National Read Across America Week couldn’t come at a better time — especially for kids who feel small, stuck, or secretly unsure if they can make a difference. 
Every time a child opens a book that meets them where they are, they’re quietly learning to hang in a little longer, bounce back a little stronger, and spark joy in the world around them. 
In celebration of this special season, four remarkable storytellers—an organizer extraordinaire and proud dog mom, a pitch-perfect journalist, an award-winning artist, and a pioneering pediatrician—are teaming up to show kids how reading can train persistence, stretch courage, and remind them that even on the toughest days, they have something bright to give. 
We cordially invite you and your little ones to join David Newell (who played the beloved Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood), along with our John Masiulionis and Little Forrest for Ep. #59 of PR From The Heart’s Neighborly Reviews Bookcast, as they spotlight Julia Kolouch’s The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem! (published by Miriam Laundry), Nathalie Alonso’s ¡Viva Valenzuela! (illustrated by John Parra | published by Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers), and Dr. Bob A. Archuleta’s Christine’s Magical Smile (published by Miriam Laundry). 
Join us in celebrating Julia, Nathalie, John, and Dr. Archuleta and by getting your copies of The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem!, ¡Viva Valenzuela!, and Christine’s Magical Smile—and enjoy these empowering reads with the entire family:
The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem: https://bit.ly/3N3AWKa
¡Viva Valenzuela!: https://bit.ly/4rVhrCt
Christine’s Magical Smile: https://bit.ly/4rkmtYj The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem! 
Text copyright © 2025 by Julia Kolouch • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Petros Bouloubasis. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry. All rights reserved.
¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles Text copyright © 2026 by Nathalie Alonso • Illustrations copyright © 2026 by John Parra. Used with permission. Published by Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.
Christine’s Magical Smile 
Text copyright © 2025 by Bob A. Archuleta, MD • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Elsa Sabater. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry. All rights reserved.
PR From The Heart’s Neighborly Reviews Bookcast proudly supports Reading is FUNdamental Pittsburgh—the Pittsburgh chapter of the oldest and largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization in the country—which provides children from low-income households in Pittsburgh with free books, engaging literacy programs, and supportive learning environments to develop a lifelong love of reading.
Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh places over 100,000 books into the hands of more than 20,000 Pittsburgh children each year—reaching those who need them most.
To advance their mission of championing literacy and a love of reading among Pittsburgh’s youth, please consider making a contribution at their official website: https://bit.ly/38ef33c. 
