The Read With Carylee Road Trip officially kicked off in the DMV, and we couldn’t have asked for a more incredible start! The first stop took place at the stunning venue, The St. James in Springfield, VA, where the energy and excitement of the day reflected the community’s love for reading. With over 200 children and their families in attendance, it was clear that the Read With Carylee mission—to connect young readers with local authors and promote literacy—was in full force.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of our celebrity guests. Mrs. Virginia America 2023, Dr. Ingrid Bynum, graced the event with her presence, inspiring young readers with her story and enthusiasm for literacy. We were also thrilled to welcome Washington Commanders Legend and former Pro Bowler, Ken Harvey, whose involvement made the day even more special for young readers, especially the sports fans in attendance.
The event wouldn’t have been the same without the incredible local authors who showcased their books and connected with families. Author Danielle Marietta captured the spirit of the event perfectly, stating, “The Road Trip was a great event at a beautiful location. I was able to connect with fellow, local authors and young readers in the community. I can’t wait for Carylee’s road trip to stop back by for another awesome event!”
Our sponsors also played a huge role in the success of the day. Special thanks go to Girl Dad Agent Neil McKinnon with State Farm, whose support allowed us to create an unforgettable experience for children and families. Visitors were able to connect with authors like Moe Grace, who made an impact on young readers, including one mother who shared, “I thought I knew what book my son would choose, but after seeing the display from Moe Grace, he selected that book instead!” Moments like these highlight the importance of connecting local authors with their community.
Many visitors mentioned they stumbled upon the event by chance, with one family saying they were “just passing by and wish they had known earlier.” The overwhelming response to the Road Trip’s DMV stop shows that people are eager for more events like this, where children can be introduced to diverse, locally authored books.
The Children’s Book Expo brought a sense of surprise and delight to families, which is exactly what we aim for with Read With Carylee. We are beyond excited for our next stop on the Road Trip, and if the DMV kickoff is any indication, it’s only going to get bigger and better from here. Stay tuned for more details on where we’re headed next—we can’t wait to keep spreading the joy of reading across the country!
