LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS | THE LARGEST LITERARY GATHERING IN THE COUNTRY. WHERE 500+ VOICES SHARE ONE STAGE. STORIES, CELEBRITIES, AND CONVERSATIONS IN ONE PLACE. A FREE FESTIVAL OPEN TO EVERY KIND OF READER. PANELS, SIGNINGS, AND IDEAS ACROSS AN ENTIRE CAMPUS. WHERE BOOK LOVERS AND STORYTELLERS COLLIDE. A WEEKEND BUILT ON DISCOVERY, COMMUNITY, AND CREATIVITY. WHERE STORIES DON’T JUST LIVE, THEY CONNECT PEOPLE.
When the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books first began in 1996, it was built on a simple but powerful idea: bring books, authors, and readers together in a way that feels open, accessible, and alive. What started as a local literary gathering quickly grew into one of the largest and most celebrated book festivals in the United States. Over the years, LATFOB has become a cultural landmark, where storytelling goes beyond pages and becomes part of a shared, public experience.
Each year, the University of Southern California transforms into a vibrant literary space filled with energy, creativity, and conversation. Walk through the festival and you’ll find author panels, live discussions, book signings, performances, and interactive exhibits happening all at once. It’s not just about selling books. It’s about connecting people through ideas, perspectives, and stories that matter.
The 2026 festival continues that tradition, bringing together a diverse range of voices across genres, backgrounds, and styles. From emerging writers to established authors, the event celebrates storytelling in all its forms. It reflects a literary world that is constantly evolving, shaped by new ideas, cultural shifts, and the voices that dare to be heard.
Thousands of exhibitors take part in the festival, representing publishers, independent presses, educational institutions, and creative communities. The entire space becomes a living network of storytelling, where discovery happens naturally and every corner offers something new to explore.
Amid this dynamic and welcoming environment, Kravitz and Sons is proud to be part of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026. We’re excited to exhibit Inside My Special Box by Helena R. Chung, a heartfelt children’s book that invites young readers into a world of imagination, discovery, and simple joys. It gently leads them through colorful treasures before revealing a deeper message about love, faith, and what truly matters.
This work carries its own voice, perspective, and purpose, offering readers something both meaningful and memorable. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are looking for stories that stay with them long after the final page.
A Heart for Teaching Through Stories
Helena R. Chung writes with a clear purpose, and you can feel it right away. As a Sunday school teacher and educator, her passion is not just to tell stories but to guide young minds toward something meaningful. Her background shows in the way she keeps things simple, warm, and easy to understand.
She writes in a way that feels like she is talking directly to a child. No complicated words, no heavy explanations. Just gentle storytelling that makes kids feel curious and safe at the same time. It is the kind of writing that sticks because it feels personal.
Her goal is clear. She wants children to learn about love, faith, and acceptance in a way that feels natural, not forced. And that is what makes her work stand out.
A World of Boxes Filled With Wonder
The story moves through a series of “boxes,” each one filled with something exciting. A treasure box with shiny jewels, a flower box filled with bright colors, a box of stars that glow, and even a toy box full of familiar childhood favorites. Each box brings a sense of fun and imagination that kids can easily connect with.
As the journey continues, the reader is introduced to butterflies, candies, and little moments that feel magical in a child’s world. These are not just random items. They represent the simple joys that children see every day but sometimes overlook.
Then comes the special box. The moment where everything shifts. Instead of toys or treasures, it reveals something deeper. A message about faith, love, and the idea that some things are worth more than anything material.
A Gentle Lesson That Stays
What makes this book work so well is how it builds up to that final message. It does not rush. It lets children enjoy the journey first, then slowly shows them something meaningful at the end.
The lesson is simple but powerful. You can have all the beautiful things in the world, but there is something greater that gives real value and meaning. It is the kind of message that both kids and parents can appreciate.
And because it is told through imagination and familiar objects, it becomes easier for young readers to understand and remember.
A Story Worth Sharing With the Little Ones
If you are looking for a book that is fun, meaningful, and easy to connect with, this one does the job. It brings together imagination and a heartfelt message in a way that feels natural and genuine.
Inside My Special Box
Open the box and discover the message waiting inside