouraging young readers to reflect on empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of giving back in both tangible and emotional ways.

Completing the showcase is Cecelia Powell’s children’s educational fable, “Jerome King of the Jungle,” a playful yet meaningful story about Jerome the lion, who challenges instinct and expectation by adopting a healthier lifestyle centered on fruits and vegetables.

As Jerome quietly works to influence his family and forest community, his journey becomes a broader metaphor for change, courage, and personal well-being. Powell’s narrative transforms an engaging animal tale into an accessible lesson about making better choices and understanding that meaningful transformation often begins with small, consistent steps.

While each of these five books differs in genre, tone, and narrative approach, they are united by a shared thematic thread: the transformative power of care—whether expressed through family sacrifice, imaginative curiosity, emotional reflection, or personal growth. Together, they present a cohesive literary showcase that underscores how stories, in all their forms, can nurture understanding, resilience, and connection across generations.

All featured titles will be available for purchase on Amazon and showcased on the Inks & Bindings Special Online Feature at https://inksandbindings.com/latfob-2026/ during and beyond the L.A. Times Festival of Books 2026.

About Inks & Bindings:

Launching brilliant stars into the spotlight! Inks & Bindings is set to broaden horizons, revamp to perfection, and produce a masterpiece through the power of books.

Inks and Bindings is a premier self-publishing company located at the heart of the Golden State. Aptly based where fashion, entertainment, and culture thrive, the team goes all out in bringing independent authors into the sweet California spotlight.

Contact Information

Jorelou Gabato

Director

Inks and Bindings, LLC

Contact via E-mail