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Young-adult and children's lit – all in 1 place Go to this weekend's L.A. Times Festival of Books By Kristen SchottPublished: April, 2010

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The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books kicks off this weekend, with a number of offerings for younger readers. The 15th annual event seeks to bring together the minds behind the books – and the readers who love them. It is among the most prestigious book festivals in the country, with more than 130,000 attendees a year (this is my personal idea of "the happiest place on earth"). There are two main offerings for children's literature: the outdoor Target Children's Stage, which will feature storytelling and readings for kiddies, as well as the Young Adult Stage. The latter will offer panels and talks for teen – and 'tween – readers. Let's get down to business – the Target Children's Stage is a veritable smorgasbord of fabulous authors, entertainers, celebrity book readings, signings and musical performances. Saturday's offerings include readings and performances of "Tell Me a Silly Story" by Carl Reiner; "A Brand-New Me: Hank Zipzer series No.  17" by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver; and "Little Shop of Hamsters" from R.L. Stine. Brooke Shields is among those who have graced the Target Children's Stage. On Sunday, visitors to the kids stage will have a chance to hear a bit about "The Magic School Bus and the Climate Change" from Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (I LOVE this series); and "Daddy Loves His Little Girl" from John Carter Cash. And, Target is partnering with Times in Education to support L.A. schools – attendees can bring new and gently used books to the Target Donation Station. Next, I want to talk to you about the YA Stage – where you will find me, IF and only IF I am able to make some serious progress on my fairy tales and young adults term paper I'm working on for grad school. (Sigh.) Anyway, the stage will offer a number of selections over the weekend. On Saturday, there's a 2 p.m. panel titled "Blood, Fangs, and Temptation: Everything Vampire." That's particularly interesting, what with the explosive popularity of the "Twilight" series, among others. And, at 4 p.m., check out Layapalooza, a live game show for lovers of books for teens and 'tweens. On Sunday, if you haven't checked out the game show yet, it'll be running again at noon. Other panels include "Young Adult: Truth and Fiction" and "Making the Magic Happen: Writing Young Adult Fantasy." Are you excited yet? I am. The book lover in me is aching to go to this – so you better, too. You won't need tickets for all the outdoor activities on the YA or Target Children's Stage, but to attend indoor panels and sessions, you will. It all takes place at the UCLA campus on April 24-25. For more information, visit events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks Kristen Schott is OC Family's children's book editor. Be sure to check out "Storytime," my video book reviews, for more fun facts about stories you and your kiddies must read. Earth Day is coming! Author spotlight: Rhonda Fischer 'That Cat Can't Stay' Calling all book lovers 'Where the Mild Things Are' by Maurice Send-up That dog's gettin' old 'Prentice Hall: The American Experience' Pick up this springtime counting book One whimsical story Anaheim Public Library launches book donation campaign Gosh, I love Spoonfuls of Stories 'Are You My Mother?' Poetry for kiddies Books aplenty in O.C. Vocab – it's not a nightmare anymore 'What reading can do for your kiddies' A look back Book with no words 'Pickle Things' Book vs. Kindle A world of magic awaits Hearts and hugs? 'Rita and Whatsit' Colds and books More 'Twilight'? 'Princess and the Frog' Where do you read? Are they really 'Indestructible'? Book journals 'Weezer Changes the World' 'All Kinds of Families'

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