REDLANDS, Calif. – Award-winning authors and illustrators will headline the 29th annual Charlotte S. Huck Children’s Literature Festival on March 6–7 at the University of Redlands, where educators and book-lovers will gather to explore trends in children’s literature.
Featured authors and illustrators include Loren Long, Lisa Yee, Jason Chin and Nikki Grimes, whose work spans bestselling picture books, middle grade novels and poetry.
“There is truly something for everybody during each time slot," said Marjorie Arnett, festival co-coordinator. "Plus, Charlotte’s love for poetry will be honored both by our featured speakers and in the breakout sessions."
No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Loren Long of Cincinnati has written more than 30 picture books, including “The Yellow Bus” and the “Otis” series.
Author Lisa Yee of Los Angeles has written more than 24 novels, including the “DC Super Hero Girls” middle grade series and the “Misfits” series.
Author and illustrator Jason Chin of Vermont creates books that blend nature, science and art. His works include “Grand Canyon,” “Redwoods” and “The Universe in You.”
Bestselling author Nikki Grimes, who lives in Corona, was inducted into the Black Authors Hall of Fame in 2023. She has written more than 100 books, including the poetry collection “Talkin’ About Bessie” and the popular “Dyamonde Daniel” chapter book series.
The festival committee has shared a sneak peek of some of the breakout sessions this year. Breakout sessions will include “Walking Toward Literacy: Partnering Schools and Public Libraries through Field Trips,” presented by Betsey Newmeyer; “Stories That Stick: Using Children’s Books to Reach Students with Learning Differences,” presented by Kelly Andreen; and “Effective Interventions for Reluctant Writers,” presented by Amanda Lepore.
Charlotte S. Huck’s legacy continues
The festival is named for Charlotte S. Huck, a longtime professor and author of the influential 1976 textbook “Children’s Literature in the Elementary School,” which remains widely used in updated editions. During her career, Huck built a nationally respected master’s and doctoral program in children’s literature at Ohio State University.
After retiring, Huck moved to Redlands to be closer to family and remained involved with the festival until her death in 2005.
Pamela Martinez, youth services senior librarian at A.K. Smiley Public Library, said she has attended the festival for about 20 years and has served on the organizing committee for the past nine.
“I was absolutely amazed that the authors and illustrators in children’s picture books did not know each other,” Martinez said. “The authors and illustrators that come are the crème de la crème. To our festival in Redlands, that is amazing.”
Martinez said the festival has built a strong reputation in the children’s literature world in part because of its size. Attendance typically averages about 300, giving participants opportunities to speak directly with featured authors, attend smaller breakout sessions and have books signed.
“The authors and illustrators seem to like it because it’s not a large festival and they actually get to socialize and work with each other as well,” she said.
Martinez said the connections built at the festival have benefited the local library, as visiting authors and illustrators often return to Redlands for community events such as A.K. Smiley Library Day.
“One of my highlights is to take photos with the authors and illustrators and then display them here in the library with the books so the kids can see that I’ve met them,” she said.
Pamela Martinez, youth services senior librarian at A.K. Smiley Public Library, poses with Janet Wong in 2016; Mac Barnett in 2024; Kristine O’Connell George in 2023. (courtesy photos)
Building literary culture beyond the classroom
Kristina Naftzger, a co-librarian at A.K. Smiley, said the festival offers professional development for educators and librarians while also fueling enthusiasm for children’s books.
“Being surrounded by like-minded book-lovers is just a thrill,” Naftzger said.
Festival organizers said this year’s event will take place while the University of Redlands is in session, after a scheduling change to the university’s spring break calendar.
“The dates for the University spring vacation changed after we had our author contracts set,” said Char Burgess, festival co-coordinator and Huck’s niece. “That, however, should be exciting to actually be on an active campus while attending the conference.”
Arnett said she hopes attendees leave with practical ideas and renewed inspiration.
“Learn about both classic and new books and their creators to help build a positive literary culture at your school or library site,” Arnett said. “And take good literature outside school and library walls and into the community and bring knowledge of and love for good books to students.”
Siw is the ultimate cheerleader of what happens in Redlands. She is a dual citizen (Danish and American) who likes to write about what is new as much as about the things we take for granted.
