The South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SD SFEC) is thrilled to bring back one of our most joy-filled literacy traditions—this time, with a brand-new twist!
Thanks to our continued partnership with Sean Covel, the author of the Porter the Hoarder series and producer of Napoleon Dynamite, more than 7,000 first-grade students across 122 schools in South Dakota will receive a free copy of his newest book, Who is the Super Ultra Mega Special Super Special Guest?
It’s more than just a book. It’s a movement.
A Statewide Mission That’s “Super Special”
We call it the “Super Special” mission, and here’s why: It’s designed to do more than just get books into the hands of kids. It’s about sparking joy, curiosity, and connection. It’s about bringing families together around a shared reading experience and creating opportunities for parents and caregivers to feel empowered in their child’s learning journey.
At SD SFEC, we believe family engagement doesn’t have to look the same for every family—and this book initiative is a fun, low-pressure way to invite families into the world of learning through laughter, storytelling, and a surprise or two.
Mark Your Calendar: Virtual Book Launch Event
📅 Thursday, October 17, 2024
📍 Hosted on YouTube
🎉 Includes a surprise ending you won’t want to miss!
To kick off this statewide adventure, we’re inviting students, families, and schools to tune in to a Super Special virtual book launch. Whether you’re watching from the classroom, your living room, or a library, this event is a chance to build excitement and dive into the book together as a community.
Bookmark the launch and find all the details at: sdsfec.org/special-guest
Why It Matters
Over the years, Sean Covel’s Porter the Hoarder books—created with fellow South Dakotan Rebecca Swift—have become the heart of the largest and most successful literacy and family engagement project in South Dakota history. The stories are silly, energetic, and wildly interactive, making them instant favorites for kids—and trusted tools for educators and families.
But the real power of this initiative lies in its simplicity: it helps children see reading as fun and families see themselves as essential partners in learning.
From South Dakota, For South Dakota
This partnership reflects what makes our state special: people coming together to create meaningful experiences for kids. Sean Covel, a proud South Dakotan himself, brings humor, creativity, and heart to everything he does—and we’re lucky to have him as a champion of literacy and family connection.
“There’s nothing better than watching a child light up because they feel seen, heard, and valued,” said Covel. “That’s what these books are all about.”
Join the Adventure
We’re inviting educators, caregivers, and community partners to celebrate this moment. Whether it’s reading the book aloud at home, hosting a watch party for the virtual launch, or simply asking your child about the “Super Special Guest,” every little moment of connection matters.
Let’s make this reading adventure one to remember.
📚 Learn more and get involved at sdsfec.org/special-guest
