LA Times Festival of Books

April 24 & 25
UCLA

We've been going to this festival since before Rachel was born. It's a wonderful free event for the whole family (need to pay for parking, though). Fox Home Entertainment will have Michael Damian (Young & the Restless), the director of Flicka 2, at their booth on Saturday. Flicka 2 is the modern version of the story of a girl and her horse. Hilda the Talking Goat will, also, be at the Read Aloud booth. They will be using cutting edge animation to allow Hilda to interact live with children and families.

Target has a chldren's stage and some of the highlights this year are:

Saturday
10:00 AM: The Fresh Beat Band
10:40 AM: Caitlin Sanchez - Voice of Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer
12:20 PM: Jade-Lianna Peters - Voice of Kai-Ian from Nickelodeon’s Ni Hao, Kai-Ian
12:40 PM: Bernadette Peters - Author of Stella is a Star!
2:40 PM: Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver - Authors of Hank Zipzer: A Brand-New Me! #17
3:25 PM: Shawn and Marlon Wayans - Authors of Sneaker Madness
5:10 PM: Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Sunday
10:00 AM: The Fresh Beat Band
12:00 PM: Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary - Author of Puff the Magic Dragon
12:55 PM: Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete - My Brother Charlie
1:40 PM: Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players
2:55 PM: Robin Preiss Glasser - Illustrator of Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire!

I've noticed a difference in the children's lineup this year. They used to have music going all day, but this year there is more storytelling. Maybe there's a desire to get back to books? I'm wondering if this will make a difference in the "camp-outs" in the children's section. In years past, it was super crowded and you'd have to go an hour before to snag a good seat. However, as we all know, children are not about to sit for an hour even if it's to wait for their favorite star. Perhaps this will cut down on the crowds in that area.

As for parking, get there when the festival opens. Structure 2 off of Hilgard is a good spot.

For more info, go here.