Ready, Read, Go … virtual!
For 16 years, the Orange County Children’s Book Festival has been bringing popular authors, illustrators, storytellers and entertainers together with families and children who share a passion for reading. But like many large-scale gatherings, the festival has been reimagined this year into a virtual event that still promises to be just as entertaining and inspiring.
The Virtual Orange County Children’s Book Festival will launch on Monday, Sept. 14 and span over two weeks rather than the festival’s traditional one-day event.
“Making the decision to switch from an in-person festival to an online event was disappointing but, with the overwhelming support from celebrities like Kristen Bell, and many New York Times bestselling authors like Jeff Kinney, Jason Reynolds, David Shannon, Sarah Mlynowski and Disney animator Frans Vischer, this virtual children’s book festival will be unmatched in its content and enjoyment value,” stated Pat Burns, co-founder and executive director of the Orange County Children’s Book Festival.
Below is a breakdown of what attendees can look forward to.
Story and Activity Time
Monday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Sept. 25
Story and Activity Time brings videos from best-selling authors, demonstrations, arts and craft activities, and more right into the home. Videos and activities will be released daily, so families can access content at any time throughout the two week period of the festival.
Virtual Author Panels
Saturday, Sept. 19
Two panels, “Be the Change” and “Good Grief,” will spotlight personal stories from bestselling authors and special guests to address important topics like discussing race with children and helping students cope with sadness and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Red Carpet Time
Saturday, Sept. 26
The festival culminates on Saturday, Sept. 26 with two notable morning and afternoon sessions featuring readings of popular children’s stories including New York Times bestselling book, “The World Needs More Purple People,” by actress Kristen Bell and Benjamin Heart. Virtual seating is limited for these special sessions and registration is required.
The VOCCBF is open to the public and free to attend. For more information and to sign up, please visit KidsBookFestival.com.