Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Office of Commonwealth Libraries announced that Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor has been named the 2023 PA One Book Early Literacy selection. In its 18th year, the Pennsylvania One Book program promotes the value and benefits of reading early and often to preschoolers. PA One Book is a statewide initiative that encourages family engagement through books and offers activities designed to build key language, literacy, and social skills.

“Developing early literacy skills sets the foundation for life-long learning,” said Susan Banks, Deputy Secretary, Commissioner of Libraries and State Librarian. “Last year, our investment in PA One Book’s early learning initiative reached more than 8,000 children throughout the commonwealth through collaborative partnerships among libraries, early learning programs, and community organizations.”

The PA One Book Early Literacy project is made possible through a collaboration between PDE, the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Pennsylvania Center for the Book, The Pennsylvania State University, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11, Center for Schools & Communities, Early Intervention Technical Assistance, James V. Brown Library and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

The collaborating agencies involved with the initiative developed a program that is accessible to all areas and populations of the state. Each year, a different children’s picture book is chosen by the committee to be highlighted. This year’s title, Mel Fell, is a triumphant tale of a young bird learning to fly, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and encouraging children to feel brave.

Public libraries and certified early childhood education programs across Pennsylvania will be provided with a copy of the book in early 2023.

Funding was provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. Additional funding was provided by the OCDEL.

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to visit their local public library to check out previous PA One Book titles and watch for special story time events and other opportunities for preschoolers to engage in activities related to the book next spring.