Kids, books, and authors: an irresistible combination. And Fairyland brings them together in our second annual Turn the Page! Children's Book Festival, a celebration of books and the local authors and illustrators who create them.

This year's festival takes place Saturday, May 6, from 10 to 4. More than 25 local authors and illustrators will take part, including Janine Macbeth (founder of Blood Orange Press, which specializes in children's books that reflect a diverse, multicultural population), and Katrina Goldsaito ("The Sound of Silence"). There will be readings, illustration demonstrations, and ample opportunities for young readers and almost-readers to meet the people behind the books they love.

Featuring these Bay Area authors and illustrators reading their work:

Maya Christina Gonzalez
Robert Liu-Trujillo 
Kamaria Lofton Walker
Laurin Mayeno 
Dashka Slater 

Meet these authors and illustrators, too:

Laura Atkins, Naomi Bardoff, Alexandra Boiger, Joanne Meiyi Chan, Emily Dove Illustration, Karin Fisher-Golton, Susan Gal, Emily Jiang, Eda Kaban, Wednesday Kirwan, Elisa Kleven, J9Macbeth Art & Illustration, Susan Meyers, Travis Nichols, Megan Padalecki, Brook Pessin-Whedbee, Dev Petty, Pamela S. Turner, Justine Villanueva, and Michael Wertz.

With the help of Oakland Public Library librarians, they'll also have a table where children can make their own books.

Founded in 1950 on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, Children's Fairyland is America's oldest storybook theme park (and the inspiration for Disneyland!). Under C.J. Hirschfield's leadership, the park has become a strong advocate for early-childhood literacy. Besides Turn the Page!, we host a weekly Toddler Storytime; our Reading Room is always stocked with books for children of all ages, and our gift shop sells a wide variety of books.

The festival is free with park admission ($10) or a Fairyland family membership.