Where Stories Step Off the Page: My Weekend at The First Ever Florida Children’s Book Festival

Imagination is where every story begins. Writing and art give it structure. The stage brings it to life.

That truth was on full display this past weekend at the very first Children’s Book Festival.

As an author and artist, I often talk with children and parents about how stories truly begin. In my children’s book, Star’s Imagination: A Creative Journey of Art & Stories, I teach kids (and creatives of all ages) to start with expressive art — to create freely first, and then build a story from the artwork they’ve made. It flips the traditional process and shows that storytelling doesn’t have to begin with perfect sentences. It can begin with color, movement, and imagination. The response from parents and grandparents is always amazing — often a “light bulb” moment or a wow factor, seeing a creative approach they’ve never considered before. While it’s an activity book, the value is priceless, combining learning, self-expression, and creativity. And the kicker? It all starts with abstract art.

Stories don’t start with costumes or spotlights. They don’t begin with actors or applause. They begin with imagination. That imagination becomes art. Art becomes writing. And when nurtured, those ideas can grow into something even bigger — a full production with lights, costumes, actors, and a live audience experiencing the story brought to life.

This festival beautifully represented that entire journey.

I was part of the marketplace, sharing my books and handmade items alongside an incredible variety of authors. Everywhere you looked, there were stories waiting to be discovered — pirate adventures, yoga-inspired journeys, creative art books, a tale about a traveling cat, ABC books celebrating Florida and animals, dinosaurs stomping across pages, a vet making friends with rainforest animals, and so much more! From author meet & greets to book signings, author-illustrator draw-offs, lectures and panel topics, live acting demos, story times, theater parades, and more — the weekend offered something for everyone. The diversity of ideas and voices was inspiring and a powerful reminder that children’s literature is vibrant and alive.

Saturday was especially energetic. Families filled the space, children exploring new books, and conversations flowed between authors and readers. The excitement peaked with a special appearance by Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Watching children light up when they saw him was a perfect example of what happens when imagination grows beyond the page. A character that once existed only in someone’s mind now lives in the hearts of children.

Sunday brought a slower pace due, but those quieter hours allowed for deeper conversations. Children carefully chose the book that felt like it belonged to them. Whether bustling or calm, the message remained the same: STORIES MATTER.

The Organizations Behind the Magic

The festival was produced by Orlando Family Stage and Writers Block Bookstore — two organizations that understand storytelling from beginning to end.

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Writers Block Bookstore, Lauren Zimmerman on Saturday — a truly lovely woman with two gorgeous stores (Winter Garden & Winter Park). Writers Block is more than an independent bookstore; it is a thoughtfully curated literary home for the community. They support local authors, host engaging events, and create a welcoming space where young readers can discover stories that spark imagination.

Orlando Family Stage represents the next chapter in that creative journey.

This year marks their 100th anniversary — a full century of bringing stories to life for children and families through live theatre. For 100 years, scripts have been rehearsed, characters embodied, and written words transformed into productions complete with lights, costumes, movement, music, and live audiences experiencing the magic together.

Their centennial celebration is not just a milestone — it is a season filled with special events and programming that honor this remarkable legacy. If you have children or care about the arts in our community, this is a year to follow them closely. A 100-year commitment to storytelling is something worth celebrating — and participating in.

Because when we teach children that stories begin with imagination, then become writing and art, and can ultimately grow into full theatrical productions, we are teaching them something much bigger:

Their ideas have potential.

Their creativity has power.

And their stories can go further than they ever imagined.

Why This Festival Felt Important

Standing in the marketplace as an author, just steps away from a theatre company celebrating a century of performance, felt meaningful.

It connected the dots.

Writers imagine worlds.
Artists give them form.
Bookstores champion them.
Theatre brings them to life.
Families gather to experience them together.

In a fast, digital world, families still showed up. Children still flipped through pages. Authors still signed books. And organizations like Orlando Family Stage continue to prove that live storytelling still holds incredible power.

The first Children’s Book Festival felt like more than an event.

It felt like a full-circle reminder that when imagination is encouraged at every stage — from page to performance — it shapes confident, creative young minds.

And that is something worth celebrating.

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