Texa Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – What happens when a beloved bookstore, an award-winning children’s author, and a group of homeless kittens come together? You get SummerWeen Storybook & Kitty Spooktacular, a one-of-a-kind family event celebrating literacy, compassion, and community.
Hosted annually by J’aime Les Livres (I Love Books), SummerWeen has become a beloved local tradition that brings a little Halloween magic to the middle of summer. This year, the bookstore is partnering with Mija Media House as co-host and collaborating with Palm Valley Animal Society to create an unforgettable afternoon centered on helping kittens find loving homes.
| EVENT DETAILS |
| What: SummerWeen Storybook & Kitty Spooktacular When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (or until the kitties find homes!) Where: J’aime Les Livres (I Love Books) | 1219 N. Main St., McAllen, TX 78501 |
Families are invited to come dressed up, trick-or-treat through the bookstore, enjoy cat face painting, participate in storytime, browse books, and meet adorable kittens searching for their forever families.
At the heart of the event is
At the heart of the event is Halloween the Homeless Kitty, a children’s book written by local author and publisher Eliza M. Garza, founder of Mija Media House. The story follows a homeless black kitten searching for belonging and teaches children the power of kindness, compassion, and second chances.
In a special partnership with Palm Valley Animal Society, attendees will have the opportunity to meet adoptable kittens and learn about responsible pet adoption. Every child whose family adopts a kitten will receive a complimentary copy of Halloween the Homeless Kitty, creating a meaningful connection between literacy and animal welfare.
“This event is where stories come to life and second chances begin,” said Eliza M. Garza, author and co-host. “We want every child who walks through those doors to leave with a book in their hand, a memory in their heart, and maybe a new furry family member.”
Media outlets are invited to attend and cover this unique community event that combines literacy, animal advocacy, and family fun in an innovative and heartwarming way.
ABOUT MIJA MEDIA HOUSE
Mija Media House is a publishing and media company founded by Eliza M. Garza and based in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The company specializes in publishing, author coaching, speaker development, educational materials and curriculum design, community and literacy programs, and brand strategy and book marketing. Through the proprietary frameworks Stages to Pages and Pages to Stages, Mija Media House empowers authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs to share their stories with the world and turn their message into a movement. Eliza is the author of bilingual children’s books including Raspas Con Mi Grandpa and Vendiendo Con Mi Grandpa. Learn more at elizamgarza.com.
ABOUT J’AIME LES LIVRES (I LOVE BOOKS)
J’aime Les Livres (I Love Books) is an independent bookstore located in McAllen, Texas, dedicated to building a love of reading in the Rio Grande Valley community. Home to SummerWeen and other beloved local events, the bookstore serves as a cultural hub for families, educators, and book lovers throughout South Texas.
ABOUT PALM VALLEY ANIMAL SOCIETY
Palm Valley Animal Society is a nonprofit organization serving the Rio Grande Valley, committed to saving the lives of homeless animals through adoption, rescue, and community education. Their mission centers on creating a humane community and finding loving homes for animals in need.
