Last weekend we had the joy of covering the Southern California’s Independent Book Association’s (SCIBA) 2013 Author Feast.

It was a fun night celebrating books, writing achievement, and the importance of independent booksellers. Representatives from many of Southern California’s independent book stores were in attendance (including Vroman’s Bookstore of Pasadena, Once Upon a Time Bookstore of Montrose, and Mrs. Nelson’s Book Shop in La Verne). As well, as two dozen authors and illustrators sharing books for all readers. The dinner and book signing included authors for adults, teens, and kids, as well as non-fiction and cooking titles (plus yummy caramel samples!).

We covered all the events of Friday evening, but thought we’d give you a little sneak peek from the book signing.

Below you’ll see Caldecott honor author/illustrators, John Rocco and David Shannon, signing their new books How to Train a Train (Rocco), Jangles: A Big Fish Story (Shannon), and Bugs in My Hair (Shannon). Meanwhile, author/illustrator and graphic novelist, Kazu Kibuishi, gave away signed lithographs from the new Harry Potter covers he illustrated.

There’s plenty more to come, including images from the awards ceremony and dinner, book signing, and trade show. So stay tuned.

And in the meantime, go read a great book!