New children’s book puts Marblehead, arts festival in spotlight
- Leigh Blander
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
March 17, 2026
Anyone who knows Jodi-Tatiana Charles knows she is a force of nature. The international marketing strategist ran the Marblehead Festival of Arts in 2023 and 2024, bringing new events and fresh energy to the popular annual tradition. Now, she has written a children’s book that highlights how festivals build stronger, more connected communities. It’s called “Going to the Festival.”
The 58-page story “celebrates community, friendship and the discoveries that happen when children take part in the traditions around them,” according to the book’s back cover.
“When four friends stumble upon their town’s annual summer festival, they quickly learn it is more than colorful booths and busy streets,” the synopsis continues. “It becomes a week shaped by creativity, curiosity and the shared spirit of neighbors who make a place feel like home.”
The book is heavily based on Marblehead’s Art Festival and Charles’ experiences running it.
“Festivals are all about communities coming together,” Charles said. “They’re about economic development, civic engagement and creativity.”
“Going to the Festival” is full of Easter eggs — images and clues for people familiar with the town.
A few examples: There is a fire chief who resembles Marblehead’s Chief Jason Gilliland; appearances of local businesses such as Mud Puddle Toys, Shubie’s and The Landing; and a musician who looks a lot like Brian Wheeler, who organizes Concerts at Crocker Park as part of the Festival every summer.
“It was so fun to weave in those little nods throughout the book,” said Julia Potvin, Charles’ former Festival intern who worked with her again to illustrate the book.
“I would say it is even more fun to see if readers can spot them all,” Potvin said. “The local businesses were especially enjoyable to illustrate, particularly those that supported the historic 2023-2024 festival. Two of my favorite pages feature imagery of Soall Viet Kitchen alongside Arnould Gallery and Framery.”
Potvin, who graduated from Marblehead High, is now studying at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. “Going to the Festival” is her first book.
“I hope readers take away a sense of connection and a reminder to find joy in the small things,” Potvin said. “Maybe that looks like sitting down and reading with your kids, feeling inspired to participate in family or local traditions, or simply pausing to notice the little details around you. For me, this project was about including as many people as possible and pushing my artistic abilities.”
Ultimately, “Going to the Festival” is both a tribute to the energy of festivals and a reminder of their deeper purpose. By highlighting the connections forged in these lively spaces, Charles hopes readers will see festivals not just as entertainment but as essential threads in the fabric of community.
“Festivals help us remember who we are — and how much stronger we are when we celebrate together,” she said.
“Going to the Festival” will be available soon around town, including at Saltwater Books and Shubie’s. It can also be ordered online.
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