CALF Children's Art + Literacy Festival in Storybook Capital of America

06/02/2026

We can't wait to introduce Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends to the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden!

Abilene is the largest collection of storybook sculptures in America, and it's only getting bigger.

Come to Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th Birthday Party on June 11th at 6:15pm at for the unveiling of 9 new brass sculptures including Winnie-the-Pooh and 8 of his friends!

Many of the sculptures will also include sculpture houses in the garden, perfect to protect Pooh's many friends from blustery winds or Abilene's flash flooding! Thank you to all of the sponsors that donated to expand our storybook collection even more!

05/31/2026

Don't forget about tomorrow!

June 1st is the first day for CALF Tote pickups! This is when you will be able to pick up your CALF passes for you and your family as well as any other items or shirts you may have purchased! The T&P Depot board room will be open starting 8:30 AM till 5:00 PM.

The Depot will also be available for anyone that wants to purchase passes for the CALF! Look for the signs outside that say "CALF Registration" and "CALF Tote Pick Up."

05/29/2026

Update on NCCIL events for CALF!

Only one Picnic with Pooh time slot and one Workshop with Faith Pray time slot available! If you plan to be here, don't wait to register your child or family for these special events.
https://www.nccil.org/events-calendar

05/28/2026

Download the free GooseChase app for Android or iPhone to join the CALF Scavenger hunt!

Play by yourself or with a team. Join the game by searching for "2026 Abilene CALF GooseChase!"

Complete as many missions as possible by 4 pm Sunday, June 14th. Complete at least 10 missions to pick up your prize at the T&P Depot on Friday or Saturday and at the Abilene Zoo on Sunday!

The highest rank team by committee review receives 5 NCCIL books! Prizes will also be given for the most creative photos!

05/27/2026

The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature is excited to invite you to the whimsical world of Winnie-the-Pooh this summer! The museum is kicking off its summer exhibition at the Children's Art +Literacy Festival (CALF) on June 11. This immersive exhibit will be up through Sept. 12. Abilene has never seen anything like this!!! 🤩

05/27/2026

Volunteers needed for the CALF!!!

Want to help with our readings or some of the other events? Click the link provided to sign up! All help is heavily needed and greatly appreciated!!

All volunteers must be 16 years old or older to sign up. If you have a group of teens that would like to volunteer, they must be accompanied by an adult.

Please email [email protected] to find out more!

Thank you for helping with CALF! We need help on Saturday afternoon with breakdown at 3:30 pm. This includes: -Stacking chairs at both Everman Park, Pedestrian Plaza and at Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden Garden -Pull decor from golf carts behind T&P Depot The point of contact for this activity is...

05/26/2026

Both Storybook Characters Breakfast events Friday and Saturday of CALF are now SOLD OUT! Thank you for everyone who registered. Still want to see characters? No worries! Be sure to come to the Winnie-the-Pooh 100th Birthday Party on Thursday night of CALF in the Convention Center. See many of your favorite characters there!

05/25/2026

Come to the during CALF! This year, the NCCIL invites families and visitors during the annual festival to picnic with Pooh in the Hundred Acre Woods!

Surrounded by art and gallery interactives, families will sit on a blanket and open up a picnic basket to find dinner, souvenirs, dessert and more.

Purchase individual tickets or a family basket for up to 4 people! Baskets include 4 full meals, souvenirs and many other goodies!

Become a NCCIL member and receive discounts on purchases. Plus leave your books to be pre-signed by Faith Pray.

The picnic will take place on June 12th, Friday. Tickets are available at nccil.org

Don't forget to sign up for the CALF!

05/24/2026

Come see perform a 25 minute show from Dallas at CALF featuring music and a variety of charming puppets, including Winnie & friends!

The show will take place indoors at and is free for anyone attending CALF!

There will also be a calming space available for children with sensory sensitivities, presented by .

Thank you to our sponsors and Texas Commission on the Arts for making this possible. In loving memory of Don Drennan who loved this city.