Children's Author Heidi Moreno at Torrance Library

Heidi Moreno makes picture books about a black cat under a night sky and a little girl who is sure she's a pumpkin. On Wednesday, October 7, she brings both to the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library in Torrance. Torrance Public Library is hosting the visit for Hispanic Heritage Month, and it's an easy after-school pick if you're hunting for things to do with kids LA families can fit into a weeknight.

When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Where: Katy Geissert Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance Cost: Free, according to the library's listing

Meet the Author Behind Luna Oscura

Moreno writes and illustrates, so this is more than a read-aloud. She'll share Luna Oscura and But I'm a Pumpkin, then walk kids through her creative process: how a story idea turns into finished pages with her own pictures on them. The library's flyer bills the afternoon as a bilingual storytime, which makes it a good match for households that read in Spanish and English, and for kids just starting to pick up a second language.

Leave time for the Q&A. The program is set up so young readers and their parents can ask Moreno questions directly. Kids tend to ask the things grown-ups skip, like how long one drawing takes or whether she sketches on paper or a screen, and an illustrator is the right person to answer.

A Craft to Take Home

Once the author talk wraps, there's a hands-on craft inspired by Moreno's books. The library hasn't said what the project is. With a pumpkin book in the mix and Halloween a little over three weeks out, don't be shocked if something orange ends up on the table. Bring a tote or a folder so a half-dry project makes it home in one piece.

Getting There

The Katy Geissert Civic Center Library is Torrance's main library, part of the civic center at 3301 Torrance Boulevard. A 4:30 p.m. start works for most school pickups, though it lands close to the start of South Bay rush hour, so give yourself a cushion if you're driving across town. Everything is done by 6 p.m., which leaves room for dinner on the way home.

If you have a library card, grab a few picture books before you leave. Program details can change, so check the Discover Los Angeles listing before you head out.

More Family Picks

For more family events Los Angeles has coming up this fall, browse the family category or see what else is on around Los Angeles. Ninety minutes on a Wednesday afternoon is a small ask, and your kid gets to meet the person who drew the cat.