LOS ANGELES — The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 on the University of Southern California campus, featured a return appearance by Dr. Barbara ten Brink, author of the children's title "Miss Claus and Her Pandas." Presented at the MainSpring Books booth, the book signing and author interview drew readers, educators, parents, and young book lovers eager to discover stories that educate as much as they entertain.
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 has the opportunity to contribute. Through engaging characters and relatable challenges, the story encourages children to embrace differences, work together, and develop confidence in their unique abilities. During her interview, Dr. ten Brink discussed the educational themes woven throughout the book, 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.
Dr. ten Brink's return to the festival with MainSpring Books reflected the spirit of one of the nation's most celebrated literary events, which continues to bring together diverse voices and stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Her presence introduced readers to a story that combines imagination with meaningful lessons about teamwork, inclusion, and personal growth. Festival attendees also learned about the broader vision behind the author's extensive body of work. With dozens of published titles spanning children's literature and educational subjects, Dr. ten Brink continues to create stories that blend entertainment with practical life lessons, helping young readers develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and self-confidence.
The author praised the supportive literary community fostered at the event and reflected on the importance of connecting directly with readers through large-scale literary celebrations. As the festival celebrated its longstanding tradition of making literature accessible to all, MainSpring Books proudly showcased authors whose works encourage learning, imagination, and meaningful human connection. Dr. ten Brink's participation highlighted the enduring power of children's literature to inspire future generations both inside and outside the classroom.
For more information about Dr. ten Brink and her work, visit her author website or watch the author interview. The book is available on Amazon. MainSpring Books, a publishing and marketing company dedicated to helping authors share their stories with readers worldwide, facilitated Dr. ten Brink's participation.
