Writing Humor for Kids, Seriously
A panel of four distinctive voices in contemporary children’s literature will discuss the role of humor in their books.
Date and time
Location
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
208 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011Refund Policy
About this event
Writing Humor for Kids, Seriously
All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.
Funny books for kids can transport young readers to an amusing and entertaining universe, serving as a refuge from life’s difficult moments, as well as easing the approach to serious subjects. A panel of four distinctive voices in contemporary children’s literature—Cece Bell (El Deafo), Christopher Paul Curtis (The Watsons Go To Birmingham), and Eugene Yelchin (The Genius Under the Table)—will discuss the role of humor in their books. Their work explores, respectively, how challenges of deafness compound those of childhood; Black American lives in various historical eras; themes of love, hope and forgiveness in families; and growing up behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union. The panelists will delve into the ways that humor infuses their stories and the challenge of using humor with sensitivity. The panel will be moderated by Elizabeth Levy, longtime author of humorous fiction whose recent non-fiction historical books have been singled out for their unexpectedly funny qualities. Her most recent book, written with Andrea Batis, is Witch Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare.
The 2025 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 80 writers from over 35 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles.
Visit https://worldvoices.pen.org/ for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.
ACCESSIBILITY:
The Center is ADA compliant. There is an accesible ramp by the entrance.
ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at publicprograms@pen.org by April 21st to request.
Please ask a Box Office Attendant or festival representative upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.
For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact publicprograms@pen.org
COVID-19 2025 Festival Policy:
While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.
If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to publicprograms@pen.org for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.
We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact publicprograms@pen.org
Frequently asked questions
All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.
Please note there are no PDF tickets for these events, your confirmation email acts as confirmation & receipt of your purchase. Once you have purchased, you can simply give your name to the box office associate when you arrive at your event!
Discounts are available for students and attendees facing economic hardship. Please email publicprograms@pen.org for your discount code. PEN America members are also eligible for discounts as part of their membership. To become a member, visit https://pen.org/membership/
This event is open to all ages. That said, please be mindful that not all subjects and conversations may be appropriate for all audiences. Please review the event description in detail. We ask all attendees to maintain a respectful and non-disruptive presence in the space, regardless of age.
All NYC venues are located in Greenwich Village and surrounding areas. They are within walking distance and/or easily accessible via public transportation. For more information, and to plan travel using subways and buses, visit MTA’s trip planning service.