The 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California campus, featured a poignant presentation by VIP Author Susan J. Romano at the MainSpring Books exhibit. Romano introduced her children's book, "The Adventures of Lucas Henry," during a book signing and author interview, drawing attendees into a story rooted in real-life family experiences.
The festival, one of the nation's largest literary gatherings, welcomed readers, educators, families, and authors from diverse backgrounds to explore stories that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Among the titles showcased, "The Adventures of Lucas Henry" resonated deeply through its endearing 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. Filled with 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 out adventures of their own.
During her author interview, Romano shared the inspiration behind the book and credited 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.
For those interested in the book, it is available on Amazon. More information about the author and her work can be found on the author website. An author interview is also available for viewing.
The festival appearance underscores the growing trend of family-inspired storytelling in children's literature, emphasizing how personal narratives can foster early literacy and a love for reading. By turning precious family memories into a published work, Romano demonstrates the power of everyday moments in shaping young minds.
