What is the perfect year-round gift? Books, of course!
Books open the doors to so many wonderful worlds. You can be a warrior, a princess, a warrior princess, a dragon, a wizard, or any number of things. Reading helps children gain knowledge, learn social norms, reduce stress, and improve their vocabulary just to name a few things. We spoke with local mom Emily Higgs from Mousin Around Books and her passion for children’s literacy.
What is your name and what is your company’s name? Any story about how you picked the name?
Hi mamas! My name is Emily Higgs and I’m a children’s literacy advocate with Usborne Books & More. My business name is Mousin Around Books as a homage to my time working with Mickey Mouse!
Tell us about your job?
I help families build their home libraries with phenomenal books that make reading fun and help create family bonding time! My mission is to get books into as many kids’ hands as possible and my work with Usborne Books & More is the way I can do that. I promote children’s literacy through virtual showcases, my social accounts, fundraisers, and book donations/drives.
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I came across Usborne Books & More when my son was 1.5 years old (now 3.5) through a friend online. She was hosting a showcase and invited me in to find engaging books my son would enjoy. We received our first batch and it was LOVE at first read! He was SO into the books, the illustrations, and the stories, that I knew I had to become a literacy advocate for HIM. I wasn’t a strong reader growing up and I want to make sure he enjoys it (so far so good!)
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is seeing how excited kids are about reading books. Not only my son but all the kids that pick up a book at a local event I can see their eyes light up at the sight of new books. Helping kids find that passion and make it fun, not a chore, is key!
How do you juggle work with mommyhood?
The best way I can describe juggling mommyhood with business is time management! I’m still learning how to do this since we are in between no nap time and school age. Most of the time it’s here and there throughout the day (hello potty breaks!) and mostly when he goes to bed in the evening.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Polk County?
We are still “new-ish” to the area as we moved into Polk County a few months before the world shut down. So we haven’t been able to venture out too much but are happy that we can the last few months! I’m a sucker for a good antique store and always down for a Target run!
What’s your favorite thing to do with your family?
I love getting out and about to see new things around with my family. Visiting local farms to pick blueberries or eat ice cream, driving to the beach to feel the sand in our toes, or spending a few hours at Disney to have a sprinkle of magic for the day – as long as we are together and I can see the fun my son is having is all that matters!
What do you love about living in Polk County?
We enjoy living in the area as it’s pretty central to just about everything! You never really know how BIG Polk County is until you’re out driving around! Just an hour’s drive to the coasts and the bustling parts of Orlando but still in a small-town environment to enjoy local parades and festivals!
What’s the best advice you have received?
Not sure on the BEST advice as there’s so much out there! I just try and be my true self, sarcastic and funny faces, and always try to have fun in any situation – but I also know when to tone it down with a game face. I’m always up for meeting new people area the area, learning their stories, and seeing how we can all come together over the joy of reading!
You can visit Mousin’ Around Books website HERE
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