Children’s Fairyland will host its annual Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming more than 30 published children’s literature authors, illustrators, and storytellers from across the Bay Area. The festival brings together young readers, writers, and artists for a joyful day of storytelling, meet and greets, book signings, and interactive programming, all included with general admission.
Tickets and more information are available here.
Speakers Announced for the 2026 Children’s Book Festival:
- Cátia Chien, illustrator, 2026 Caldecott Medal Winner and a Golden Kite Award winner.
- Joanna Ho, author, recipient of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature Honor, a Golden Kite Award and more.
- Cindy Derby, illustrator, and recipient of a 2021 Caldecott Honor and Golden Kite Award honor.
- Randy Ribay, author, co-winner of the Michael L. Printz Award and winner of the Asian Pacific American Library Association Medal.
- Mychal Threets, beloved librarian, author, mental health activist/advocate and host of revived children’s TV show Reading Rainbow.
- Youth Writers Workshop led by author Natasha Tripplett.
All Featured Authors and Illustrators: Alexandra Boiger • Bo Lu • Catia Chien (speaker) • Charlotte Cheng • Cindy Derby (speaker) • Claire Bobrow • Claudia Walker • Deborah Underwood • Fateme Mokhles • Helen Taylor • Isabella Kung • Kalen Chock • Jasmine Fang • Jerrold Connors • Joanna Ho (speaker) • Lisa Brown • Maggie Tokuda-Hall • Maya Cameron-Gordon • Michael Genhart • Michael Slack • Mike Jung • Monisha Bajaj • Mychal Threets (speaker) • Natasha Tripplett • Randy Ribay (speaker) • Sandhya Acharya • Sara Andrea Fajardo • Sendy Santamaria • Shruthi Rao • Sonali Patodia • Sophie Diao • Steph Lau • Tiffany Golden
Guests will also experience:
- A very special experience featuring Mychal Threets’ book “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy”
- Story excerpts from the incredible 8-to-14-year-old students of Fairyland’s Youth Writers Workshop
- Hands on activities hosted by the Oakland Public Library and Illustoria
- Books available for purchase from independent, local bookseller, Books on B
Throughout the park, families can meet authors and illustrators, hear stories read aloud by the creators themselves, watch illustration demos, and shop for books from Books on B pop-up shop.
The festival also spotlights Fairyland’s Youth Writers’ Workshop, where young authors (ages 8–12) will share their original stories in an anthology, presenting alongside their mentor, local author and educator, Natasha Tripplett.
“Books are just the beginning,” says Vicky Chen, senior director of education and community. “Books open the door to creativity, empathy, connection, belonging, and so much more. We’re thrilled to celebrate the stories that bring us together, build bridges across communities, and spark the imagination of every child who walks through our Fairy Gates.”
“There’s nothing quite like watching a child fall in love with books,” says Angela Moffett, Fairyland’s librarian and member of the Caldecott Award Selection Committee. “The Children’s Book Festival, originally known as Turn the Page, gives young readers a chance to meet the people behind the pages, discover new favorites, and feel the joy of being a part of a community that values literacy and the art of storytelling. For children who love books, and all lovers of children’s literature, the book festival at Fairyland is truly the best day of the year.”
The event will be emceed by beloved educator Peter Limata, host of “Storytime with Mr. Limata.”
Additional community programming includes hands-on activities from local literacy partners, art-making stations, and family literacy resources.
Children’s Fairyland, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is America’s first storybook theme park. Since 1950, the park has inspired generations of young children through fairy-tale sets, tot-sized rides, puppet shows, cultural events, and educational programs. Located at 699 Bellevue Avenue in Oakland, Fairyland serves children ages eight and under, along with the grown-ups who love them. Learn more at fairyland.org.