Kids' Lit Awards Ceremony: Santa Barbara Literary Festival

Every great author started somewhere — and for many, it started with a story they wrote as a kid.

The Santa Barbara Literary Festival is proud to present the Kids' Stories Awards Ceremony, a celebration of the young writers who answered our Kids Lit Contest call and put their imaginations on the page. This is their moment.

Open to all 3rd–6th grade students, our Kids Lit Contest invited young writers to craft original stories — and the response has been extraordinary. Every single participant will receive an official Kids Lit Award Certificate in recognition of their courage and creativity. And for the top five finalists, something even more special awaits.

Their stories will be read aloud — live on stage — by some of today's most beloved children's book authors:

Pete Oswald — #1 NYT bestselling illustrator of The Good Egg, The Bad Seed, and author of Hike

Stuart Gibbs — bestselling author of the Spy School series and FunJungle

Roda Ahmed — NYT bestselling author of Mae Among the Stars and Daniel's Dream

Scott Rothman — bestselling author of Judgy Bunny and Attack of the Underwear Dragon

Mike Bender — bestselling author Bored Panda and The Most Serious Fart

After the readings, the five winning authors will take part in their very own Kids' Panel, where they'll be asked about their inspirations, their writing process, and the stories behind their stories. Because these kids aren't just contest winners — they're writers. And today, they get treated like it.

This event is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the next generation of storytellers. Families, teachers, and fellow young readers are all warmly welcome.

Perfect for kids, families, educators, and anyone who loves children’s books, this session invites curiosity, conversation, and a renewed appreciation for the stories that shape us early—and stay with us for life.

If you want to participate? Submit your story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev8l_DkqXdi-3cubSCXAJX-ANYNoLIFXnHHqSUprPonemJ8A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117478071346488341996

We are delighted to welcome you to this event at the Reagan Room at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

This event is offered free and open to the public through the generous support of our partners at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

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Host or Publisher Santa Barbara Literary Festival