Writing by Emma Lazar
Design by Aeneas Eaton
Meet Tessa Jane, a rising second grader at Grafflin Elementary School who dreams big, dances often and believes her Beanie Boos are totally alive.
Can you tell me about your Beanie Boos?
Yes! I have triplets. One is named Laney. She has sparkly ears and is my best Beanie singer and the fastest.
And what about the others?
There’s Mango— she’s the queen, mostly because she’s new. And then there’s Dot. She wears polka dots and is the bossy one.
Do they ever get into fights?
Sometimes. Usually about food. One says otter food is best. Another says dog food. It’s chaos.
Do you think they come alive when you’re not looking?
Absolutely.
What happens when they come to life?
One slapped me in the face once. I thought it was the dog, but nope— it was my pink and green cat Beanie Boo. Classic Mango.
What did you do?
I told her to stop, and then she just ran away giggling.
What’s the craziest thing someone could put on a pizza?
Dragon fruit!
Have you ever tried it?
No, but I just know it would be wild.
If you could make your own dessert, what would it be, and what would you name it?
The Tessa. It’s a cookie with frosting and sprinkles on the top and the bottom. It’s medium-sized, not too big, not too small. Just right.
If you could invent something, what would it be?
A square-shaped robot that cleans and actually puts things back where they belong. It would be orange and smart. Like REALLY smart. Smarter than adults. (Probably.)
If you had $100, what would you do?
Save it. For a Barbie. Just one.
Do you like Barbies?
Yes. A lot. I’ve seen the movie. I forgot my favorite part, though.
Do you ever do singing contests with your Beanie Boos?
Of course. Everyone takes turns singing. Then I pick the winner.
Who wins?
Usually, Laney wins. She hits the high notes best.
What’s your dream job?
Maybe a zookeeper. Or the first woman on the moon.
What would you do if you went to the moon?
I’d bring back moon stuff for scientists.
Would you bring anything else?
Maybe some moon rocks for my Beanie Boos.
If you were an animal for a day, what would you be?
An African wild dog.
Why?
They look soft and run in big packs. I’d be the boss. Obviously.
Do you have a favorite artist?
Taylor Swift! I love “August” and “Blank Space.” But Fearless is my favorite album.
What was the first movie you saw in theaters?
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. It was three hours and fifteen minutes long. My mom was like, “What have I done?” But I danced and wiggled the whole time. Totally worth it.
Do you think adults really understand kids?
Not always. Like, sometimes I just want to watch more YouTube. Is that too much to ask?
This article was published in the July/August 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
Emma Lazar
Aeneas Eaton
Based in northern Westchester, Aeneas is a graphic designer, creative and artist who has a fondness for print design and bold colors. He enjoys turning the wacky and eccentric ideas that come to his mind into reality, whether it be on the computer or through painting.
