The Rhode Island Festival of Children's Books and Authors

Start: Saturday, October 17, 2026 9:00AM
End: Sunday, October 18, 2026 3:30AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Meagan Lenihan Lower School Librarian, Lincoln School 401-331-9696, ext. 3135 mlenihan@lincolnschool.org Lincoln School to Host 2026 Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors Providence, RI – Get ready for a weekend filled with favorite authors, beloved books, music, theater, and plenty of family fun! The Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors returns to Lincoln School on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2026, bringing some of the country’s most celebrated children’s authors and illustrators together with young readers and their families. This year’s incredible lineup includes Sophie Blackall, Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Tami Charles, Anika Aldamuy Denise, Kate DiCamillo, Carter Goodrich, Molly Idle, Alan Katz, Kara LaReau, Juana Martinez-Neal, Jason Reynolds, Scott Rothman, Philip Stead, David Ezra Stein, and Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie. The Festival gets started Friday evening with dinner and a show! Families can grab dinner from a food truck on campus before settling in for a special performance of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved novel and presented by the Academy Players of Rhode Island. The performance celebrates the book’s 20th anniversary and is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Then, on Saturday, Lincoln School will come alive with authors, illustrators, books, music, and activities for the whole family. Throughout the day, families can meet their favorite authors, hear them talk about their books and creative process, get books signed, and discover new stories to love. The fun continues with Rock-A-Baby, who will be parading through the school with an interactive musical experience designed to get everyone involved. Families can also enjoy food trucks, face painting, crafts, and more. In partnership with Ocean State Media, the Festival will also host an exclusive screening of Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure ahead of its official October premiere, giving families a special opportunity to see the film before it hits theaters. “This festival brings books to life,” says Meagan Lenihan, Lower School Librarian at Lincoln School and director of the Festival. “It’s a joyful, high-energy day that fosters a real sense of excitement about reading—for kids, parents, and educators alike.” The Festival’s mission is to inspire a love of reading, promote literacy, and connect young readers with the authors and illustrators who bring stories to life. Saturday admission is $5 per person or $20 per family. Free passes will also be distributed through schools and libraries to help make the Festival accessible to families throughout Rhode Island. For more information and the full Festival schedule, visit lincolnschool.org or contact Meagan Lenihan at mlenihan@lincolnschool.org or 401-331-9696, ext. 3135. About the Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors The Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors is an annual celebration of children’s literature held at Lincoln School in Providence. The Festival brings together nationally recognized and local authors and illustrators with children, families, educators, and book lovers for a weekend of stories, creativity, and community.