As you know, Children's Book Week runs May 2 to 8 this year, and here in Los Angeles, we're celebrating big time.

Southern CA is rich in natural resources, and one of them happens to be children's writers and illustrators.  I don't know if it's the mild weather or our gorgeous coastline and mountains, but this place is teeming with creativity, not to mention generosity.  When I put a call out to folks asking them if they would come visit one of our Los Angeles Public Library branches during Children's Book Week, 20 of them said yes!  And many more expressed dismay that they would be out of town or busy that week, but asked me to keep them in mind for future events.

Writers of children's and YA books are the best people EVER! 

Here's the schedule - I hope you're able to come out and show a children's author - and library - some love.

To kick off Children's Book Week, drop by the LA Time Festival of Books, April 30 and May 1, at its new location at the University of Southern CA.  As always, admission is free of charge - and there is plenty for fans of children's and YA literature to marvel at.  One tiny example - a panel on "Worlds Beyond Imagination" with Jonathan Stroud, Megan Whalen Turner, and Rick Yancey.

Finish off Children's Book Week with an invigorating and enlightening program held at my own Central Library.  The Children's Literature Council of Southern California is presenting "Read the Movie?  Using Movies Based on Books to Promote Literacy" on Saturday, May 7 from 8:30 to 1 pm.  It features Wendelin Van Draanen talking about the process of having her fabulous book Flipped turned into a rather wonderful movie.  Tickets are still available - register today!

Ah - springtime and books!  Life is good.