We are excited to introduce you to local children’s book author and business owner Abby Cooper.
Tell us about you and what inspired you to start your business.
As a former school librarian and current children’s author (visit AbbyCooperAuthor.com for more info!), I LOVE BOOKS. I always have. They’re an escape, a comfort, a friend. I believe that all children deserve books of their own to read, share, and love. I started A Book of My Own to make that happen.
Tell us all about your business. What can parents/kids expect?
A Book of My Own ships age-appropriate, high-interest, diverse books completely free of charge directly to families who need them. We prioritize getting books to families who do not own them or own very few and are unable to purchase books on their own. In order for us to choose the right books for each child, we ask parents/guardians to fill out a short book request form on our website. We use every bit of information you provide about your children to hand-pick books they are guaranteed to love. Since 2023, we have shipped over 10,000 books to hundreds of families across the state, and we’re only getting started!
What do you love about the Twin Cities? Why is this a great community for local small businesses?
I love the supportive, collaborative atmosphere of the Twin Cities. There are several awesome literacy non-profits in our area (check out The Free Book Buggie, Story Orchard, Read with Me MN, and Start Reading Now) and instead of seeing each other as competition, we are constantly working together to figure out how we can get as many books to kids as possible. I’m also grateful for the many local bookstores and publishers who have donated beautiful new books for A Book of My Own to share with families. We live in the best community!
What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support your business?
Spread the word! If there are children in your school/neighborhood/community who need books, please pass information along. While we appreciate donations of books in like-new condition, monetary funds are most helpful. Financial donations allow us to ship books right to families, which removes so many barriers to book access (such as time, transportation, etc). For only $20, you can cover everything we need to provide books for one family. Please visit our website for more information.
If you’d prefer to donate books, we also have a wish list (see website) showing our current needs. Thanks for your support!
How does your business inspire parents and their children?
We have received dozens of beautiful messages from families, saying how now that they own books, they are able to spend time together reading as a family. Not only are books incredibly beneficial in terms of building academic skills and encouraging empathy, they’re also an amazing tool for families to connect. Books bring people together.
Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?
My son, Benny, is three-and-a-half and is fully embracing his imagination! He loves making up stories and pretending. Even though he can’t write yet, he still loves making his own books! (He narrates them to me, and I write the words while he draws the pictures). This makes my reader and writer heart so happy.
Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids? Restaurants, roads trips, parks etc.
We love libraries! (Which is probably not surprising whatsoever if you’ve read this far!) Sometimes people don’t realize that in addition to having an awesome selection of books, libraries also have incredible play spaces. We can (and often do!) spend hours there. We also spend a lot of time at the Westwood Nature Center. Minnesota has so many wonderful places to be outside and explore nature.
Let us know where our readers can find you!
Contact Info – Email – ABookOfMyOwn@gmail.com
