A New Season of Popcorn & PJs is Coming This Fall!
Read to Grow is excited to announce the full lineup for our Fall 2026 Season of Popcorn & PJs! We’re grateful to once again have Citizens Bank as our presenting sponsor and can’t wait to welcome two brand-new authors, along with a returning author and illustrator duo, to our virtual storytime series. Popcorn & PJs is the perfect way to spend special reading time with the little one in your life. Families can cozy up from the comfort of home with a new children’s book, popcorn, crayons and a sketchpad, and a fun activity led by our featured authors and illustrators. It’s a chance to make reading a little more special—and create lasting memories together. Meet the Authors! Winsome Bingham We’re kicking off our Fall season on Tuesday, October 13 with the incredible Winsome Bingham, author of Fish Fry Friday! This heartwarming story celebrates family, community, and the traditions that bring us together. Filled with warmth, love, and delicious food, Fish Fry Friday highlights the joy of gathering with family and sharing special moments across generations. We’re looking forward to an evening filled with storytelling, connection, and plenty of opportunities for young readers to celebrate the traditions that make their families unique. Debbi Michiko Florence Our November featured author is the wonderful Debbi Michiko Florence, who will share her book Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata on Tuesday, November 17. This inspiring nonfiction picture book introduces young readers to the creative mind behind some truly imaginative Kaiju monsters. Through art, imagination, and perseverance, Monster Maker encourages children to embrace their creativity, follow their interests, and pursue the things that inspire them. Laurenne Sala & Zara González Hoang We’re thrilled to welcome back returning author Laurenne Sala and illustrator Zara González Hoang on Tuesday, December 8 for our Fall season finale! The duo will share Mi Escuela Is My School, a joyful celebration of school, community, and bilingual learning. Through vibrant illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this heartwarming picture book celebrates the many ways children can feel at home in the classroom while honoring the richness of language and culture. We can’t think of a better way to wrap up another season of Popcorn & PJs! Join Us for Popcorn & PJs! Whether you’re discovering a new favorite author, sharing a beloved story with your child, or simply looking for a fun way to make reading time more special, Popcorn & PJs has something for every young reader. So grab your coziest pajamas, pop some popcorn, and get ready for a season of stories, creativity, and family fun! Want to learn more? Click here to visit the Popcorn & PJs page on our website to learn more about the program, our featured authors, and find out how to get tickets for each event.
Popcorn & PJs Celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month with a Special Virtual Read-Along
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Popcorn & PJs is celebrating in a big way! On Tuesday, February 24, beloved children’s book author and New York Times bestseller Deborah Diesen will host a virtual read-along of The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to the Dentist — a fun and reassuring story that helps little ones feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist. In addition, the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (CTDHP) has partnered with Read to Grow to support this special event by providing dental health supplies and educational materials with every Popcorn Package. And that’s not all! After a fun and educational evening, Deborah will help everyone wind down for bedtime with a reading of The Pout-Pout Fish and the Can’t-Sleep Blues, a cozy story that gently addresses the wiggles, worries, and wide-awake blues that can keep kids up at night. If you’re interested in taking part in this special Popcorn & PJs event, click here to explore ticket options. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!
