Meet Kyla, founder of Homegrown Books
Introducing Kyla, a remarkable mom and the visionary behind the independent publishing house, Homegrown Books. This company is dedicated to offering “reading material as rich as your child’s imagination.” In my quest to find the best children’s literature, I stumbled upon Kyla’s venture, which features a captivating series of Board Books designed to encourage young minds to embark on their reading journey. Amidst a plethora of options available in the market, Homegrown Books presents an outstanding alternative for nurturing budding readers.
About being a mom
Are you a mom? Yes! I am blessed with two sons, aged 12 and 21.
What are your ups and downs of being a mom?
I often find myself grappling with the age-old challenge of balancing work, family responsibilities, and self-care. Nevertheless, I am incredibly thankful to have all these aspects in my life!
What inspires you?
My primary motivation is to craft beautiful and engaging books for children who are starting to read. I strive to ensure they feel valued by the material and supported throughout their reading adventures. I want kids to experience not just attractive art, but also intriguing visuals that provoke their curiosity and inspire them. My husband and his entire family are artists, and we frequently visit galleries and museums, taking full advantage of the vibrant creativity that NYC offers; it is profoundly inspiring to me.
Creating Homegrown Books
What led to the founding of Homegrown Books?
As a reading specialist, I have spent many years helping children develop their reading skills. In my private work, I often found it challenging to source engaging reading materials for early readers that also supported their educational journey. Children can easily discern when something lacks appeal. During my teaching career, I met a talented artist and educator who also noticed the shortage of beautifully crafted, educational reading materials, prompting her to start creating delightful books for her students. Together, we set out to develop a collection that would address this gap, culminating in our inaugural book pack, The Play Pack.
Your vision for Homegrown Books?
That’s a great question! My vision is for families worldwide to recognize that they have access to more engaging options for early readers. I hope educators and parents will embrace organic learning instead of relying solely on workbooks! I aspire for families to connect through reading—both shared and individually—utilizing our books.
Favorite reads for children and adults?
There are countless favorites! The answer varies depending on the context since there are so many wonderful narratives! Recently, I’ve delved into non-fiction, culminating in my reading of New Slow City. In New York City, forging genuine community connections can be tough. The slow food movement from Italy embodies a philosophy focusing on local shopping, eating, and building connections over homemade meals, which resonates with me. It prompts the idea that we need to slow down in how we educate our children, emphasizing nature play, beautiful toys and books devoid of branded characters, and fostering genuine conversations between adults and kids. We could truly transform everything! I cherish many children’s books, often revisiting titles by Maurice Sendak and other classics from my childhood. There’s a compelling influx of new, beautifully crafted books, like The Conductor by Laetitia Devernay, which stands out as a personal favorite. Publishers like Enchanted Lion Books, producing stunning content, have become our loyal sources of inspiration.
Bestsellers at Homegrown Books
Our board books have garnered an enthusiastic response, particularly In My Garden and Night Light. We are equally thrilled about the positive feedback and strong sales for our latest board book releases, Air and What Do You See?.
Tips for children learning to read?
We have plenty of tips! Our website features a resource page filled with aids for parents and educators assisting children or students in reading. It includes videos showcasing effective techniques and links to valuable online resources. Plus, I recommend purchasing our books when your children are little; they’ll be reading before you know it!
Family must-haves
Comfortable shoes, a deck of cards, and any good book!
Family-friendly spots in your hometown
New York City boasts numerous fantastic spots, making it hard to choose favorites. My family loves venues like the Frying Pan, a unique boat docked off the west side highway that houses a restaurant. Adults can enjoy drinks while kids have the freedom to explore the boat’s underbelly and its mechanics. It’s a favorite for us—any place that allows parents to unwind while kids are in their element is a hit!