EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
KID
QUIPS
During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
Feature Story
|
||||
|
Daylong free event celebrates reading On Sept. 30, the third annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival will make its one-day appearance at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. The free festival, which boasts dozens of vendors and exhibitors, will run from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Not only will attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase new books, they will get the chance to meet the behind-the-scenes creators. Authors from as far away as New York will be reading from their books and participating in panel discussions and book signings. Illustrators will also divulge an inside look into the creation of the characters. Even Curious George will make an appearance and local sports stars are expected to be in attendance. As many as 20,000 people could attend this year’s festival. Organizers have stepped up their publicity efforts, joining with Orange County public libraries as well as Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores to distribute bookmarks and display posters encouraging people to attend. Univision, the largest media company for the Latino community, is a new sponsor this year in hopes of attracting an even larger representation of Orange County families. “The emphasis is on reading, no matter what language,” says Barry Ackerman, co-founder of the festival. Bilingual books will also be featured this year along with a special appearance of the characters from Los Kitos and the major league soccer team Chivas. Three specialty entertainment areas offer a more subject-specific look into the literature. The Shea Homes Wild Animal Arena features zoo handlers with wild animals, along with authors of animal-related books. The OC Family Magazine Athletes and Authors Sports Center highlights star athletes and sports activities as well as authors of books dealing with sports. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Jason Lezak and pro beach volleyball player Rachel Wacholter will be at the festival along with representatives from the Anaheim Ducks and Fullerton Flyers. Children who wear their sports uniforms will have the opportunity to win a family-fun day basket through OC Family Magazine. Also, the Rockstar Mainstage will feature entertainers and storytellers. In addition to literacy-related activities, the festival offers food, fun and assorted other entertainment. Children’s activities include face painting, musicians and clowns. The event, founded by Ackerman and Pat Burns, was inspired by the book festival in Los Angeles. “We decided Orange County needed a festival of its own,” says Ackerman. Sponsors of the event include OC Family Magazine, Beyond Fun, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, SheaHomes.com and many others. At a glance What: The third annual Orange County Children’s Book Festival When: Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. Where: Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Rd. Costa Mesa Cost: Free Highlights: Executive Editor Craig Reem and Senior Writer Kimberly A. Porrazzo will be at the OC Family Magazine booth signing their respective books on fatherhood and motherhood. Also look for other authors as well as illustrators, entertainment on the Rockstar Mainstage, along with dozens of book and literacy-related vendors. For more information, visit kidsbookfestival.com |
||||
RSS Subscribe
Digg This ArticleSEARCH THE SITE
