The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026, held on April 18–19, 2026 at the University of Southern California campus, once again brought together book lovers, authors, publishers, and creatives for a vibrant celebration of literature. Known as one of the largest literary festivals in the United States, the event featured panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and countless booths filled with stories waiting to be discovered. The atmosphere was lively and inspiring, offering something for every kind of reader.
Citi of Books proudly took part in this year’s festival, connecting with attendees from all walks of life. Their booth became a welcoming space where visitors explored a diverse collection of titles and learned more about the company’s publishing and marketing services. Throughout the two-day event, the team engaged in meaningful conversations with aspiring authors, avid readers, and fellow industry professionals, making the experience both productive and memorable.
The participation of Citi of Books in LATFOB 2026 was a valuable opportunity to showcase their growing catalog and strengthen their presence in the global book community. Being surrounded by passionate storytellers and curious readers allowed the team to gain fresh insights into current literary trends while building new relationships. The energy of the festival reflected the shared love for storytelling, reinforcing Citi of Books’ commitment to helping authors bring their work to a wider audience.
Attending book events like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to play an important role in connecting stories with readers. It opens doors for collaboration, discovery, and inspiration that go beyond the pages of a book. As Citi of Books carries this momentum forward, readers are invited to explore featured titles in their Book Gallery, including “Winston the Donkey” by Mariely Alicea.
Mariely Alicea, who also goes by Mari, is the author of Winston the Donkey, her first children’s book. She wrote the story with the goal of helping kids learn how to face and solve their problems in a safe and thoughtful way. Working closely with students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in a small school, and as a mother herself, she brings real-life understanding and care into her storytelling.
Outside of writing, Mariely enjoys reading, camping, fishing, and spending her summers hiking. Her love for donkeys, especially their resilience and loyalty, inspired the heart of her story. Through Winston the Donkey, she hopes families can share a meaningful and enjoyable reading experience together.
“Did you know donkeys are known for being stubborn, but also incredibly smart?”
That fun little fact fit perfectly with “Winston the Donkey” by Mariely Alicea, which followed Winston, a playful and energetic donkey who just couldn’t seem to stay out of trouble. Readers were quickly charmed by his mischievous personality and the way his adventures unfolded. It had that light, cheerful tone that made kids want to keep turning the pages while adults enjoyed the humor too.
What really made the story stick was the heart behind it. When Winston finds himself in a situation that feels like the end of the world, his friend Daisy steps in to help. Together, they show that even the biggest problems can be worked through with a little help and a lot of friendship. It was the kind of story that left readers smiling, making it a warm and memorable pick from the fair.
BOOK FAIR SNAPS
