It’s Time You Met :: Jessica Robinson-Brown
Summer + kids without a schedule + parents that need to work and keep their sanity often equals screen time (and, at least in my house, way too much of it). But good news - Jessica Robinson-Brown, founder of Butterfly Book Collector, has a solution.
Scroll to read all about her book box which not only answers the screen time dilemma, but also helps you get diverse, meaningful books and conversations in your home.
THE INTERVIEW:
Q: Why did you decide to begin your own business?
A: I decided to start my business because I saw the need for diverse representation in classroom reading materials when my son entered preschool. I know from my experience as a teacher that students are more engaged in learning when they see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Q: What's one thing about what you do that people might not know?
A: Most people know that I’m a Social Studies teacher but what they don’t know is that I’ve always wanted to be an English or Art teacher.
Q: What makes you different from everyone else out there who does what you do?
A: What sets me apart from other bookstagramers is that I have experience as high school teacher and I’m using the books I recommend with my own son. So when I select books for his age group, I’m thinking about what kind of prior knowledge the story will build for him to access in high school.
I curated the Butterfly Book Collector Book Box in the same way I’d plan a lesson for my son or my students. The learning guide for parents was designed to give them some “teacher skills” and confidence in using a picture book to create learning opportunities for their whole family.
The Book Box includes a high quality picture book, discussion questions and activities that fit the theme of the story. It’s everything parents need to have meaningful conversations and create learning opportunities for their children.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
A: Find books/stories that offer “windows and mirrors.” The framework developed by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, describes best practices for educators and parents - offer learners a glimpse into something new and a reflection of their identity when selecting reading materials.
Q: What is the single most important factor to your business success?
A: Advocacy! My business is successful when a parent/caretaker/educator selects a diverse and inclusive book to add to their collection. When the book is shared with their young readers there is a feeling of inclusion and celebration.
Q: What do you want people to remember about you?
A: I’m a mom who’s using the books I share in real time!
THE QUICK + DIRTY:
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere with a beach and if we’re not going to the beach, take me to New York City!
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Starbucks Order: Salted caramel cream cold brew - what a treat!
Favorite TV Series You've Binged: Julia on HBO
Favorite Move: Crossing Delancey
Favorite Book: Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Favorite Place to Shop: Home Goods and J Crew Factory
Favorite Makeup Item: Mascara
Favorite Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
