13th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Set for April 26-27 at UCLA

Readers, writers and book-lovers of all ages will come together Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th to participate in the highly anticipated 13th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.

Over 140,000 attendees are expected this year, as the Festival brings together a hip, eclectic and family friendly line-up of talent, story-tellers, celebrities, musical performances and literary giants (full list at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com/). For the first time, the Festival of Books will offer "The Comix Strip," an entirely new comic book, graphic novel and Manga-devoted event area, offering attendees access to the genres' exhibitors, retailers and newest issues. Mike Mignola, creator of the Hellboy comic series, and other comics luminaries are slated to participate in special panels, programming and autograph sessions.

For children, families and the young at heart, the Target Children's Stage will feature an array of entertainment and book readings by Julie Andrews; Aly and AJ; Henry Winkler; Cheech Marin; Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooney; Dylan and Cole Sprouse; Ben Barnes, "Prince Caspian" from the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" movie; musical groups The Doodlebops(TM) and Playhouse Disney's "Johnny and the Sprites," and many more. Other Festival highlights include the prestigious 28th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prize awards ceremony April 25th and five additional outdoor stages featuring a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books -- the nation's largest public literary festival -- was created in 1996 by The Times to promote literacy and to unite those who create books with the people who love to read them. It is presented in association with UCLA.

General event information can be found at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com/ or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Admission is free, but tickets are required to attend author/panel discussions and lectures.