Hooked on Books
Hooked on Books...and the Arts, too!
What started in 2006 as a small event with a few fun activities as way to get out of the house on a cold, February morning has turned into a robust community-wide celebration of literacy and the arts!
The event integrates literacy and the arts in an imaginative and innovative way. Memories are made for the participants, especially preschool through fifth grade students and their families. Heroes are made out of authors, illustrators, dancers, musicians, and artists, and inspiration takes place along the way.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
We are excited to welcome Cristina Oxtra as this year’s Hooked on Books featured author!
Cristina is an award-winning children’s writer with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and a BA in Journalism. She writes picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and graphic novels. Her picture book What Lolo Wants is a 2025 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist and Society of Midland Authors Award Honoree.
A Filipino American and member of MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators, Cristina has been a journalist, educator, Air Force Veteran and teaching artist at the Loft Literary Center. Outside of writing, she enjoys taekwondo, theatre, comic cons, and all things spooky.
Activity details coming soon!
Activity List
Program w/Map
A Look Back at Hooked on Books...and the Arts, too!
