MUSIC, BOOKS & BELONGING
Songs & Stories with Katy Tessman
An interactive, all-ages community program featuring original music, poetry, and award-winning children’s literature.
MUSIC, BOOKS & BELONGING
A real treat; we are lucky Katy was able to be here." — Taylor, Community Libraries of Providence (Rochambeau Branch), RI
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Celebrated for her ability to bring stories to life through music, Katy Tessman is a songwriter, children’s book author, and passionate literacy advocate. Designed as a warm, intergenerational event, this engaging program weaves original acoustic songs and highlights from some of her favorite authors into a welcoming community presentation. The audience is invited to sing along, share in a lively book show-and-tell, and connect through universal stories of courage and belonging. Centered on human connection, artistic creativity, and a lifelong love of reading, Katy gently incorporates her personal health journey in a way that is both meaningful and accessible for diverse audiences. The program provides a compassionate space to explore universal themes of courage, resilience, and belonging. During the session, Katy shares her award-winning picture book, Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, which tenderly chronicles her family’s breast cancer journey through the eyes of her two young sons, then aged six and three. As a dedicated literacy advocate, she also presents a curated "short stack" of inspiring books centered on bravery, optimism, and the unstoppable spirit of Wonder Woman. During this brief show-and-tell segment, Katy shares her signature "Read Bravely" song, creating an inviting moment designed to connect generations and resonate equally with young children, families, and retirees. The program concludes with Hero Now Crowned, a moving original song that also stands alone as a beautifully illustrated picture book. Songs & Stories with Katy Tessman offers a warm, inspiring opportunity to unite your library patrons through the transformative power of storytelling and song. |
LINKS & RESOURCES
Live Performance Video: Katy Tessman Solo Live In the News: Local Author Spotlight – MN Parent Read: Katy’s Literacy Blog |
We enjoyed having Katy here and would love to work with her again!" — Aly Quinn, Events Coordinator, Rapid City Public Library, SD
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ABOUT KATY TESSMAN
Based in Minneapolis, Katy Tessman is an accomplished songwriter, award-winning children’s book author, and passionate literacy advocate with extensive experience presenting interactive family and community programming. Named a Changemaker by the Minnesota Women’s Press, Katy holds a degree in communications and a certification in early childhood music instruction, and she has dedicated many years to community programming and family engagement. Her work is deeply compassionate, meaningful, and uniquely tailored to diverse, all-ages audiences. Drawing from her personal background as a musician, author, and breast cancer survivor, Katy has successfully delivered her Songs & Stories program to nonprofit organizations and public libraries across eight states. She specializes in creating an uplifting environment that celebrates resilience, fosters emotional expression, and inspires a lifelong love of reading. |
TRUSTED BY LIBRARIES ACROSS THE U.S.
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Katy is an amazing artist. I heard lots of wonderful comments from all those who came to the event, everyone loved the music." — Ada Myers, Guernsey County District Public Library, OH