Read Along with Roda Ahmed: Santa Barbara Literary Festival

Read along with renowned children's book author Roda Ahmed and acclaimed chef Daniel Humm as they take us through their collaboration, Daniel's Dream

Little Daniel has big dreams. In a world where everyone else seems to follow the rules, he can’t help but follow his heart. Sometimes, that means Daniel is too loud, too busy, and too excited. Sometimes, he doesn’t feel like he belongs. While the other students in class are happy to color inside the lines, Daniel can’t even keep his crayon on the paper.

Written by renowned Michelin-star chef Daniel Humm and New York Times bestseller
Roda Ahmed, this affirming and magical story reminds us that when it comes to dreams, “too much” is the perfect amount. Inspired by Humm’s own childhood, Daniel’s Dream invites children to be boldly themselves—even when others may not understand.

Bursting with creativity and color, Daniel’s Dream shows kids (and parents) that sometimes, it’s not the dream that’s too big—it’s the paper that’s too small.

We are delighted to welcome you to 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.

Roda Ahmed is a New York Times bestselling publisher and author of the beloved children’s book Mae Among the Stars, (HarperCollins) about the first African American woman in space Dr. Mae Jemison that’s now in its 24th printing.

Roda is the founder and CEO of HighTree Publishing. She has authored more than 17 books for children and continues to help authors and illustrators make their publishing dreams come true. Roda was born in Somalia and grew up in Norway. A graduate in Anthropology from the Norwegian University of Technology and Natural Sciences, and wrote her first novel and bestseller at the age of 23 and became the first African immigrant girl to ever write a fiction novel in Norway. She can speak five languages: Somali, Arabic, Norwegian, English, and French. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.

Daniel Humm is a chef, author, owner of New York’s Eleven Madison Park, named 2017’s “Best Restaurant in the World” and recipient of three Michelin stars. The author of four cookbooks and the co-founder of Rethink Food, a New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable, sustainable food system, Humm serves as UNESCO Ambassador for Food Education, advocating for food solutions to empower future generations. Born in Switzerland, Daniel began working in kitchens at age 14 and by age 24, he had earned his first Michelin Star. An imaginative and extremely driven child. Daniel’s Dream is his first children’s book sharing his love of food and calling the next generation of dreamers to action. Daniel lives in New York City and is the father of three daughters.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Santa Barbara Literary Festival