The Arkansas Literary Festival is always an impressive event, and this year's fest is no different. The festival takes place at venues around Little Rock from April 23-26 and features award-winning authors (the Pulitzer Prize to the Caldecott Honor and everything in between), filmmakers, journalists and artists.

Over 80 presenters will appear at the festival, and you can find the entire list here. The best part--most of the events are completely free! The second best part: There are TONS of events just for kids and families! We've picked out 18 family-friendly events, from author readings to engaging performances.

Author Events

“Ninja!” Arree Chung: Author Arree Chung, “Ninja!,” will read from his book and show kids how to become picture book authors. He will demonstrate how to draw his character Maxwell, and then show the animated “Ninja!” short film. 10 a.m. April 25. Location: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center.

The Mayor’s Day of Science and Reading: Students are introduced to some of the terrific exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Arree Chung talks about the science of being a Ninja. All day April 24. Location: Museum of Discovery.

Bryan Collier “Uptown”: Winner of eight Coretta Scott King Awards and three Caldecott honors, children’s author/illustrator and Bryan Collier, “Uptown” and “Trombone Shorty,” discusses his work. 1 p.m. April 25. Location: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center.

The Mayor's Day of Reading: Artist and author Bryan Collier shares some of his award-winning work with lucky students. All day April 24. Location: William J. Clinton Presidential Center.

7’ Art Workshop Joe Barry Carroll: Kids in 4th grade and up will enjoy former NBA player Joe Barry Carroll’s introduction to art. 10 a.m. April 25. Location: Historic Arkansas Museum.

Madeleine LeCesne National Teen Poet: Every poem creates and exists in its own world through figurative language. Move through simile, metaphor, conceit, and, finally, “patafor” (the most mysterious of comparisons) to discover the ways in which poetry breaks open perception and communication. 1 p.m. April 25. Location: Level 4, CALS Main Library.

Fabulist: Author of the top-reviewed 2014 book for young adults, E. Lockhart, chats about “We Were Liars” in a session for teens. 11 a.m. April 25. Location:  Level 4, CALS Main Library.

Performances/Entertainment

“Chicken Little” and “Little Red Hen”: Two folktales chock-full of chicken wisdom and important life lessons share a common theme of friendship in this touring play from the Arkansas Arts Center. Henny Penny, Little Red, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, and Foxy Loxy learn important lessons as they strive to stay fed, keep a level head, set goals, and avoid apocalyptic bombardment. 10 a.m. April 25. Location: CALS Ron Robinson Theater.

“Dinosaur Train”: Scott Sampson, the beloved host of the hit PBS KIDS television series, “Dinosaur Train,” visits with kids. This one includes a special appearance by a costumed character from the show. 11:30 a.m. April 25. Location: CALS Ron Robinson Theater.

 “The Lego Movie”: Emmet…an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure…is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. 1 p.m. April 25. Location: Youth Services, CALS Main Library.

Youth Poetry Competition: Finalists from CALS branch competitions compete for a grand prize in this jam-packed poetically engaging hour. 2 p.m. April 25. Location: Level 4, CALS Main Library.

Activities

Tiny Ninja: Join Tanner Critz with Unity Martial Arts, as he leads some special ninja training and helps youngsters on a stealth mission that includes an obstacle course, a giant web, delectable ninja treats, and more. 10:30 a.m. April 25. Location: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center.

Con Teaser: CALS Con 2015 is a celebration of all things fandom slated for May 30th.  Enjoy this sneak peek at the highlights, which include panel discussions, a meetup room, gaming area, and a cosplay contest grand finale. 4 p.m. April 25. Location: Level 4, CALS Main Library.

Summer Reading Club Preview: Every Hero Has a Story: This summer, CALS will celebrate every kind of hero imaginable, from superheroes to hometown heroes. Join the staff for an exciting sneak peek at the 2015 plans. 6 p.m.  April 23. Location: Youth Services Program Room, CALS Main Library.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Author and board member Charlie Luh speaks about the concept of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, how the program is working, and the 1,000 Books Foundation. 2 p.m. April 25. Location: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center.

Activity Legos: Members of the Arkansas LEGO Users Group (ARKLUG) will be on hand to demonstrate and encourage creative building. There will be opportunities to create, collaborate, and maybe even compete. 10 a.m. April 25. Location: Youth Services Program Room, CALS Main Library.

3-D Printing: Drop by and learn about 3-D printing, and specifically the Makerbot Mini, from Donovan Mayes with the Arkansas State Library. 10 a.m. April 25. Location: Level 4, CALS Main Library.

Activity Hour: Young ones get to visit with a zoo animal, make treats in the teaching kitchen, create a craft to take home, and participate in a group art activity. 2 p.m. April 25. Location: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center.

For more information, visit ArkansasLiteraryFestival.org.