Announcing the 2025 PA One Book: Arlo Draws an Octopus

The PA One Book Committee is excited to announce the 2025 PA One Book title: Arlo Draws an Octopus written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. Since 2006, the PA One Book program has been promoting the importance of early literacy development in young children, and we are thrilled to continue this tradition with this delightful selection.

To support libraries across Pennsylvania, each public library outlet will receive two hardcover copies of Arlo Draws an Octopus at no cost. Based on feedback from our evaluation survey of last year’s program, we learned that many libraries would like paperback copies of the PA One Book to give away to families and children. In response, we are providing a limited number of paperback copies to each library, available at no additional cost.

Libraries can opt in to receive 12 paperback copies of the book by filling out this form: Paperback Opt-In Form.

The deadline to opt in is January 3, 2025.

Both the hardcover and paperback books will be shipped to district library centers for distribution to individual libraries. Participating libraries will be asked to complete an evaluation survey to let the PA One Book Committee know how they used the books.

We are excited for Arlo Draws an Octopus to inspire early literacy and creative exploration in children and families across the state. Thank you for your continued support of the PA One Book program!

For more information, please visit the PA One Book website or contact Heather Smith, Early Childhood Services Advisor for the Bureau of Library Development.

The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports libraries and library services for Pennsylvanians through the administration of state and federally funded programs and grant opportunities including LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), Library Access, LAMP (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the Public Library Subsidy, and Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. BLD also provides advisory services, professional development, and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries.

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