Dr. Barbara ten Brink Promotes Empowerment and Teamwork in Children's Literature at LA Times Festival of Books

Dr. Barbara ten Brink, author of the children's book Miss Claus and Her Pandas, made her second appearance at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 18-19, 2026, at the University of Southern California campus. Hosted by MainSpring Books, the event featured a book signing and author interview that drew readers, educators, parents, and young book lovers eager to explore stories that educate as they entertain.

Miss Claus and Her Pandas, part of the Miss Claus in Toy Land series, focuses on recognizing individual strengths and creating inclusive environments where everyone can contribute. Through engaging characters and relatable challenges, the story encourages children to embrace differences, work together, and build confidence in their unique abilities. Dr. ten Brink discussed the educational themes during her interview, emphasizing the importance of helping children identify problems, explore solutions, and understand that every individual brings value to a group. These themes resonated with parents and educators seeking stories that reinforce positive social and emotional development while keeping young readers engaged.

The broader vision behind Dr. ten Brink's work includes dozens of published titles spanning children's literature and educational subjects. She creates stories that blend entertainment with practical life lessons, helping young readers develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and self-confidence. Her participation at the festival highlighted the enduring power of children's literature to inspire future generations both inside and outside the classroom. The author praised the supportive literary community fostered at the event and reflected on the importance of connecting directly with readers through large-scale literary celebrations.

As the festival celebrated its tradition of making literature accessible to all, MainSpring Books showcased authors whose works encourage learning, imagination, and meaningful human connection. Dr. ten Brink's return to the festival underscored her commitment to empowering young readers. For more information about Dr. ten Brink and her work, visit her author website or watch her interview. Miss Claus and Her Pandas is available on Amazon.