Children's Institute Program

Since 1996, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has been bringing together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. It has evolved to include live bands, poetry readings, cooking demonstrations, photography exhibits, film screenings, and discussion panels.

As the 2015 Children's Institute begins immediately following the conclusion of the festival, ABA has arranged for a central meeting place for booksellers and luggage storage for Ci3 attendees in Board Room 201 on the second floor of the Radisson Hotel on the University of Southern California campus, where the festival is being held.  See details about public transportation options to and from the Festival.

Read more about the L.A. Times Festival of Books here.

With his bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Jeff Kinney has been widely credited with turning reluctant readers onto books and now he is continuing the campaign to bring great stories to all readers by becoming a bookseller.  His new store, An Unlikely Story, is opening this spring in his hometown of Plainville, Massachusetts, and Jeff will share what he’s learned from the incredible trajectory of his series and travels as an author that made him want to open a store and how he’s preparing for the transition.

Join us as we welcome booksellers from across the country, along with executives and team members from We Need Diverse Books, including Ellen Oh, Aisha Saeed, I.W. Gregorio, Nicola Yoon, and Lisa Yee.  The Opening Reception is co-sponsored by Publishers Weekly.  Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Mac Barnett and Jory John—co-authors of The Terrible Two—met through their jobs at 826LA and 826 Valencia, nonprofit centers that give kids free help with their creative and expository writing. Mac and Jory will discuss their work with 826 and their belief that one way to ensure we have diverse writers is by making sure students everywhere—especially in low-income neighborhoods—have access to free, fun, high-quality writing instruction.

Enjoy lunch and learn about great upcoming titles from the Children's Institute's full sponsors at the Rep Picks Speed Dating Luncheon.

Two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Marla Frazee and Beach Lane Books publisher Allyn Johnston will share a lively behind-the-scenes glimpse into the editorial and artistic development processes involved in the many celebrated picture books they have made together over their 15-year collaboration.

Vroman’s Bookstore, just steps from the Hilton Pasadena, carries an extensive selection of non-book and gift items for children.  A store tour will follow this off-site session on creating the right balance of sideline product for super-wow displays while keeping in mind your overall aesthetic.  Learn how to find amazing gifts that complement the ambiance of your store or children's department and inspire impulse buys as kids and parents alike are awed by what they won’t find anywhere else.

• Jesica DeHart, Childrren's Book and Non-Book Buyer at BookPeople of Moscow (Moscow, ID)
• B.J. Hegedus, Chief Merchandising Designer at Vroman’s Bookstore
• Alison Keyes, Head Gift and Stationery Buyer at Vroman’s Bookstore
• Danielle Borsch, Children's Manager at Vroman’s Bookstore (moderator)

Immediately following the off-site breakout session at Vroman's on Buying and Merchandising Non-Book, see for yourself the impressive merchandising and extensive selection of children's sidelines on display in southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore.  

Relax with your colleagues and meet authors from all of the Children's Institute's publisher sponsors.  Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.  Please click here for a list authors currently scheduled to appear, as well as upcoming editions of Bookselling This Week for additional authors as they are confirmed.

Join authors Alex Gino (George), Cherie Priest (I Am Princess X), Spencer Quinn (Bowser & Jolene) and Peter Sis (Ice Cream Summer) for drinks and dessert, sponsored by Scholastic.

In a series of brief presentations, the Children's Institute's additional sponsors will discuss their publishing programs and a small number of upcoming titles.

Kristen McLean, founder and CEO of Bookigee and co-chair of Nielsen's Children's Book Summit, will present a comprehensive review of the U.S. children’s book market, with a deep-dive into the latest trends in pricing, volume, genres, gifting, and more. Originally offered as part of a full day of presentations revealing the findings of the 2014 Nielsen Children’s Book Industry Report, this session is an essential look at the state of the industry drawn from Nielsen’s full portfolio of sales and demographic data.

The Galley Room will be open with Children's Institute publisher sponsors providing ARCs for nearly 100 upcoming titles.  A limited supply of book bags will be on hand in the Galley Room. 

Award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes is inspired to write stories that enrich our common humanity, as evidenced by her books for young readers, Ninth Ward, Sugar, and Bayou Magic (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). To conclude the 2015 ABC Children's Institute, Jewell will discuss why diversity in children's literature is our next civil rights frontier: why it is an obligation of all of us for the future of our nation, and why we must not be afraid to cross boundaries.