Imagination and Heartfelt Lessons Shine at LA Times Book Festival

Inks & Bindings showcases charming children's books at annual literary event

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:03am

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen print featuring a grid of stylized children's books in a variety of neon colors, capturing the creative energy and diversity of the Inks & Bindings book collection at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 will showcase a delightful collection of imaginative and heartfelt children's books from independent publisher Inks & Bindings.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 will feature a delightful collection of children's books from Inks & Bindings, offering stories that nurture emotional growth, curiosity, and meaningful connections between children and adults. The lineup includes titles that explore the magic of the holidays, the power of communication, the nature of emotions, and the joy of creative thinking.

Why it matters

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is one of the largest and most prestigious literary events in the country, drawing thousands of families, educators, and young readers each year. Inks & Bindings' presence at the festival provides an opportunity for independent authors to showcase their work and connect with a wide audience, while also offering attendees a diverse selection of high-quality children's books that promote important values and life lessons.

The details

The Inks & Bindings booth at the festival will feature five children's books, each with a unique focus and approach. 'Ellie the Elf - The Spirit of Christmas' by Joanne Kiersarsky captures the wonder and warmth of the holiday season, 'What Did You Do at School Today?' by C.C. Lacavera encourages parent-child communication, 'When Mommy Feels Angry' by Dr. Muhammad Zeshan explores emotional awareness, 'Have You Ever Imagined: Dogosaurs' by Robert L. Anderson sparks creative thinking, and 'We Can... and We Do' by Patti Bonesteel blends storytelling and nature-based learning.

  • The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 will take place on April 18-19 at the University of Southern California (USC) campus.
  • Inks & Bindings will be located at Booth #978 in the Black Zone during the festival.

The players

Joanne Kiersarsky

A lifelong storyteller and grandmother of six, Kiersarsky is the author of 'Ellie the Elf - The Spirit of Christmas,' a magical holiday tale that captures the wonder and warmth of the season.

C.C. Lacavera

A former senior technology executive and Vice President at Google, Lacavera is the author of 'What Did You Do at School Today?,' a Gold Medal winner of the Mom's Choice Awards that encourages parent-child communication through storytelling and inquiry.

Dr. Muhammad Zeshan

The author of 'When Mommy Feels Angry,' a book that helps families navigate emotions with compassion and understanding, offering a shared reading experience that promotes emotional awareness and healthy expression.

Robert L. Anderson

The author of 'Have You Ever Imagined: Dogosaurs,' a book that combines dogs and dinosaurs to encourage children's creative thinking and learning about different breeds and species.

Patti Bonesteel

A former elementary educator with a passion for wildlife, Bonesteel is the author of 'We Can... and We Do,' a story that blends storytelling and nature-based learning to inspire children to explore, question, and grow through experience.

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What they’re saying

“Ellie the Elf uses her golden pixie dust and enchanted snow globe to help Santa prove that the true spirit of Christmas is alive and real.”

— Joanne Kiersarsky, Author

“What Did You Do at School Today? transforms a simple everyday question into a meaningful storytelling experience that strengthens parent-child relationships.”

— C.C. Lacavera, Author

“When Mommy Feels Angry helps families navigate emotions with compassion and understanding, reassuring children that a parent's feelings are never their fault.”

— Dr. Muhammad Zeshan, Author

“Have You Ever Imagined: Dogosaurs encourages children to think creatively while learning about different dog breeds and dinosaur types.”

— Robert L. Anderson, Author

“We Can... and We Do encourages children to explore, question, and grow through experience, blending storytelling and nature-based learning.”

— Patti Bonesteel, Author

What’s next

Visitors to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 are invited to stop by Inks & Bindings' Booth #978 in the Black Zone at the University of Southern California (USC) campus during the April 18–19 weekend to explore the featured children's books in person. Readers everywhere can also discover the full collection through the Inks & Bindings website.

The takeaway

The diverse lineup of children's books showcased by Inks & Bindings at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 reflects the publisher's commitment to amplifying independent authors' voices and connecting readers with stories that educate, inspire, and bring families closer together through the power of imagination and heartfelt lessons.