Meet USA Today Bestselling Kid Author Bella Olson! Book Signing, Storytime + Birthday Bash at B&N Wicker Park (Chicago, Wed 5/6)

Chicago, she's home -- and she just made the USA Today Bestsellers List!

At just 11 years old, Chicago native Bella Olson -- creator of the popular kids YouTube channel Avocado Awesomeness -- has done something extraordinary: she wrote and published her debut adventure novel, TRAPPED, and it just landed on the USA Today Bestsellers List. She was also recently featured on WGN Morning News to share her story.

Now she's heading home to celebrate -- and on her birthday, no less! Join us at Barnes & Noble Wicker Park on Wednesday, May 6th at 6:00 PM for a FREE, fun, interactive kids event filled with storytime, a live author talk, kids Q&A, a book signing, and birthday celebration giveaways. This event is perfect for young readers, families, and anyone who loves a great story.

This event is free and open to the public, but advance RSVP is required.

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984651300465

What Kids Can Expect

Storytime + Author Talk
Bella will read a passage from TRAPPED and share how she came up with the story, what it is like to become an author at 11, and why she believes "weird is the new cool."

Kids Q&A
Young readers get to ask Bella anything -- from how she got her ideas to what it takes to write a whole book.

Book Signing + Photos
Meet Bella in person, get your signed copy of TRAPPED, and take a photo to show your friends.

Birthday Celebration + Fun Extras
It's Bella's birthday! Themed stickers, friendship bracelets, fanny packs, coloring sheets, and special giveaways inspired by the book are all part of the fun.

Free and Family-Friendly
This event is ideal for kids ages 6-13, but everyone is welcome -- grandparents, nannies, friends, and book lovers of any age.

Ticket Options (RSVP Required)

Young Adventurer Ticket (Free): Includes event entry and kids Q&A with Bella.

Parents Pass (Free): Includes event entry, access to the author talk, and Q&A.

VIP Book + Signing Experience ($12.95): Includes one copy of TRAPPED, priority book signing with Bella, a photo opportunity, themed coloring sheets, stickers, friendship bracelets, fanny packs, and surprise giveaways inspired by the book.

Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984651300465

About the Book

TRAPPED is a wildly imaginative adventure about a brilliant young inventor who finds herself inside a mysterious facility run by a very eccentric scientist. With quick thinking, courage, and help from a magic chicken, she must puzzle her way through strange traps and bizarre challenges to make it back out again.

The story moves fast, makes kids laugh, and keeps them turning pages. Along the way it quietly reinforces the values parents love to see in the books their kids read: bravery even when you feel scared, problem-solving when things do not go as planned, and the confidence to embrace exactly what makes you unique. As Bella likes to say, "weird is the new cool."

About the Author

Bella Olson is an 11-year-old Chicago native, YouTube creator, and now USA Today bestselling author. Her channel Avocado Awesomeness has been gaining national attention for its fun, uplifting, and imaginative content for kids. TRAPPED is her debut novel, and Chicago is her hometown stop on her national book tour.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Also Bella's 12th Birthday!)
Location: Barnes & Noble Wicker Park, 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Cost: Free (VIP upgrade available for $12.95)
Ages: Best for kids ages 6-13; all ages welcome
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984651300465

Bring your family and come celebrate creativity, imagination, storytelling, and one incredible kid who proved that age is just a number when you have a big enough idea.