June 16, 2025 PA One Book Program Helps to Instill Love of Reading in Young Children Families, child care providers, libraries, and community organizations can help to nurture a love of reading in young children through the Pennsylvania One Book program, which offers free, engaging resources to support early literacy and meaningful reading experiences. Learn More Each year, the PA One Book program selects a book for young children and a collection of easy-to-use tools to bring the story to life. In April, the program named Lori Mortensen’s “Arlo Draws an Octopus” as the 2025 PA One Book of the year. In the book, a young boy named Arlo attempts to draw an octopus, but believes that he hasn’t done so successfully. As he vows never to draw an octopus again, he makes a discovery that changes his perspective about drawing. The book is paired with printable activity sheets and additional activities that align to the state’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood. The resources that accompany the book are designed to be used at home, in classrooms, during library story times, and at community events. For more information or to download free materials, visit PA One Book’s website.
April 2, 2025 Pennsylvania One Book Virtual Event: Arlo Draws an Octopus Registration is open for the upcoming virtual live event with the author and illustrator of “Arlo Draws an Octopus,” a Pennsylvania Book One selection. Learn More The 2025 PA One Book is written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. The book follows the story of Arlo, who draws an octopus, but believes that his drawing isn’t very good. However, he makes a discovery that changes his perspective about drawing. The state’s libraries and certified early learning programs have received copies of the book to share with young children. The PA One Book website offers early learning activities and resources related to the book. The PA One Book’s Facebook page is also offering family-friendly posts. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 10. Register now.
