Visiting Authors – Lexi Rodriguez and Kelsi Kautz- The Big Little Dream

Date and Time

• Saturday, Feb 21, 2026  6pm - 7pm

Location

Categories

Arts • Sports • Family

Details

Join us on Saturday, February 21st as we welcome author and volleyball player Lexi Rodriguez and her co-author Kelsi Kautz to Francie & Finch Bookshop! Together they will present their new children's book The Big Little Dream.

“Working with Lexi on this project has been a dream. We can’t wait to see how The Big Little Dream resonates with young athletes and young readers around the world.” - Kelsi Kautz

About the Book:
This story dives into the life of Little Mia and her big dream - to find her sense of belonging through sport.

Illustrated by Danika Runyan. Find her on Instagram! @danikas_drawings

About the Authors:
Lexi Rodriguez is a 4 time All-American libero from the University of Nebraska, Adidas affiliate athlete, and AAU Sullivan Award Winner. Lexi is entering her second season in the United States’ first professional women’s volleyball league, LOVB, and represents Team USA in the Volleyball Nations League. Lexi’s participation in the 2023 Nebraska Volleyball Stadium Match sparked worldwide conversation about the importance of representation for women’s sports. The match was more than just a world record to the young athletes who witnessed it — it offered inspiration and validation that women’s sports are to be valued and celebrated on a world stage. Lexi hopes to deepen her connection with fans and readers through her debut children’s book, The Big Little Dream.

Kelsi Kautz had a vision to bring to life the impact that Lexi and her teammates have had on female athletes around the world. With her combined experience in education and marketing, she saw the opportunity to expand Lexi’s impact beyond the traditional, and demonstrate the importance of representation in women’s sports in a new and creative way.