Late November in the Midwest has always brought with it a sense of anticipation—brisk air, the promise of holidays, and, for many elementary school students and their families, a renewed celebration of reading. This year, schools and communities across Illinois and Tennessee have put literacy front and center, weaving together stories of inspiration, remembrance, and the enduring power of books.
At Brookdale Elementary in Naperville, Illinois, the excitement was palpable as students prepared for a special visit from Tom Watson, the author and illustrator behind the beloved “Stick Dog” and “Stick Cat” series. Watson, whose stick-figure animals have become favorites among late elementary readers, made the trip not just to promote his books, but to ignite a passion for reading among the students. “I’m here to talk about my books, but also mainly to get kids to love to read,” Watson explained during his visit, as reported by local media. “My books are all about the funny. And I’m a real big believer that if kids are laughing, they’re gonna keep turning the page. So that’s what my books are all about.”
Watson’s approach is refreshingly simple: humor and accessibility. His illustrations are intentionally basic—stick figures by his own admission—making them approachable for young readers. During his visit, Watson led drawing lessons, showing students how easy it is to create their own characters. “I think it’s important that they know that they can draw the things that I’m drawing, and I think it gives them confidence. Especially the younger guys, you know, they wonder what the heck we’re going to be doing, and then I show them that if you just put some shapes together, right, and, you know, a little twitch of the tail or something, and they can see like, hey, you know what I can do this. And I love to see that confidence in their eyes,” he said.
This hands-on approach resonated with the students, who eagerly showed off their own versions of Watson’s characters. Leah Steinhauser-Walsh, Brookdale’s Learning Media Center Director, noted the school’s enthusiasm: “They know all about his background, his career, we’ve been reading his books,” she said. “They did this beautiful poster in the hallway of some of his art. So I think they’re just excited to meet a real, live author. And then, you know, just to kind of get to see him, get to talk with him, ask him questions, and they’re just really excited about that.”
Watson, who estimates he’s visited six or seven hundred schools over his career, praised Brookdale’s preparation and energy. “I’ve never had a bad school visit,” he shared. “But you can also tell sometimes when a school works on getting amped up for the visit, and this school for sure did the business of getting ready for the visit, and that always makes a difference.”
The visit came at a crucial time. As Steinhauser-Walsh pointed out, “I feel like now in the year of 2025, we’re really competing against screens and video games, and knowing just how important it is to get books in kids’ hands and being able to turn the pages and smell the book and see the pictures. So that’s really just what we want to continue to do to keep literacy and just keep kids reading.”
Meanwhile, several hundred miles south in Union City, Tennessee, a different kind of literary tribute unfolded, one marked by both sorrow and solace. Jeff Kinney, the world-renowned author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, dedicated his twentieth book, “Partypooper,” to the memory of Jack Gear, a Union City student who tragically lost his life in a jet ski accident in July 2024 at the age of ten. Kinney, whose books have sold over 300 million copies, learned of Jack’s love for his series and responded with a gesture that touched an entire community.
The dedication, a simple “To Jack” inscribed on the first page, was accompanied by a handwritten note to Jack’s parents, Crystalyn and Xson Gear. “Dear Crystalyn and Xson. I was so sad to learn about the tragic passing of your son, Jack, last year. I was very touched to discover that he was a fan of my Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I wanted to let you know that I dedicated the new book to Jack, and that his name is on the first page. I’m so sorry you lost your beautiful son. I’m sure you’re doing everything you can to keep his memory alive,” Kinney wrote.
Jack’s mother, Crystalyn, shared how much the gesture meant: “It was so kind (of him),” she said. “We actually received his letter on a day that was tough for us because of the approaching holidays. It was touching and just what we needed that day.” Jack’s father, Xson, reflected on his son’s connection to the books and movies: “I think he lived vicariously through the characters and all the crazy fun things that they did.” The Gear family presented a copy of “Partypooper” to Union City Elementary librarian Mindy McClanahan, ensuring that Jack’s classmates and future students could share in his love of reading. “This was a beautiful gesture toward Jack and our family with the book. It’s something we’ll always remember. We keep him alive in our hearts every day, and this will help others do the same,” the family expressed collectively.
Back in Illinois, the halls of Glen Carbon Elementary School were transformed into a festival of imagination on November 21 as students celebrated the annual Book Parade. Children in kindergarten through second grade donned costumes of their favorite literary characters—wizards, superheroes, unicorns, and even a grouchy ladybug—and paraded through the school, books in hand. “It is all about celebrating literacy, celebrating books, and then you know, you can see, ‘Oh, I have that book’ or ‘I love that book, too,’ and they're kind of making a connection in that way,” said kindergarten teacher Kerri Jett, who helps organize the event as part of the school’s “Reading is Fun” committee.
The parade, which began in 2018 as a nod to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, has become a cherished tradition. About half the students participated by dressing up, while others cheered as “watchers” from the hallways. Principal Laura Rogers emphasized the importance of these moments: “As the parade's going by, they're noticing characters that they've been reading about, too,” she said. “So I think it starts to build more excitement and curiosity.” The event also extends beyond the classroom, as Rogers encourages families to read together at home, reinforcing the message that literacy is a shared journey.
After the parade, students joined in “High Five Friday,” greeting members of the Edwardsville High School soccer team as they left for the weekend—a tradition that fosters community spirit and intergenerational connection. “Our little kids look up to these bigger students,” Rogers observed. “It's a great moment for the older kids, too. I think they get just as much out of it.”
The momentum for reading doesn’t stop there. In Carroll County, Ohio, the local library is preparing for its annual Scholastic Book Fair, scheduled from December 1 to December 6, 2025. The event, part of ongoing efforts to promote literacy, offers families and children a chance to discover new favorites and reinforce the value of reading within the community.
As schools and communities across the country find creative ways to keep the magic of books alive—whether through author visits, heartfelt dedications, parades, or book fairs—the message is clear: in a world brimming with distractions, the simple joy of reading still has the power to unite, heal, and inspire.
