Rocky's Road to the Big City

When Rocky’s game of hide-and-seek in the big trees of Upstate New York takes a turn, the little owl gets taken on a ride, far far away from home just in time for Christmas.

On her journey, Rocky encounters a number of people—some human, some gigantic and gold—places, including the big frozen pond and her first experience “inside," and most importantly, the glamour of unlimited mouse meals that she didn’t have to hunt for herself. Rocky’s Road to the Big City is sure to become a holiday story for the ages; a tiny, feathered piece of New York City holiday lore.

Based on the events surrounding the arrival of the 2020 Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York City, this book tells the story from the perspective of the tiny saw-whet owl who stowed away in its branches. Follow along on Rocky's harrowing adventure from Oneonta to the Big Apple and meet the kind humans who help her along her journey.

An avid reader her whole life, Jessica DelVirginia always knew that she'd write a children's book one day. The opportunity presented itself when Rocky made her appearance at Rockefeller Center in 2020. Jessica grew up in New Jersey, and would look forward to traveling into New York City every year to see the Rockefeller tree with her family. Jessica is now the founder of Insite Strategy, a strategic communications firm based in the New York metro area, where she tells the stories of her clients in a number of industries on a daily basis. Telling Rocky’s story was an exciting creative departure from her typical press releases. Jessica is a graduate of New York University and IE Business School.

Courtney Ling began her career with the intention of inspiring generations raised on technology to reconnect with the communities, cultures, and landscapes around them. After working as a designer in a variety of industries, she realized that she could make a difference by putting thoughtful work into niche industries where the creative details were typically overlooked. Courtney now works in the packaging design industry, with a focus on beauty. She loves heartwarming holiday stories, and when the opportunity arose to illustrate Rocky’s tale, she was excited to make this her first foray into illustration for children. Courtney holds a BFA from The College of New Jersey.

"This delightfully illustrated book is not only entertaining but contains great information about the saw-whet owl sure to feed the curious and inquisitive minds of young readers. It is destined to become as memorable as Rocky herself." —Janie Emaus, author of Latkes for Santa Claus

"Kids will love this sweet, magical Christmas tale, especially since it really happened!  A great addition to your holiday book collection. Get ready to read this one again and again!" —Lisa Ann Scott, author of Narwhal's True Christmas Wish

“Rocky’s Road to the Big City is one of those holiday picture books that warms your heart and brings a smile to your face no matter how many times you read it. This beautiful retelling of a true story about a darling little owl who unintentionally hitched a ride tucked inside the branches of the soon-to-be Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, has everything a Christmas message should have—hope and heart. And, bonus, the author has included backmatter which offers interesting information about the Saw-Whet Owl. This book is sure to become one of the 12 books of Christmas that you read with your family every holiday season.” Michelle Medlock Adams, award-winning author of 100-plus books, including I Love You to the Sun and Beyond

"Rocky's Road is an intriguing take on an owl's adventure after his tree is cut down to become the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. An imaginative tale that begs the reader to imagine an animal's point of view when interacting with humans." —Katie Otey, author of Every Other Christmas