ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (May 30, 2025) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present a children’s author series featuring award winning and bestselling children’s book authors. This program series runs throughout the summer and celebrates literacy while showcasing multicultural books and the authors who write them. Attending an author event is a magical experience which allows readers to connect with the authors whose words have empowered, inspired, and entertained them. Representation is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and understanding, and through these diverse voices, children can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. By bringing this program series to life, OC Public Libraries hopes to spark a love of reading in our community and connect children and families to literature in a meaningful way.
| WHO: | Lynn Brunelle– Tuesday, June 3 at 11am at the Garden Grove Chapman Library Lynn Brunelle is a four-time Emmy Award-winning writer best known for her work on Bill Nye the Science Guy, with over 30 years of experience creating engaging content for children. She has authored more than 50 books, including Turn This Book into a Beehive and Pop Bottle Science, making science fun and accessible for young readers. A passionate advocate for STEM education, Lynn has developed projects for National Geographic, Scholastic, and PBS, and has spoken at the UN about empowering girls in science. Garden Grove Chapman Library 9182 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA 92841
Brandon Hoàng – Tuesday, July 8 at 1pm at the Costa Mesa-Donald Dungan Library Brandon Hoàng is a television writer and novelist who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where he developed a love for storytelling and adventure. Before becoming an author, he spent a decade as an animation executive, shaping narratives for young audiences. His debut middle-grade fantasy novel, The Crossbow of Destiny, takes readers on a thrilling journey through Vietnam, blending folklore, action, and heartfelt themes Costa Mesa-Donald Dungan Library 1855 Park Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Jennifer Chen – Wednesday, July 9 at 1pm at the Garden Grove Chapman Library Jennifer Chen is an award-winning freelance journalist who has written for Today, New York Times, Oprah Daily, and Real Simple. She has been interviewed on NPR’s Weekend Edition about the rise in anti-Asian hate and discussed pregnancy loss for a Glamour PSA video with actress Melissa Rauch. She was named a 2023–2024 Huntington Library Fellow to research the history of Chinatowns in California for an upcoming historical fiction novel. In addition, she was chosen as a 2024 Lando Grant finalist by the DeGroot Foundation. She wrote a short story featured in the young adult anthology, First-Year Orientation. Her debut young adult novel, Artifacts of an Ex, is out now. Her second YA book, Hangry Hearts, publishes in March 2025. She is a proud volunteer for WriteGirl, a creative writing and mentoring organization, and a loving foster parent for kittens at Best Friends Los Angeles. Garden Grove Chapman Library 9182 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA 92841
Emma Steinkellner – Wednesday, July 16 at 1pm at the San Juan Capistrano Library Emma Steinkellner is an illustrator, writer, and cartoonist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the author and illustrator of The Okay Witch graphic novel series, which follows a young girl discovering her magical heritage. A graduate of Stanford University, Emma has also illustrated the Eisner-nominated comic Quince and collaborated on various webcomic projects. San Juan Capistrano Library 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Lucky Diaz – Wednesday, July 23 at 11am at the Tustin Library Lucky Diaz is a bilingual, multi-Latin Grammy Award-winning, Grammy-nominated and six-time Emmy-nominated musician, children's television personality, and author. His work has been praised by NPR, Billboard, People, and the New York Times. He is a Parent's Choice Gold Award and NAPPA Award winner. In 2020, his album Buenos Diaz was named an official selection of notable works for children by the American Library Association. Lucky's debut picture book, Paletero Man, has been celebrated with starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and ALA Booklist. Tustin Library 345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780
Heidi Moreno – Wednesday, July 23 at 10:30am at the El Toro Library Heidi Moreno is a Mexican-American author-illustrator based in Los Angeles, known for her whimsical and textured artwork created with watercolors, gouache, and colored pencils. She is the author and illustrator of Luna Oscura, a bilingual children's book, and Working From Home with a Cat, a humor comic-style gift book. Heidi's work has been featured in galleries across the U.S., and she is passionate about creating eccentric characters and cozy, imaginative worlds. El Toro Library 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Stephen Shaskan – Tuesday, June 29 at 11am at the Tustin Library and Wednesday, July 30 at 11am at the El Toro Library Stephen Shaskan is a children's book author and illustrator known for his playful and energetic storytelling. He has created several picture books, including Big Choo, Toad on the Road, and the popular graphic novel series Pizza and Taco. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Stephen enjoys visiting schools and libraries to inspire young readers and future storytellers. Tustin Library 345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780 El Toro Library 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Chelsea Ichaso – Tuesday, July 29 at 1pm at the Tustin Library Chelsea Ichaso is a young adult thriller author known for her gripping and suspenseful storytelling. Her books, including Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets, They’re Watching You, and The Summer She Went Missing, have captivated readers with their twists and mysteries. A former high school English teacher, Chelsea lives in Southern California with her family and enjoys playing guitar—though she admits she’s still learning. Tustin Library 345 E. Main Steet, Tustin, CA 92780
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| WHY: | OC Public Libraries’ mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. Access to world-class authors inspires reading communities to connect with diverse and powerful role models in the literary world.
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| REGISTRATION: | No registration required. Early arrival is suggested.
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| OTHER LINKS: | OC Public Libraries Summer Reading site - https://ocpl.org/summer-reading-2025 |
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