The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California campus, featured a presentation by VIP Author Susan J. Romano at the MainSpring Books exhibit. Romano introduced her book, The Adventures of Lucas Henry, during a book signing and author interview, captivating attendees with its heartfelt portrayal of a child's first year of exploration and growth.
Based on the real-life experiences of Romano's grandson, Lucas Henry, the book chronicles a series of adventures from birth through his first year. It uses playful rhymes, repetitive language, and vibrant illustrations created from actual family photographs. The story is designed to engage early readers while celebrating the wonder of everyday experiences.
What began as a family effort to preserve cherished memories evolved into a children's book that encourages young readers to embrace curiosity and seek adventures of their own. The narrative highlights the special role families play in shaping childhood experiences, reminding readers that exploration can be found in both extraordinary moments and everyday life.
During her author interview, Romano shared the inspiration behind the book, crediting her daughter, Gabriela, whose dedication to creating meaningful experiences during Lucas's first year became the foundation for the story. Through daily adventures and shared discoveries, the family created memories that now serve as an invitation for other families to explore, learn, and grow together.
Festival attendees learned how the book combines authentic family experiences with imaginative visual storytelling to create an engaging reading experience for young children. The colorful illustrations and accessible language make the story particularly appealing for emerging readers, while its themes of curiosity and exploration resonate across generations.
The book is available on Amazon. More information about the author and the book can be found on the author's website. An author interview is also available on YouTube.
