A Celebration of Stories, Imagination, and Community
For nearly a century, Orlando Family Stage has been creating theatre that brings people together. While our focus today is on empowering young people through the arts, our history includes productions for all ages. In 2026, as we celebrate our Centennial, and in partnership with Writer’s Block Bookstore, we’re proud to launch the very first Florida Children’s Book Festival: a statewide gathering of families, authors, educators, and artists who believe in the magic of children’s literature.
What to Expect
-
Meet the Authors
Connect with award-winning and emerging children’s book authors. Hear them read from their work, learn about their writing journeys, and get your favorite books signed. -
Interactive Experiences
Dive into hands-on activities, story strolls, and live readings designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young readers. -
Performances on Stage
See beloved stories leap from the page to the stage through dynamic performances by Orlando Family Stage. -
Educator & Industry Connections
Dedicated sessions for teachers, librarians, and industry leaders provide resources to bring more stories into classrooms and communities. -
In collaboration with UCF’s MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences, Writer’s Block Bookstore, and WUCF, the festival becomes a movement to make books and theatre accessible for all.
Get Involved
The Florida Children’s Book Festival is built for community, and there are so many ways to be part of the story. Whether you’re a family eager to explore, a teacher searching for resources, an author ready to share your work, or a supporter who believes every child deserves access to books and theatre, your involvement helps bring the festival to life.
- Families: Mark your calendars and bring the kids for a weekend of fun and discovery.
- Educators: Sign up for resources, special programming, and group opportunities.
- Authors & Publishers: Partner with us to showcase your work to a statewide audience.
- Donors & Sponsors: Help us ensure no child misses the chance to experience the power of story. Learn More.
Festival Partners
The Florida Children’s Book Festival is made possible through the support of our partners who share a passion for stories and their power to shape young lives.
Orlando Family Stage
For nearly a century, Orlando Family Stage has created theatre that brings people together. Today, as Florida’s home for family theatre, we empower young people to be brave and empathetic by creating quality theatrical experiences.
Writers Block Bookstore
As Central Florida’s premier independent bookstore, Writer’s Block Bookstore connects readers of all ages with the authors and stories they love. Their curation and on-site presence ensure festival families can take home the books that inspire them.
WUCF and PBS Kids
WUCF is Central Florida’s PBS station and the region’s top-rated PBS Kids provider. With trusted educational programming, WUCF extends the joy of storytelling from the festival into homes across the community.
Meet the Authors
Meet the storytellers behind the stories! The Florida Children’s Book Festival will feature author panels, engaging talks, book signings, and more—all designed to connect young readers with the people who bring their favorite characters and adventures to life.
📚 Stay tuned for the full listing of participating authors and events.
James Ponti
James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan.
Kelly Starling Lyons
Kelly Starling Lyons is an American writer and children's book author. She is also one of the founding members of the blog The Brown Bookshelf, which raises awareness of Black children's book creators and features author and illustrator spotlights.
More Authors to be Announced
Ticketed Events
Tiara's Hat Parade
Lilly and the Pirates
Spotlight on Loch Haven Park
The Florida Children’s Book Festival takes place in the heart of Loch Haven Park, Orlando’s cultural hub. With events happening indoors at Orlando Family Stage’s three-theatre complex and outdoors in the park, families can enjoy a full day of discovery.
Extend your visit by exploring the many organizations that call Loch Haven home, including world-class art museums, science museums, and cultural institutions that make the park a destination for creativity, learning, and fun.
Vendor Registration
We are now accepting applications for Authors, Vendors, and Exhibitors to join us as we celebrate Children’s Literacy in Central Florida! Whether you’re a local author or publisher, a community business or food truck, or a corporation or large business, we would be thrilled to have you be part of our Festival and reach thousands of people from all around Central Florida! Register your interest today to reserve your spot!