16th Annual Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival

Brian Pinkney, Eric Kimmel and other authors

Where: University of Redlands, 1200 E. Colton Ave.

When: 8 a.m. March 2 and 3

Cost: Tickets start at $125

Information: 909-748-8791, redlands.edu.

REDLANDS - Tickets are now available for the 16th annual Charlotte S. Huck Children's Literature Festival planned for March 2 and 3 at the University of Redlands.

The two-day event will feature the best in children's literature today and their creators, along with award-winning speakers, including Brian Pinkney, Eric Kimmel, George Ella Lyon and Caroline Arnold.

The event was designed to bring authors and the people who have a passion for reading into one place, said Charlotte G. Burgess, vice president and dean of student life at U of R. She is also a co-organizer of the event.

"I think people miss the fact that the event is not just for teachers and librarians, but for people who might be grandparents or childcare workers or anyone who enjoys children's books or someone who thinks about writing one," she said. "As a person who is not in the field, I find it immensely inspiring. You just get all kinds of new ideas from incredibly creative authors and illustrators."

The event is inspired by Burgess' aunt Dr. Charlotte S. Huck, a internationally-known author and children's literature expert.

Her many works include "Princess Furball" and "Secret Places."

Huck died April 7, 2005 at her home in Redlands.

She moved to the area after retiring from teaching at Ohio State.

Huck was also known for organizing the first course in children's literature at Ohio State in 1955, where she built a nationally respected program that offered both a master's and doctorate in the subject.

In Redlands, she helped found the evening read aloud program and annual Family Day at Smiley Library, the annual Children's Literature Festival and various discussion groups in the area.

She also served on the board of the YWCA and Redlands Day Nursery.

Last year's festival brought close to 165 to the area with the farthest traveling from the Chicago-area.

Burgess hopes to see more Redlanders attend this year's festival, as the event is held right in their very own backyard.

"It's a real jewel in this town that more people should take advantage of," she said.

Tickets are $150 per person until Feb. 24. The price will increase to $175 after.

The festival is also offering a deal for those who register a party of three or more. Tickets will be $125 per person under that special offer, Burgess said.

Events start at 8 a.m. on both days for registration, with events kicking off officially around 9 a.m.

For more information, visit redlands.edu or call Colleen Quesada at 909-748-8791.

Reach Kristina via email, or call her at 909-793-3221.