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Get Your Copy of the 2026 Fox Cities Reads
Since 2010, area public libraries have worked together to select a title for a Fox Cities community-wide read featuring a visit by the author. The goal is to choose one book and encourage community members to read, think, talk, listen, and grow together.
We’re excited to announce the 2026 Fox Cities Read title is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is New York Times Best-Seller and has been made into a Netflix movie starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman. Stop by Appleton, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, Menasha, or Neenah Public Library to grab your copy, or place a hold on the title through your library’s catalog.
And mark your calendars for Shelby Van Pelt’s visit to Appleton Public Library Thursday, March 12 at 6 pm. In addition to Shelby’s visit, libraries will be hosting supplemental programs and book clubs leading up to the visit. Make sure you check your library’s program calendar for more details.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” Synopsis from Shelby Van Pelt’s Website
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in the Puget Sound over 30 years ago.
As she works, Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine, but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight tentacles for his human captors—until he forms an unlikely friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. As his affection for Tova grows, Marcellus must use every trick his old, invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.