Pennsylvania One Book Early Literacy Program

We had a blast at the PA One Book Live Virtual Kick-Off Event on April 10 featuring Arlo Draws an Octopus! A huge thank-you to author Lori Mortensen and illustrator Rob Sayegh Jr. for bringing Arlo’s world to life and inspiring creativity across Pennsylvania.

Missed the live event? No worries—this recording is available to watch through July 10!

If you’re viewing the video with young readers, we recommend having some drawing supplies on hand—paper, crayons, markers, or whatever sparks imagination—so everyone can draw along with Rob and enjoy a hands-on creative experience!

The Pennsylvania One Book initiative is a valuable program that highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers and the significance of reading early and often to children, as well as engaging them in conversation and other activities around books. The program has remained successful in part due to the partnership of collaborating agencies that all support early childhood literacy efforts. Each year, a different children’s picture book, is chosen by the committee to be highlighted. The Pennsylvania One Book program is entering its 19th year promoting the value and benefits of reading early and often to preschoolers.

The 2025 Pennsylvania One Book title is Arlo Draws an Octopus, written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

From the publisher:
When Arlo decides to draw an octopus, he can’t help but think that maybe he’s just not an octopus drawer. His drawing has a head that looks like a hill and eight squiggly arms that look like roads. It’s an octopus disaster-piece! But just as Arlo vows to never draw an octopus again, he makes a discovery that changes his perspective about his drawing . . . and much more.

Activities for Arlo Draws an Octopus
Printable activity sheets and additional activities aligned to Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood.

Feedback Survey Links
Did you read Arlo Draws an Octopus? Did you try the early learning activities? Complete our survey to share your feedback!