Whimsical Stories, Meaningful Lessons Shine at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026

Families, educators, and young readers are invited into a world of imagination, creativity, and heartfelt learning as Inks & Bindings showcases a delightful collection of children’s books at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026.

Taking place at the University of Southern California (USC) campus on April 18–19, the featured titles will be available at Booth #978 in the Black Zone, offering stories that nurture emotional growth, curiosity, and meaningful connections between children and the adults who read with them.

Leading this charming collection is Joanne Kiersarsky’s “Ellie the Elf – The Spirit of Christmas,” a magical holiday tale that captures the wonder and warmth of the season.

Designed for young readers ages 4–12, the story follows Ellie, a spirited elf who uses her golden pixie dust and enchanted snow globe to help Santa prove that the true spirit of Christmas is alive and real. With its gentle message and festive imagination, the book invites children to believe in kindness, joy, and the magic that can be found in giving and togetherness.

Kiersarsky, a lifelong storyteller and grandmother of six, draws inspiration from her love of family, nature, and creativity, crafting a story that feels both nostalgic and uplifting.

Also featured is “What Did You Do at School Today?” by C. C. Lacavera, a Gold Medal winner of the Mom’s Choice Awards, which transforms a simple everyday question into a meaningful storytelling experience.

Through playful rhymes and vivid imagery, the book encourages children to share the details of their day, from small discoveries to big imaginative moments, while inviting parents to listen, engage, and connect.

Lacavera’s background as a senior technology executive and former Vice President at Google informs her thoughtful approach to communication, using techniques rooted in storytelling and inquiry to strengthen parent-child relationships and create lasting bonds through conversation.

In “When Mommy Feels Angry,” Dr. Muhammad Zeshan offers a gentle and reassuring exploration of emotions for children and their caregivers.

Written as a shared reading experience, the book helps families navigate feelings like anger with compassion and understanding. It emphasizes that emotions are natural and manageable, while reassuring children that a parent’s feelings are never their fault. Through its calm and supportive tone, the story opens the door to important conversations about emotional awareness, empathy, and healthy expression, making it a valuable addition to any family’s reading routine.

Imagination takes a playful leap in Robert L. Anderson’s “Have You Ever Imagined: Dogosaurs,” where two beloved childhood fascinations, dogs and dinosaurs, are combined into one creative adventure.

Through imaginative illustrations and engaging questions, the book encourages children to think creatively while learning about different dog breeds and dinosaur types. Inspired by the author’s experiences interacting with elementary school children during his years as a school bus driver, the story reflects a deep appreciation for children’s curiosity and their natural ability to dream beyond boundaries.

Completing the spotlight collection, Patti Bonesteel’s “We Can… and We Do” continues her signature blend of storytelling and nature-based learning.

The book follows Remi, a curious country raccoon, who ventures into the bustling city in search of a different life. What begins as uncertainty quickly becomes a journey of discovery, as Remi learns that adaptability, courage, and openness can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Drawing from her twenty-five years as an elementary educator and her passion for wildlife, Bonesteel creates stories that not only entertain but also encourage children to explore, question, and grow through experience.

Through this engaging lineup, Inks & Bindings continues its mission of amplifying authors’ voices while connecting readers with stories that educate, inspire, and bring families closer together. Visitors to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 are invited to stop by Booth #978 in the Black Zone at the University of Southern California (USC) campus during the April 18–19 weekend to explore these titles in person. Readers everywhere can also discover the full collection through the Inks & Bindings website.

All featured books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other leading online book retailers worldwide.

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

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