On April 1st, Centre Avenue School students gathered for a special literacy assembly featuring a virtual reading by award-winning poet and author Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie. Ms. Tallie read her celebrated book, Layla’s Happiness, a vibrant and heartwarming story about seven-year-old Layla, who keeps a happiness book filled with the everyday joys that make her life special.

Through her dad’s stories of growing up in South Carolina, her mom’s love of poetry, her best friend Juan, and the community garden, Layla discovers happiness in both small and meaningful moments. Written by Ms. Tallie and beautifully illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin, Layla’s Happiness encourages children to reflect on what happiness means to them.

The assembly, organized by Mrs. Rindos-Paul and the Centre Avenue PTA, was a celebration of reading, self-expression, and community. After Ms. Tallie’s reading, she invited students to share their own sources of happiness, fostering a lively and engaging discussion. The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to ask the author about her writing process and inspirations.

In addition to the assembly, each child received a copy of Layla’s Happiness, ensuring that the joy of reading and self-discovery could continue beyond the event. Ms. Tallie also shared exciting news about her upcoming book, We Go Slow, set to be released next year.

A heartfelt thank you to the Centre Avenue PTA for organizing this enriching experience. The students thoroughly enjoyed the assembly and left feeling inspired to explore their own happiness through reading and storytelling.