The Scottsdale Book Festival has officially announced its 2026 panel lineup, featuring a dynamic mix of children's authors, comic artists, literacy advocates, and creative professionals from across the literary world.
This year’s programming includes three festival panels, each offering a unique look into the craft and impact of storytelling. From early literacy and creative inspiration to the evolution of comic books, the panels highlight voices who are shaping today’s reading culture.
The newly published schedule features:
- Children’s Literacy: Why Books Matter More Than Ever
- Comic Books & Visual Storytelling: A New Evolution of Creative Writing
- Stories That Shape Us: Exploring Character, Emotion & the Roots of Storytelling
The festival also introduced guest moderator Jen Johans, a national award-winning writer and film historian known for her acclaimed podcast Watch With Jen. She will lead the 1:45 PM conversation on storytelling and character craft.
All panels will take place throughout the day on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Scottsdale Civic Center. Attendance is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come basis.
Readers can explore full descriptions, speaker bios, and updates on featured guests by visiting the official Panels page on the Scottsdale Book Festival website.