Patrick Fleming's Children's Book Shines at LA Times Festival of Books

Psychotherapist and author's 'The Boy Who Could Smell Warming' captivates young audiences with science, adventure, and heart.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:16pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft colors depicts sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and intersecting waveforms, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces behind a child's unique ability to perceive an unusual environmental phenomenon.An imaginative scientific visualization captures the essence of a young hero's extraordinary gift and its impact on the world around him.Los Angeles Today

Psychotherapist and author Patrick Fleming's children's book 'The Boy Who Could Smell Warming' is a standout title at the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. The story follows 10-year-old Reuben Otis O'Brien, who discovers he has a unique ability to perceive an unusual scent that no one else can detect. As Reuben embarks on a personal scientific journey to understand his rare gift, he finds that his skill is not just unusual, but vital. With the support of family and friends, Reuben learns to harness his abilities to make a difference in his community and the broader world.

Why it matters

Fleming's book blends adventure, science, and an uplifting message to inspire young readers to celebrate their uniqueness and cultivate an understanding of the environment around them. The story's whimsical style and relevant themes make it a standout addition to children's literature at the prestigious Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

The details

In 'The Boy Who Could Smell Warming,' 10-year-old Reuben Otis O'Brien discovers he has the rare ability to perceive a peculiar scent that no one else can detect. As Reuben investigates this unusual occurrence, which sometimes leaves him feeling unwell, he embraces his identity as a 'nerd in a cool guy's body' and embarks on a personal scientific journey. What Reuben uncovers transforms his entire landscape, as he realizes his unique gift is not just unusual, but vital. With the support of his family and two close friends, Reuben learns to harness his abilities to make a difference in his community and the broader world, discovering confidence, purpose, and a renewed pride in his identity along the way.

  • The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 will take place from April 18 to 19.

The players

Patrick Fleming

A St. Louis-based spiritual coach and psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in trauma recovery and psycho-spiritual healing. He co-founded Double Rainbow Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting with his wife, Suzanne Lauber-Fleming, and has co-authored books and articles on recovery, spirituality, and abuse. His work integrates psychology and spirituality, shaping both his clinical practice and his writing, which includes fiction and children's books.

Reuben Otis O'Brien

The 10-year-old protagonist of Patrick Fleming's children's book 'The Boy Who Could Smell Warming.' Reuben discovers he has a unique ability to perceive an unusual scent that no one else can detect, and he embarks on a personal scientific journey to understand his rare gift.

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What’s next

Attendees of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 can find 'The Boy Who Could Smell Warming' at Inks and Bindings' Booth 978, Black Zone at the University of Southern California from April 18 to 19. The book is also available for purchase on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.

The takeaway

Patrick Fleming's children's book 'The Boy Who Could Smell Warming' captivates young readers with its blend of adventure, science, and an uplifting message about embracing one's uniqueness and cultivating an understanding of the environment. The story's whimsical style and relevant themes make it a standout addition to the children's literature lineup at the prestigious Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.