Top Fairs and Festivals For Children's Books This Fall
Illustration by Laura Moraiti
This past year has seen a rise in appreciation and support for children’s books written by diverse authors and with more representation when it comes to characters. Aside from awards, one of the best ways to give those creators and books the attention they deserve are at book fairs and festivals.
The oldest and largest event supporting kid’s books by Black authors and illustrators is the African American Children's Book Fair hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project (AACBP). Annually held at the beginning of the year, they have announced that the fair will return to in-person festivities for the 30th edition next February. Until then, there are plenty of upcoming book events, including some specifically for children’s books, to help you discover new books and support your favorites this fall.
Keep reading to see if there’s one happening in a city near you.
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Harvey Writer’s Group Black Child Book Fair
Taking place since 2019, the Harvey Writer’s Group Black Child Book Fair will set off on a tour in multiple cities before the year ends. Started by the group’s president Darryl Harvey, its mission is to help spread the word about up-and-coming books by African American that tell positive stories. This mission has also been supported by the Chicago Black Authors Network and Books and Brunch Gala created by Mr. Harvey.
You can visit their fair in Atlanta on Sept. 18, Nashville on October 2, and Dallas during the winter on December 4. More details on what to expect will be shared on their official website.
If you would like to be a vendor at any of the Black Child Book Tour stops you can submit your information via the Vendor Agreement form along with a deposit to secure your spot.
Elm City LIT Fest
The 2nd annual Elm City LIT Fest will be held this fall on the weekend of September 11-12, 2021. Founded by Ife Michelle Gardin, a native New Havener whose family has a legacy of advocacy in the African American community, the festival will host book lovers this year at a location in New Haven, Connecticut. Ms. Gardin has a long history of organizing events to showcase artists of color from the IfeTayo Cultural Arts Festival to the Kwanzaa celebrations at Long Wharf Theater from 2005 to 2008.
The Elm City LIT Fest will celebrate the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance while featuring adult and children’s books from artists of the African Diaspora that are based in but not limited to Connecticut. Stay tuned to their website for more information on how to attend and get involved.
Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash
Brooklyn Book Festival
New York City’s largest free literary festival is returning to in-person events this fall on top of offering a way to take part virtually. Since 2006 the Brooklyn Book Festival has connected readers with local, national, and international authors and publishers during the local literary week. Beginning in downtown Brooklyn on September 26 there will be citywide Bookend events until the festival ends on October 4, giving you plenty of places and time to join in on the fun.
Their Children’s Day on Saturday, October 2 is completely dedicated to young readers and their families. Attendees can look forward to a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, yoga, and art projects with some of the top children’s book authors and illustrators.
To register, see who will be speaking, on this year’s panels, or to join their Literary Marketplace on Sunday, October 3 be sure to keep your eye on their website.
New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University
The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University will feature fiction, non-fiction, and children’s book authors as well as live readings, panel discussions, symposia, and keynote speeches. Located on the Tulane University’s uptown campus, authors and readers will have an opportunity to interact with each other in one of the liveliest and diverse cities in the States. The event will start on October 21 with a welcome reception and end on October 23 with a fitting New Orleans-style celebration in the evening.
On Family Day, readers of all ages can enjoy exciting author presentations, book readings, book-related activities and more. The university promises a diverse selection of authors and presenters who will be there to engage with children and sign books. You will even be able to spot book characters walking around the festival. There will be activities and materials perfect for children of all reading levels, backgrounds, and reading interests.
A majority of the 3-day events are free and open to the public, including Family Day, with the exception of a few ticketed events. Some of this year’s speakers are already available on the festival’s website.