At the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 on the University of Southern California campus, Dr. Barbara ten Brink returned for her second appearance with MainSpring Books to present her children's title, Miss Claus and Her Pandas. The festival, one of the nation's most celebrated literary events, brought together diverse voices and stories that inspire curiosity, creativity, 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 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 a special author 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 broader body of work includes dozens of published 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 skills, empathy, and self-confidence. The author praised the supportive literary community at the festival and reflected on the importance of connecting directly with readers through large-scale literary celebrations.
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 Miss Claus and Her Pandas, visit the Amazon page or the author's website. An author interview is also available on YouTube.
