Name: SB Children's Author Showcase : Santa Barbara Literary Festival
Start: 2026-05-02T14:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-05-03T15:00:00-07:00
Location: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

SB Children's Author Showcase : Santa Barbara Literary Festival

Santa Barbara's beloved authors share their stories in curated outdoor readings at the Beachfront Hilton
About this Event

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival closes out its inaugural Children's Book Festival weekend with an afternoon celebrating the local authors and illustrators who are quietly — and brilliantly — shaping the next generation of readers.

On Sunday, May 3rd, in partnership with the (SCBWI), we welcome four more local voices to the Reagan Room stage for readings, conversation, and book signings.

3:00 PM

Elisa Stad — Mama's Love Language (Picture Book) A tender and beautiful picture book about the many ways a mother's love is expressed — and felt — across cultures, languages, and generations.

Camille Brown - Casey's Pet Detective Agency: The Case of the Colorful Cockatiel (Picture Book) A wild bird chase ensuses as Casey and Jennie help their neighbor find her missing cockatiel, Coco, learning about the bird as they search.

3:30 PM

Jaime Zollars — The Truth About Dragons (Picture Book) A gorgeously illustrated picture book that turns everything you thought you knew about dragons upside down. Perfect for young readers who love magic, wonder, and a good plot twist.

Jaime Zollars and Rebecca Langston-George read simultaneously at 3:30 PM across two spaces — see venue map for locations - to be provided day of.

Rebecca Langston-George — Rover Rolled Over (Picture Book) A delightfully playful picture book full of movement, mischief, and the kind of read-aloud fun that keeps kids laughing and asking for more.

4:00 PM

Cecilia Vega-Ryan — Flyboy! (Picture Book) A joyful, soaring picture book about big dreams, boundless imagination, and the courage it takes to believe you can fly.

This event is free and open to the public, with free parking available at the Hilton.

Whether you're a lifelong reader, a future author, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of local storytelling — this afternoon is for you.

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the craft of storytelling across every genre. The Local Author Showcase is presented in proud partnership with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.