The 18th annual internationally-renowned, Los Angeles Times Book Festival is definitely a meeting of the minds! Prior to the festival, Book Prizes were awarded to 50 extraordinary pieces in 10 categories on April 19 at the University of Southern California’s Bovard Auditorium. From first fiction (the Art Seidenbaum Award) to graphic novel/comics to history to mystery/thriller, a complete list of finalists can be found at www.latimes.com/bookprizes.
I too, am overly excited! This weekend is like an “outdoor library,” where thousands can enjoy many of the world’s best authors, storytellers, musicians, filmmakers, photographers, and comedians at USC. Considered the largest public literary festival in the nation, from April 20-21, book aficionados of all ages flock to stages, panels, and screening rooms to get an up close, téte al à téte with their favorite authors, visual artists and entertainers. Little ones can check out children’s musical acts Hip Hop Harry (Target Children’s Stage, Sat. , Noon), Disney Junior’s Choo-Choo Soul (“Disney Favorites,” Target Children’s Stage, Sun., 10am and 4:35pm), and Imagination Movers (Target Children’s Stage,”Rock-O-Matic,” Sun., 2pm).
Hear the inspiration behind authors Lucy Dahl (Roald Dahl’s daughter, brilliantly penned Matilda, Target Children’s Stage, 3pm), Lemony Snicket & Jon Klassen (The Dark, Target Children’s Stage, Sat., 5pm), and Herman Parish (Amelia Bedelia, Target Children’s Stage, Sun., 2pm). Or, catch Emmy-winning actress Carol Burnett in Conversation with Mary McNamara (Bovard Auditorium, Sat., 1pm) and see actress-turned-nutritionist and author Valerie Bertinelli (One Dish at a Time, Interview by Russ Parsons, Cooking Stage, Sun., 12:30pm) discuss her book and lifestyle changes as a busy mom.
BONUS: The HUB Network is premiering a new episode of the animated hit series “The Littlest Pet Shop,” followed by an exclusive Q & A with Executive Producers and Head Writers Julie McNally Cahill and Tim Cahill at 2:30pm in the Ray Stark Theater. I’m sure my 5-year-old is looking forward to this screening!
All in all, this book festival is a treat for all ages! Let’s go! – Penny
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Free. April 20-21, 2013. Parking on USC campus, $10. Free shuttle bus service connects outlying areas with the main festival entrances. For more information on public transportation options, visit: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/general-information/getting-there/.
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* We are sharing this awesome event with our readers. We did not receive any form of compensation for this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
