Readers, educators, and families gathered at the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books to explore stories that both educate and entertain. Among the featured authors at the MainSpring Books booth was Dr. Barbara ten Brink, who presented her children's title, Miss Claus and Her Pandas, during a book signing and author interview held April 18-19 at the University of Southern California campus. This marked her second appearance at the festival with MainSpring Books, reflecting the event's tradition of bringing together diverse voices that inspire curiosity and lifelong learning.
Part of the Miss Claus in Toy Land series, Miss Claus and Her Pandas explores the importance of recognizing individual strengths and creating environments where everyone can contribute. Through engaging characters and relatable challenges, the story encourages children to embrace differences, work together, and develop confidence in their unique abilities. Dr. ten Brink discussed these 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. The discussion resonated with parents and educators seeking stories that reinforce positive social and emotional development while keeping young readers engaged.
Festival attendees also learned about the broader vision behind Dr. ten Brink's extensive body of work. With dozens of titles spanning children's literature and educational subjects, she continues to create stories that blend entertainment with practical life lessons, helping young readers develop critical thinking, empathy, and self-confidence. The author praised the supportive literary community 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 proudly showcased authors whose works encourage learning and meaningful human connection.
For those interested in exploring the book, Miss Claus and Her Pandas is available on Amazon. More information about Dr. ten Brink and her work can be found on her author website, and an author interview is available on YouTube. Dr. ten Brink's participation highlighted the enduring power of children's literature to inspire future generations both inside and outside the classroom.
