SCBWI SoCal Authors & Illustrators at the LA Festival of Books 2026

The LA Times Festival of Books 2026 is almost here, and SCBWI Southern California is bringing together an incredible lineup of children’s book authors and illustrators for a full weekend of storytelling, book signings, and community. I’m so excited to be attending for the first time with my picture book, Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures.

If you’re attending the Los Angeles Festival of Books at USC (April 18–19, 2026), be sure to stop by Booth 826 in the Green Zone, where a rotating group of SCBWI SoCal creators will be signing books and meeting readers throughout the weekend.

This is a wonderful opportunity to:

• Discover new children’s books
• Meet authors and illustrators in person
• Support independent and traditionally published creators
• Follow your favorite creators on social media and stay connected

Meet Me at Booth 826 — Saturday, April 18 (10 AM–12 PM)

I’ll be signing and selling award-winning picture book, Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures at Booth 826 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM on Saturday as part of the SCBWI SoCal lineup.

Stop by during my time slot to:

• Pick up a signed copy
• Enjoy free Filipino candies and treats (while supplies last)
• Take a photo at the Author Booth and share it on instagram to be include in my fun recap reel!

I’d love to meet you and connect in person.

SCBWI SoCal Author & Illustrator Lineup — Booth 826

Plan your visit and come back throughout the weekend to meet these talented creators. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and visit their websites to learn more about their books and support their work.

Saturday, April 18 — Booth 826

Judy Campbell-Smith (10:00 AM–6:00 PM)
Baseball for Breakfast: A Mostly True Story
Instagram: @judycampbellsmith
Website: www.judycampbellsmith.com

Christina Barragan Forshay (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
Lucía’s Goals / Los goles de Lucía

Christine Alemshah (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures
Instagram: @C_Alemshah
Website: christinealemshah.com

Moni Ritchie Hadley (12:00–2:00 PM)
Miso Magic
Instagram: @bookthreader
Website: https://www.moniritchie.com/

Amber Morrell (12:00–2:00 PM)
The Alchemy of Letting Go

Makenna J. Myers (1:00–3:00 PM)
The Stripe and the Star
Instagram: @makennajmyerswrites
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/makennajmyers/home

Stacia Deutsch & Zachary Steinberg (2:00–4:00 PM)
Which Way Adventures
Instagram: @StaciaDeutsch_writes

Glenda Galvan-Garcia (3:00–6:00 PM)
La Enchilada Completa / The Whole Enchilada
Instagram: @wholeenchilada.co
Website: https://wholeenchilada.co/

Susi Schaefer (4:00–6:00 PM)
All Eyes on You
Instagram: @susischaeferart

Sunday, April 19 — Booth 826

Larissa Brown (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Blake Laser
Instagram: @larissabrownpaints

Christine Van Zandt (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Hot Dog
Instagram: @christinevanzandt9
Website: https://christinevanzandt.com/

Joe Rocco (12:00–2:00 PM)
Word Up!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roccoplanet/
Website: https://secretsaucestudio.myportfolio.com/

Dara Henry (12:00–2:00 PM)
Hanukkah Pajamakkahs
Instagram: @dara_henry_writes

Mia Araujo (12:00–2:00 PM)
Afia in the Land of Wonders
Instagram: @mllemiaaraujo

Susan M. Aslan (2:00–5:00 PM)
Mommy Will Be Back Soon
Instagram: @massarikaslan
Website: susanaslan.com

Jack Keely (2:00–5:00 PM)
Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune

R.S. Mellette (10:00 AM–5:00 PM)
Kiya: The Mordan Treasure
Instagram: @RSMellette
Website: https://www.amazon.com/author/rsmellette

Support Children’s Book Creators

One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is by staying connected beyond the event.

If you discover a creator you love at the LA Festival of Books, take a moment to:

• Follow them on Instagram
• Visit their website
• Share their books with friends, teachers, and libraries
• Leave reviews online

These small actions make a meaningful difference and help bring more diverse, beautiful stories into the world. I look forward to sharing the event recap and blog post with all of you! Hope to see many of you there!

Shine On,

Christine

Plan Your Visit

Find us at:

Booth 826 — Green Zone
LA Times Festival of Books
University of Southern California
April 18–19, 2026