Lets Get these panels started!!

Discover a full day of inspiring conversations led by bestselling authors, comic creators, publishing professionals, and storytellers from across the literary world. Our panel lineup explores children’s literacy, visual storytelling, and the personal experiences that shape the stories we love. Join us for meaningful conversations, creative insight, and a warm community celebration of books and imagination.

**Panels are free and open to all festival guests. Seating is first come, first served.

11:00 AM – Children’s Literacy: Why Books Matter More Than Ever:

An inspiring conversation about the power of children’s books in shaping young minds, building confidence, and nurturing imagination. Learn how authors bring meaningful stories to life through a sense of wonder, and why early literacy continues to play an essential role in child development.

Featuring Panelist:

• Kim Bussing — New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Swap
• *KB Book signing immediately after the panel
• J.M. Chrismer — Author of the Miso & Kili series
• Diane Mylod Rodriguez — Author of The Avocado Tree

Moderated By: Michael Ivery

12:30 PM – Comic Books & Visual Storytelling: A New Evolution of Creative Writing:

Explore the art and craft of visual storytelling with creators who bring characters to life through panels, pacing, color, and emotion. We’ll dive into how comic books blend writing and illustration to connect with readers of all ages — and how the medium continues to shape a new generation of storytellers.

Featuring:

• Ruben Najera – Eisner Nominated retailer, former pro skateboarder, creator of Calaguerra, and writer across Archie Comics, Linkin Park, and TMNT projects.
• Dave Beaty – Award-winning and New York Times bestselling comic artist (Marvel, DC Comics, BOOM Studios).
• Frederick Littles – Wise Acre Comics, a Black and veteran-owned publisher championing literacy, and representation.

Moderated By: Michael Ivery

2:00 PM – Stories That Shape Us: Exploring Character, Emotion & the Roots of Storytelling

A grounded conversation about story building, character creation, emotional drive, and the craft choices that bring writing to life. Authors discuss how imagination shapes their worlds, and how personal real-world experiences can sometimes unexpectedly, influence the direction, depth, and truth of the stories they tell.

Featuring:

• Mimi Francis — Author of Taken by the Mobster
• Michaela Jean Taylor — Author of Sunshine: Saddlebrook Falls Book 1
• Cindy Neighbors — Author of Too Much

Moderated By: Jen Johans

Panel Host | Moderator – JEN JOHANS

Jen Johans is a three-time national award-winning writer with over twenty years of experience working as a professional movie critic, historian, & essayist. Since 2020, she has hosted the podcast "Watch With Jen", which covers all aspects of cinema with an impressive array of guests, including authors, actors, critics, filmmakers, & others in the arts. One of the 100 most popular film history podcasts according to Apple, the show, which is available on all platforms, was also named one of Vulture’s favorite podcasts in 2022. You can find links to her work on her official website FilmIntuition.com. A big fan of mysteries, thrillers, & noir, Jen also enjoys reading contemporary character driven literature, romance, biographies, & film studies nonfiction.

Web: www.filmintuition.com

Panel Host | Moderator – MICHAEL IVERY

Michael Ivery is an award-winning DJ with over twenty years of experience in the arts, as well as a children’s book author and illustrator whose work blends music, imagination, and visual storytelling. His creativity led him from the music world into children’s media, where he now creates character-driven stories inspired by jazz, animation, and the magic of picture books. He is the creator of Tubba and Friends and a member of the Children’s Media Association, where he continues to expand his work in storytelling, education, and creative development. In 2024, he was nominated by Phoenix Magazine as Best Children’s Book Author and was selected for the 2025 Children’s Media Association Mentor Program. Michael’s creative journey spans DJing, illustration, event production, and worldbuilding.

Web: www.michaelivery.com