Packed with dynamic activities for children of all ages, hands-on workshops, exciting storytelling sessions, and academic discussions, the inaugural Virginia Children’s Book Festival schedule has something for everyone.

“We put an emphasis on excitement,” said Juanita Giles, festival director. “Children who attend the festival will find a schedule packed with fun and inspiring events. From exploring comic books to workshops with some of the country’s best-known illustrators, there’s truly activities for all ages.”

Two of the most anticipated headliners are beloved author Judy Blume, who will appear via Skype for a live question-and-answer session in Jarman auditorium, and Todd Parr, author of bestselling children’s books like The I Love You Book. While Blume is not able to make it to Virginia, she will interact with crowd members and be available for several questions. Blume’s appearance is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Parr is scheduled for several illustration workshops on both days of the festival.

The festival also offers a slew of interactive events, from storytelling workshops to stage combat lessons to unique opportunities to re-imagine favorite stories like the Madeline series with the authors.

Other headlining authors are Mac Barnett, author of the Caldecott Honor book Extra Yarn and popular Battle Bunny; John Bemelmans Marciano, grandson of the author of the Madeline series who has written several more books featuring the iconic schoolgirl; National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine; PEN/Faulkner Award winner Ben Saenz; and illustrator of the Newberry-winning book The Tale of Despereaux Timothy Basil Ering.

The complete schedule of events is available at www.vachildrensbookfestival.com. There, you can find program descriptions and author information.

The inaugural Virginia Children’s Book Festival will be held Oct. 10-11 on the picturesque campus of Longwood University in Farmville. Thanks to the generous support of several businesses and individuals, all events are free and open to the public, with no registration required. For more information, please email info@vachildrensbookfestival.com or call 434-390-1962.