The 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB), held on April 26–27 at the University of Southern California (USC), was a significant cultural event that brought together a diverse array of participants and marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community. The festival is known for attracting a large crowd each year. For instance, the 2024 festival drew over 150,000 attendees, and the 2025 event featured more than 550 writers, experts, and storytellers, along with hundreds of exhibitors.
The festival featured over 100 ticketed author events, children’s storytelling sessions, poetry readings, book signings, and more than 400 exhibitor booths. Notable participants in the 2025 festival included authors such as Stacey Abrams, Jon M. Chu, Amanda Gorman, Chelsea Handler, Ibram X. Kendi, and Rebecca Yarros, among many others. The festival’s success was also attributed to the generous involvement of volunteers who assisted with various aspects of the event, including welcoming attendees, staffing author events, and supervising book signings.
LATFOB 2025 emphasized accessibility and community involvement. General admission was free, with select programming requiring tickets. The festival’s partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs ensured that a wide range of activities were available to attendees of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a welcoming environment for literary enthusiasts and families alike.
As LATFOB celebrates three decades of literary celebration, the 2025 festival underscores the importance of storytelling in shaping culture and community. With its diverse programming and commitment to accessibility, the festival continues to be a premier event for book lovers and cultural aficionados. The success of this year’s event sets a promising precedent for future festivals, ensuring that the tradition of literary celebration will continue to thrive in Los Angeles.
LATFOB 2025 provides a unique opportunity to explore new voices, groundbreaking ideas, and thought-provoking works of art. This year, one of the most anticipated entries is “The Adventures of Francois: Francois and the Pawpaw Tree” by L.A Holden, which is being showcased in the Book Gallery. The story captures the innocence of childhood, the magic of exploration, and the strong bond between a boy and his dog, offering readers a heartwarming experience filled with wonder and joy.
LA Holden is recently widowed after a 50-year marriage. She has 2 children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is also the birdie mom of an eclectic flock of 9 exotic birds. Besides spending time spoiling her flock, she loves to garden and cook. LA also loves to spend time helping her church family and gives God the credit for everything good in her life.
“The Adventures of Francois: Francois and the Pawpaw Tree” follows the delightful journeys of Francois, a spirited seven-year-old boy brimming with curiosity and bravery. Growing up as an only child in a closely-knit and protective family, Francois finds his loyal partner in Petra, a gentle and loving Rottweiler. Together, they explore the vast family farm, encountering new adventures every day.
Francois is no ordinary boy; his zest for life and insatiable curiosity often lead him into the heart of countless escapades. Despite his family’s understandable worries, they trust Petra, his faithful dog, to watch over him. This unique bond allows Francois the freedom to roam, learn, and grow in ways that are both exciting and meaningful. From hidden paths to secret gardens, every adventure is a new opportunity for discovery. The Adventures of Francois: Francois and the Pawpaw Tree paints a vivid picture of rural life, emphasizing the joys of family, friendship, responsibility, and imagination.
“The Adventures of Francois: Francois and the Pawpaw Tree” stands out as a compelling read because it seamlessly blends adventure, heart, and lessons of personal growth. It offers young readers the thrill of exploration while subtly teaching values like responsibility, courage, and loyalty. For adult readers, it evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, reminding them of a time when life was simpler and the world seemed boundless. With its richly drawn characters, enchanting setting, and heartfelt storytelling, this book is a touching ode to childhood that readers of all ages will cherish.
Visit the ARPress official social media accounts for more updates.
- https://authorreputationpress.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/authorreputationpress/
- https://www.pinterest.com/arpressllcseo/
- https://twitter.com/ARPressLLC
- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReputationPressLLC
- https://www.tiktok.com/@authorreputationpress
- https://www.youtube.com/@AUTHORREPUTATIONPRESSLLC
