The Arts and Entertainment staff decided to sit down and plot out some of the highlights for this year’s festival. Their picks cover panels, performances, readings and even individual booths to visit. Each recommendation corresponds to a location on the enlargeable map on the left. Match number to number, then find your way to some of the 13th festival’s highlights.
1) “Reinventing Hollywood: The 1960s and Beyond" – Moore 100, Saturday, 1 p.m. Aspirant flower children and classic Hollywood movie junkies will both enjoy this panel, moderated by Entertainment Tonight personality Leonard Maltin and featuring film gurus Mark Harris, Kenneth Turan and Peter Biskind. Viewers are bound to walk away yearning to be back in the politically and culturally tumultuous ’60s ““ and equipped with a list of movies that can help take them there. ““ Sara Randazzo
2) “Reading Manga: A Japanese Phenemona Comes to America” – Humanities A51, Saturday 3 p.m. Manga, or Japanese-style comics, is the fastest growing publishing industry. More manga than in previous years will be featured at this Festival with “The Comic Strip,” or a strip of shops located within the multitude of booths that feature comic, anime and manga booksellers exclusively. Manga fans should also look out for the above panel on Saturday with both manga writers and comic experts. ““ Jenae Cohn
3) Ben Barnes – Target Children’s Stage, Saturday, 1 p.m. Whenever a book is made into a movie, a debate arises over which is better, the literary or cinematic version, and C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” is no exception. On May 16, the second book from the series, “Prince Caspian,” hits the big screen. However, Ben Barnes, who plays Prince Caspian in the film, will be speaking to the literary crowd this Saturday, and maybe he will convert the warring media into allies. But if that fails, it will be a chance to see the handsome actor in person. ““ Katie Meschke
4) The Traveler’s Bookcase – Booth No. 333. The Festival’s official illustration ““ featuring a flock of books soaring in the afternoon sky ““ takes on a very real meaning at The Traveler’s Bookcase, an exhibitor’s tent offering books and accessories for a flight of your own. Each year, the store offers notable discounts on travel-related books, selling some Lonely Planet guides and other country- or city-specific works for half their retail value or more. Whether you’re planning on studying abroad or taking a summer road trip, you’ll find all the resources you need here ““ without digging into your travel funds. ““ Megan Jensen
5) Desserts By the Yard – Culinary Stage, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. Sherry Yard, the award-winning executive pastry chef for Wolfgang Puck and author of autobiographical cookbook “Desserts By the Yard,” will reveal the secrets behind some of her pastries. Those with a sweet tooth and a heart for buying locally won’t want to miss her charming take on the traditional dessert-book that incorporates meaningful anecdotes with the easy-to-follow recipes. ““ Kelsey Ramos
6) McSweeney’s – Booth No. 685. Publishing house McSweeney’s feels like a breath of fresh laughing gas in an industry that can take itself too seriously. Led by Dave Eggers, author of topsy-turvy diaspora novel “What is the What,” McSweeney’s is a rising name in the publishing world for its unspoken voices and maniacal style. Not that many publishers will lovingly put out a short-story collection from a sadomasochist, a baby book about mixing drinks or a poetry collection called “Embryoyo.” Check out their magazine “The Believer” and DVD periodical “Wholphin” while you are at the tent. ““ John Guigayoma
7) Victor Wooten – Etc. Stage, Saturday, 1 p.m. Victor Wooten, long-time member of the Grammy-winning “blu-bop” group Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, has been pushing the boundaries of his instrument for decades by implementing virtuosic and inventive technique, and not to mention groove ““ the man can groove. Wooten has recently added a work of (seemingly) semi-autobiographical fiction to his resume, “The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music,” which was released on April 1. Be sure to stop by to see an unforgettable performance by a legendary musician. ““ Scott Lerner
8) “The Poetry Stage" – The Poetry Stage, located behind Powell Library, always seems like an isolated escape from the bustle of the festival’s central shopping strip through Wilson Plaza and Dickson Court. Poets rotate on the half hour, so it’s easy to stop in on a reading, listen to a few pieces and relax. Make sure to come and listen at 10 a.m. on Saturday for Mark Doty, a festival regular and enchanting and personable reader, and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday for Al Young, California’s current poet laureate. -Jenae Cohn
9) Healthy Child, Healthy World – Los Angeles Times Stage, Saturday, 11 a.m. Healthy Child, Healthy World is a non-profit organization based in Santa Monica, and author and CEO, Christopher Gavigan, and contributors Laura Dern and Josie Maran will speak on their new, self-titled book. Though the new release is geared toward prospective and current parents, “Healthy Child, Healthy World” provides an abundance of tips and information for a safer, greener and healthier lifestyle for all ages, including students. Just in time for Earth Day, Gavigan’s book covers everything from simple recipes for natural cleaners to easy energy-savers. ““ Michael Lowe
10) “Adventures in Picture Books” – Kerckhoff Grand Salon, Saturday and Sunday, all day. One of the best exhibits at the festival strays from celebrating the written word to highlight the art that brings those words to life. Each year, Santa Monica-based Every Picture Tells a Story presents a delightful display of illustrations from beloved children’s literature classics. Taking a walk down memory lane, however, comes at a high price; original works go for several thousand dollars, and even reproductions can cost upward of $500. But worry not ““ those without deep pockets can always visit the Every Picture Tells a Story booth (No. 513), which sells the books that made these artists famous. ““ Sara Randazzo
11) “From Column to Book to Screen”: Steve Lopez in Conversation with Warren Olney – Korn Hall (in Anderson School), Sunday, 11:30 a.m. L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez and National Public Radio’s Warren Olney will discuss Lopez’s newest book “The Soloist,” about a homeless schizophrenic musician whom Lopez takes under his wings. Lopez writes about the condition of Los Angeles in his column “Life on the Streets.” Come watch a lively discussion about arts in the inner city. ““ Josh Wasbin
12) “Superheroes of the Page and Screen” – Ackerman Grand Ballroom, Saturday, 10 a.m. Fans will be able to gather expert views on upcoming superhero movies ranging from “Iron Man” to “The Dark Knight.” “Hellboy” creator Mike Mignola will share thoughts on transforming a book into a movie, as he was also an associate producer of the on-screen version. Steve Niles will be present and hopefully discuss what inspired him to terrify readers and viewers with “30 Days of Night.” Panelist Jeph Loeb, author of “Superman for All Seasons,” writes about Superman and Batman’s amusingly competitive relationship. Moderated by pop-culture journalist Geoff Boucher, these men will remind fans about the comical aspect of comic books. ““ Saba Mohtasham
13) “The Lyrical Line”: Conversation and Music with Aimee Mann and Joe Henry – Royce Hall, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. As an independent rock artist from the 1990s, Mann may be most well-known for her contribution to the “Magnolia” Soundtrack, including her 1999 Academy Award-nominated song “Save Me.” Joe Henry, an American singer, songwriter and guitarist himself, produced Mann’s concept album “The Forgotten Arm.” This panel is an opportunity to remember the major artists of the ’90s. ““ Patricia Guzman
14) Julie Andrews – Target Children’s Stage, Sunday, 12:15 p.m. A trip to the Target Children’s Stage involves overcoming a difficult dilemma: Is seeing a beloved movie personality worth fighting through throngs of screeching pre-pubescent kids and their pushy parents, plus subjecting your ears to a music group called the Doodlebops? For a chance to see Julie Andrews, the answer is yes. Listening to her read her children’s book “Simeon’s Gift” and answer questions from the wee ones is perfectly delightful. ““ Sara Randazzo