Family Memories Inspire Children's Book 'The Adventures of Lucas Henry' at 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California campus, featured a presentation by VIP Author Susan J. Romano at the MainSpring Books exhibit. Romano introduced her children's book, The Adventures of Lucas Henry, during a book signing and author interview, drawing attendees with its heartwarming portrayal of early childhood exploration.

Based on the real-life experiences of Romano's grandson, Lucas Henry, the book chronicles his adventures from birth through his first year. Using playful rhymes, repetitive language, and illustrations created from actual family photographs, the story aims to engage early readers while celebrating everyday wonders. Romano shared that the project began as a family effort to preserve cherished memories but evolved into a book encouraging young readers to embrace curiosity.

The narrative highlights the role of family in shaping childhood experiences, emphasizing that exploration can be found in both extraordinary moments and daily life. During her interview, Romano credited her daughter, Gabriela, whose dedication to creating meaningful experiences for Lucas became the story's foundation. Festival attendees learned how the book combines authentic family experiences with imaginative visual storytelling, making it appealing for emerging readers.

The Adventures of Lucas Henry is available on Amazon, and more information can be found on the author's website. An author interview is also available online. MainSpring Books, the publisher, is dedicated to helping authors share their stories through publishing, promotion, and literary events.