Purple Diamond Press has something exciting to celebrate! Founder, publisher and children’s author C.M. Harris was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot in an article highlighting her publishing journey, commitment to disability representation and participation in the upcoming Orange County Children’s Book Festival.
Written by reporter Andrew Turner, the feature shares how Harris turned the challenges she experienced while searching for employment as a disabled woman into an opportunity to create meaningful children’s books. That journey began with What If We Were All The Same! and eventually led to the founding of Purple Diamond Press.
Today, Harris has written more than 21 children’s books centered on kindness, friendship, inclusion and the belief that our differences should be understood and celebrated.
Read the full Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot feature.
Returning to the Orange County Children’s Book Festival
Harris has attended the Orange County Children’s Book Festival since 2019, and each year has brought another opportunity to meet families, educators, young readers and fellow children’s book creators.
The festival is about far more than selling books. It is a joyful gathering of people who believe in the importance of reading, storytelling and giving children opportunities to see themselves—and learn about others—through literature.
Purple Diamond Press is thrilled to return as an official exhibitor for the 22nd annual festival.
Orange County Children’s Book Festival
Sunday, September 20, 2026
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California
Admission and parking are free
Families can enjoy author readings, interviews, book signings, entertainment, activities, character appearances, food trucks and much more.
Books That Encourage Children to Think, Feel and Grow
The What If We Were All™️ series began with one simple but powerful question: What would the world look like if everyone were exactly the same?
Since then, the series has continued to help children explore friendship, kindness, generosity, honesty and other meaningful topics. Each book encourages thoughtful conversations while reminding young readers that their voices, experiences and differences matter.
The series is now expanding into exciting new areas—including STEAM.
Coming Soon: What If We Were All Curious!
The next adventure, What If We Were All Curious!, celebrates children’s natural desire to ask questions, investigate the world and discover how things work.
Through engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this STEAM-inspired picture book encourages children to wonder, explore and recognize that curiosity is where learning begins.
Molecular biologist and science communicator Raven Baxter, Ph.D., shared this wonderful endorsement:
“Kids are already scientists! This book cheers them on, question after question.”
That message beautifully captures the heart of the book. Children do not have to wait until they grow up to become scientists. Every “why,” “how” and “what if” is already helping them observe, experiment and understand the world around them.
What If We Were All Curious! arrives January 5, 2027, and is available for preorder now.
Join Us at the Festival
Visit C.M. Harris and Purple Diamond Press at the Orange County Children’s Book Festival to explore the What If We Were All™️ series, discover meaningful children’s books and celebrate the joy of reading together.
We cannot wait to meet more families, teachers, young readers and fellow authors—and continue publishing books that make a difference.
Preorder What If We Were All Curious! and explore the complete collection today.
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