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633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara
Free & Open to Readers of Every Age
Read along with #1 NY Times Bestselling author Mike Bender & illustrator Chuck Dillon
Join author Mike Bender and illustrator Chuck Dillon as they read two of their most hilarious - and moving - collaborations.
Featured on Jenna Jr.'s Summer Reading List and one of Amazon's Best Children's Books of 2025, Bored Panda is the tale of a tech-obsessed Panda who sets out for a walk in the woods one day only to discover that being bored doesn't have to be boring.
The Most Serious Fart chronicals the epic journey of Siegfried, a fart who takes himself too seriously and is sick and tired of being a laughing matter, but ultimately learns to embrace his fartness and the fun and friendship that come with it.
Saturday, May 2 @ 10 AM
Saturday, May 2 @ 11:20 AM
Dive into to the whimsical world of two celebrated children's book authors
Join celebrated children’s book creators Max Lang and Suzanne Lang for a lively, interactive read-along designed for young readers and their grown-ups. Together, they will read Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day and Archibald and the Furry Dinosaurs, bringing humor, heart, and high-energy storytelling to the stage.
Read along with celebrated children's author Scott Rothman as he reads his newest book, Judgy Bunny
Read along with bestselling author of Attack of the Underwear Dragon Scott Rothman as he reads his newest book, Judgy Bunny, the hilarious picture book introduction to Judgy Bunny, who thinks every new experience is THE WORST. Especially if she wasn't invited. Or if she might not be good at it. Or if it just looks awesome... er, terrible, that is.
Saturday, May 2 @ 12:40 PM
The Santa Barbara Literary Festival is proud to present the Children's Book Festival Local Author Showcase, a celebration of our own community's storytellers, in partnership with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). This is a rare opportunity to meet, hear from, and celebrate the authors and illustrators who are writing the next generation of beloved books — and who call this place home.
Showcase, May 2 @ 2:00 PM
Join beloved illustrator Pete Oswald for a joyful read-along celebrating the magic of picture books and the power of visual storytelling. Best known for Humble Pie and Hike, Oswald invites young readers and their families into worlds filled with heart, humor, and imagination.
During this engaging session, Pete will read from his books, share insights into how his stories and illustrations come to life, and talk about the creative journey from sketch to finished page. Children will discover how characters are created, how stories grow, and how art can express big feelings in accessible and playful ways.
Sunday, May 3 @ 10 AM
Read along with celebrated children's author Roda Amed & renowned chef Daniel Humm
Read along with renowned children's book author Roda Ahmed and acclaimed chef Daniel Humm as they take us through their collaboration, Daniel's Dream
Little Daniel has big dreams. In a world where everyone else seems to follow the rules, he can’t help but follow his heart. Sometimes, that means Daniel is too loud, too busy, and too excited. Sometimes, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. While the other students in class are happy to color inside the lines, Daniel can’t even keep his crayon on the paper.
Sunday, May 3 @ 11:20 AM
Bestselling middle authors share their adventures in Middle Grade Fiction.
Step into the vibrant world of middle grade fiction, where young protagonists face everything from everyday school drama to high-stakes adventures—all while discovering who they are. In this lively and insightful conversation, a panel of bestselling and award-winning authors explores the unique craft of writing for readers ages 8–12, a moment when books can become lifelong companions.
Sunday, May 3 @ 12:40 PM
Kids Lit Certificates are proudly supplied by Bill's Copy Shop, Santa Barbara's favorite local printing and copying business.
Sunday, May 3 @ 2:00 PM
Bestselling authors read the top 5 stories!
Every great author started somewhere — and for many, it started with a story they wrote as a kid.
The Santa Barbara Literary Festival is proud to present the Kids' Stories Awards Ceremony, a celebration of the young writers who answered our Kids Lit Contest call and put their imaginations on the page. This is their moment.
Open to all 3rd–6th grade students, our Kids Lit Contest invited young writers to craft original stories — and the response has been extraordinary. Every single participant will receive an official Kids Lit Award Certificate in recognition of their courage and creativity. And for the top five finalists, something even more special awaits.
Their stories will be read aloud — live on stage — by some of today's most beloved children's book authors.
Kids Lit Certificates are proudly supplied by Bill's Copy Shop, Santa Barbara's favorite local printing and copying business.
The Santa Barbara Literary Festival closes out its inaugural Children's Book Festival weekend with an afternoon celebrating the local authors and illustrators who are quietly — and brilliantly — shaping the next generation of readers.
On Sunday, May 3rd, in partnership with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), we welcome four more local voices to the Reagan Room stage for readings, conversation, and book signings.