New Picture Book Festival, Read to Me, on the Calendar for the Woodlands

Reading Is Revolutionary, a new 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Village Books’ owner, Teresa Kenney, is introducing the picture book festival, Read to Me, to South Montgomery County. Held at Deretchin Elementary School on November 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival is a celebration of the joy and comfort of being read to as a child. Admission is free and individuals can sign up for complimentary tickets at READINGISREVOLUTIONARY.ORG or MYVILLAGEBOOKS.COM.
The event will feature a carnival-like atmosphere, with games, librarian story times, and arts and crafts. In addition, five award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators will take the stage to read their books, including Christine Almedo, illustrator of “Box of Dreams;” Cate Berry, author of “Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom;” Lindsay Leslie, author of “Dusk Explorers;” Robyn McGrath, author of “Dolly;” and Vanessa Roeder, author of “The King Penguin.” Dog Man (that is, his costumed counterpart) will be on hand to take pictures with the children and promote his new, upcoming book, movie and video game. Also on hand will be Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)—trained therapy dogs who help children become comfortable reading out loud.

“We are so excited to organize the first annual Read to Me Picture Book Festival. Typically, book festivals focus on genre-specific, adult, young adult or middle grade books and authors. We have so many young families here in the area that I wanted to highlight the comfort of being read to as a child and introduce the youngest of readers to new, beautifully illustrated books,” says Kenney, owner of Village Books and founder of Reading Is Revolutionary. “There will be a variety of ‘Reader Activation Stations,’ that will include activities that promote the love of reading. Children’s books will also be on sale, including those of the presenting authors and illustrators, and of course, Dog Man is sure to be a huge hit with the crowd. In addition, the two illustrators who will be attending will share their craft with the children, creating one-of-a-kind mementos to take home.”

Sponsorships are still available. For more information, interested businesses should reach out to Kenney at info@readingisrevolutionary.org or 281-771-8462. Tickets are free and can be reserved at ReadingIsRevolutionary.org.

Reading Is Revolutionary was founded in June 2024 by Village Books owner Teresa Kenney to expand the reach and impact of the literary arts and literacy programming. Its mission is to serve as a community champion and resource for storytelling through festivals, workshops, programming, and community book drives. To date, the organization has raised nearly $3,000 to provide books for foster children through Carrying Hope Houston and children in food-insecure homes, through the Montgomery County Route of Kids’ Meals.