Thursday, October 16
The VCBF bookstore is located in Dorrill Lee Grand and is open all day.
Don’t forget to drop into the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts to paint this year’s LIVEmural with Monty Montgomery.
Click on an arrow to see the session description
(locations subject to change)
Session 1, 9:45-10:30
-
Recommended Ages: 4–8 (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom
Celebrate all the ways kids can be strong—with bold colors, big feelings, and a whole lot of heart!
Beloved author and artist Todd Parr leads this joyful session based on his newest book, I Am Strong. Kids will draw, share, and reflect on what makes them strong—whether it's lifting a friend’s spirits or imagining something new. Bright outfits and big smiles encouraged!
-
Recommended Ages: 13–17 (Middle & High School)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom B
Is it Shakespeare or Tupac? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell. In this session, Malik-16 challenges students to decode poetic power across time—examining the truth, rhythm, and rebellion found in both Shakespeare’s plays and Tupac’s lyrics.
Through side-by-side comparisons, open dialogue, and original writing, students will find their own voice in the struggle, and learn to write verses that speak back to the world.
-
Recommended Ages: 11–14 (Upper Elementary to Middle School)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom A
Join Newbery Medalist and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina for a dive to the bottom of the sea as inspired by her powerful new novel Graciela in the Abyss. We’ll learn how true facts about the deepest and most unknown part of the sea were the building blocks for her tale about sea ghosts – and see why we have a lot more in common with sea ghosts than we might think.
-
All Ages
Location: Upchurch Soza Ballroom
Live Drawing Showdown Watch art come alive in real time as Tim Ering, Catia Chien, and London Ladd go head-to-head in this epic drawing showdown! Armed with pencils, pastels, markers and imagination, artists will compete in fun, fast-paced drawing challenges based on zany prompts from the audience. Kids will help judge each round and even get to join the action. It’s part game show, part art demo, and 100% unforgettable.
Emceed by Russell Ginns.
-
Recommended Ages: 8–12 (Upper Elementary to Early Middle School)
Location: Maugans Martinelli Board Room
Things are about to get weird. Join bestselling author Dan Poblocki for a wildly fun session inspired by his latest laugh-out-loud ghost story, My Brother’s Butt is Haunted. Kids will learn how to mix horror with humor, dream up haunted objects of their own, and maybe even write the weirdest story of their lives. Warning: this session contains ghosts, giggles, and some very suspicious furniture.
-
Recommended Ages: 7–11 (Upper Elementary)
Location: Lankford Ballroom
Get ready to giggle, rhyme, and roll your eyeballs (in the best way possible)! Join poet and prankster Chris Harris for a whirlwind of wordplay, goofy games, and poetry that makes absolutely no sense—and that's the point. In this laugh-out-loud session, kids will create their own wacky poems, flip normal on its head, and discover the joy of writing just for fun. Perfect for curious kids, creative minds, and anyone who thinks their elbow might secretly be writing poetry.
-
Recommended Ages: 9–13 (Upper Elementary to Early Middle School)
Location: Dorrill Nance Room
In this exciting, dragon-themed workshop with author Alex London, students become dragon riders—creating beasts with amazing powers, heroes with thrilling and interesting lives, and starting their own stories filled with suspense, heart, and as many twists and turns as an out of control dragon. Inspired by Battle Dragons: City of Thieves, the session blends creativity, humor, and empowerment to remind students that the bravest heroes are the ones who can harness the power within themselves.
-
Recommended Ages: 11–14 (Middle School)
Location: Maugans Virginia Room
Step into the shadows of World War I with award-winning author Anne Blankman, whose new novel The Enemy’s Daughter explores love, family, and betrayal in a time of war.
Through historical “what would you do?” challenges and hands-on creative writing, students will build their own characters caught between truth and loyalty. A perfect session for young historians and storytellers alike.
-
Recommended Ages: 9–13 (Upper Elementary to Early Middle School)
Location: Upchurch Wilson Chamber
Join four amazing creators—Huda Fahmy (Huda F Are You?), Jay Cooper (The Last Comics on Earth), and Sharee Miller (Curlfriends), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach)—for a fast-paced, hands-on workshop where you create your very own graphic novel scenes. Learn how to design characters, set up panels, write snappy dialogue, and let your art tell the story. Whether you’re funny, dramatic, weird, or quiet, your story belongs on the page. No fancy drawing skills required—just your imagination!
-
Recommended Ages: 10–14 (Upper Elementary to Middle School)
Location: Maugans Prince Edward Room
Hop in the car and join award-winning author Pablo Cartaya for a heartfelt, hilarious, and creative session inspired by his newest novel, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation. Through readings, storytelling, and interactive mapping, students will reflect on their own personal journeys, design a hero’s adventure of their own, and learn how even the toughest roads can lead to transformation. Bring your imagination—and your sense of direction.
-
Recommended Ages: teacher-informed
Location: Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, 129 N. Main St.
Guided by trained educators, students in self-contained classrooms will join Cozbi A. Cabrera and Monty Montgomery to paint this year’s LIVEmural. Special registration required. Contact Emily Grabiec at grabiecea@longwood.edu for more information.
-
All ages
Location: West Madison Street
VMFA on the Road is the museum’s 21st-century Artmobile, coming to you from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Session 2, 10:45-11:30
-
Recommended Ages: 4–8 (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Location: Jarman Auditorium
Join bestselling author and illustrator Victoria Kann for a magical, interactive morning inspired by her beloved Pinkalicious series. Through storytelling, drawing, and playful creativity, kids will meet their favorite pink-powered heroine, dream up brand-new "-alicious" characters, and explore what makes each of us uniquely colorful.
-
Recommended Ages: 7–11 (Grades 2–5)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom B
What happens when the strongest Avenger becomes a substitute teacher? Total classroom chaos —and total comic fun! Join bestselling author and cartoonist Jeffrey Brown for a laugh-out-loud session inspired by his new book HULK TEACH!, a graphic novel about school, smashing, and surprises. Kids will learn how comics are made, create their own hilarious classroom scenes, and discover how even the Hulk can teach us a thing or two about being awesome.
-
Recommended Ages: 7–11 (Upper Elementary)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom A
Join author and poet Chris Harris, and author and rapper Malik-16 in this word-wacky, rule-bending poetry session where rhymes are optional and silliness is required! Inspired by I'm Just No Good at Rhyming,and I Grab the Mic, students will explore how to twist, tumble, and tease language until it turns into totally original poetry. Expect laughter, unexpected rhymes, and some very unusual verse.
-
Recommended Ages: 8–12 (Grades 3–6)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom C
Join bestselling author and illustrator Sharee Miller for a colorful, confidence-boosting session inspired by Curlfriends, her empowering graphic novel series about friendship, hair, and being yourself. Students will create original characters, draw their stories, and celebrate what makes them unique. Come as you are—and bring your personality with you!
-
Recommended Ages: 8–12 (Grades 3–6)
Location: Upchurch Soza Ballroom
Get ready to flex your brain and race the clock! Join bestselling author and puzzle master Russell Ginns for an action-packed word search adventure unlike anything you’ve seen before. Step into a high-energy chamber of secret words, hidden clues, and surprise twists as you battle to complete a giant custom puzzle before time runs out.
With games, laughs, and mind-bending fun, this interactive session proves that words are powerful—and puzzling them out is half the thrill. Perfect for puzzle lovers, curious thinkers, and future.
-
Recommended Ages: 10–14 (Upper Elementary to Middle School)
Location: Maugans Martinelli Board Room
Join bestselling cartoonist Huda Fahmy for a hilarious, heartfelt look at what it means to grow up, stand out, and survive school as your full self. Based on her hit graphic novels Huda F Are You? and Huda F Cares?, this session invites students to explore how comics can express confusion, identity, culture, and courage. You’ll laugh, sketch, and maybe even figure out your own.
-
Recommended Ages: 10–18 (Upper Elementary to Young Adult)
Location: Lankford Ballroom
”What would you do if the Empire discovered your secret hideout? Join bestselling author Lamar Giles for an action-packed, interactive session inspired by his upcoming Star Wars adventure, Sanctuary. Fans of The Bad Batch will dive into tough choices, dangerous missions, and galaxy-saving storytelling. Build your own rebel character, defend your sanctuary, and explore how heroes are made when everything is on the line.
-
Recommended Ages: 8–12 (upper elementary and middle)
Location: Dorrill Nance Room
Cozbi A. Cabrera, celebrated author, illustrator, and textile artist, leads young artists in a heartfelt beginner sewing workshop. Using simple materials and thoughtful prompts, participants will create a small hand-stitched project that tells a personal story—through color, shape, and stitches. This session celebrates heritage, creativity, and the beauty of making something by hand.
-
Recommended Ages: 10–14 (Upper Elementary to Middle School)
Location: Maugans Virginia Room
What do you see when you look in the mirror—or through the eyes of someone you admire? Join illustrator London Ladd for an expressive, hands-on art session that combines drawing, collage, and emotion to build powerful portrait art. Inspired by his layered, textured style and his work honoring historical icons, students will create their own mixed media portraits that celebrate identity, strength, and legacy. No art experience needed—just a story to tell and a face to show the world.
-
Recommended Ages: 11–18 (Middle School-Young Adult)
What’s scarier than a ghost story? A ghost story that fits in your backpack. Join bestselling authors Meg Medina, Dan Poblocki, and Kalynn Bayron for a thrilling flash fiction workshop where students write haunting tales in exactly 100 words. Through lightning-fast writing prompts, spooky brainstorming, and live author coaching, kids will craft tightly wound, eerie stories that chill—and thrill—using just the right words.
-
Recommended Ages: 6–12 (elementary to early middle school)
Location: Maugans Prince Edward Room
BOOM! ZIZZLE! SPARKLE! Ready to make art that EXPLODES off the page? Join award-winning illustrator Cátia Chien for the most dazzling art adventure ever! Inspired by her stunning picture book Fireworks, kids will create cascading waterfall fireworks that shimmer and flow, delicate chrysanthemum blooms that burst with color, and KABOOM! . No words needed—just colors, shapes, and movement that tell powerful stories! Watch as celebration comes to life on paper where every brushstroke becomes a firework waiting to happen. Come spark your imagination and leave with artwork that truly goes BOOM!
-
Recommended Ages: 5–9 (Kindergarten to Lower Elementary)
Location: Greenwood Library Atrium
Walk in two straight lines and dive into the world of Madeline with author and illustrator John Bemelmans Marciano! In this playful session full of art, rhyme, and travel, children will draw their own brave little characters, write rhyming story starters, and explore what it means to be “the smallest one” with the biggest heart. Perfect for young artists, adventurers, and fans of timeless picture books.
-
All Ages
Location: West Madison Street
VMFA on the Road is the museum’s 21st-century Artmobile, coming to you from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Lunch & More, 11:30-12:45
Visit the VCBF bookstore, stop by the VMFA artmobile, try your hand at being the Hulk, join a watermelon-eating contest, and more!
Session 3, 1:00-1:45
-
Recommended Ages: 10–14 (Middle School)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom A
Some maps help you find your way. Others help you find yourself.
Join author Laurel Snyder for a creative workshop where students design maps of places that may or may not exist—but hold deep meaning. Inspired by Orphan Island and The Witch of Woodland, students will create visual landscapes filled with secrets, memories, and magic. Part drawing, part storytelling, this session helps young artists chart the worlds inside them.
-
Recommended Ages: 13–17 (Middle & High School)
Location: Blackwell Ballroom B
Is it Shakespeare or Tupac? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell. Malik-16 challenges students to decode poetic power across time—examining the truth, rhythm, and rebellion found in both Shakespeare’s plays and Tupac’s lyrics. Through side-by-side comparisons, open dialogue, and original writing, students will find their own voice in the struggle, and learn to write verses that speak back to the world.
-
Recommended Ages: 11–18 (Middle School-Young Adult)
Location: Lankford Ballroom
What’s scarier than a ghost story? A ghost story that fits in your backpack. Join bestselling authors Meg Medina, Dan Poblocki, Lamre Giles, and Kalynn Bayron for a thrilling flash fiction workshop where students write haunting tales in exactly 100 words. Through lightning-fast writing prompts, spooky brainstorming, and live author coaching, kids will craft tightly wound, eerie stories that chill—and thrill—using just the right words.
-
Recommended Ages: 7–14 (upper elementary-middle)
What happens when some of today’s most creative authors roll the dice and let chance decide the story? In this lively, interactive session, John Marciano, Anne Blankman, Alex London, Chris Harris, Sharee Miller, and Huda Fahmy team up with the audience to create wild, surprising tales on the spot!
Participants will use giant story dice with categories like Characters, Settings, Problems, and Twists. Each roll gives the authors new ingredients—maybe a time-traveling cat, a spooky forest, a misplaced sandwich, or an unexpected hero. Working together, the authors will improvise scenes, weaving their unique storytelling voices into one hilarious and imaginative narrative.
Students get to shout out suggestions, vote on directions the story should take, and even roll the dice themselves to keep the adventure moving. The result? A one-of-a-kind story built right before your eyes, filled with humor, suspense, and creativity.
-
Recommended Ages: 8–12 (Grades 3–6)
Location: Maugans Martinelli Board Room
Pack your magnifying glass and your imagination! Join author and puzzle expert Russell Ginns for a fast-paced, hands-on mystery-writing adventure. From lost cities and strange symbols to unsolved disappearances and ancient riddles, students will uncover real-world curiosities and use them as sparks for crafting their own mysterious stories. Along the way, they’ll learn how to build suspense, plant clues, and think like a detective—or a trickster.
-
Recommended ages: 12-18 (middle-young adult)
Location: Willett Hall
Sometimes the best ideas and the best talk come when we are playing a game. Sports are more than just a way to break the ice. They are a way to interact, to spur being social, to solve problems, to connect. Pablo wants to connect with kids through sports, to talk about books, and life, and friends, and dreams. So come play basketball!
-
All Ages
Location: LCVA, 129 N Main St.
Join Cozbi and Monty to paint on the 2026 VCBF mural at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts!
-
All ages
Location: LCVA, 129 N Main St.
Join award-winning illustrators Catia Chien, Todd Parr , Jay Cooper, Victoria Kann, and London Ladd and draw to your heart’s content and create something original and wonderful!
-
All Ages
Location: West Madison Street
VMFA on the Road is the museum’s 21st-century Artmobile, coming to you from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.