Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of I See Me!—a company dedicated to bringing smiles to children and families with personalized children’s books. The adventure began 25 years ago with Maia and Allan Haag, a husband-and-wife team with a dream to make reading magical for every child.
Watch Maia and Allan Haag share their journey with I See Me!
Special Q&A with Maia and Allan Haag
Enjoy a quick chat with Maia and Allan Haag as they reveal the heartfelt inspirations and collaborative efforts behind their beloved business.
Q: Maia, how did I See Me! begin, and what was it like writing your first book?
Maia: It all started during my maternity leave. My husband Allan and I had received a personalized book as a gift for our new baby, but it was so simple. We felt the personalization could be better, and I wanted to write a story that would truly stand out. Writing that first book, My Very Own Name, was an amazing journey, knowing it could make kids feel special!
Q: How did you both work together to start the company, and how has it grown?
Allan: Maia brought the writing know-how, and I brought the visual creativity in terms of graphic design. We’ve grown tremendously, creating personalized books for children all over the world.
Q: What impact do you hope these books have on children and their families?
Maia: I really hope our books help kids see how special and unique they are. It’s about more than just putting their name in a story—it’s about celebrating their individuality and sparking a love for reading in a fun and immersive way. Seeing children light up when they recognize themselves in a story or engage with the narrative is truly rewarding. I believe these personalized stories can turn reading into a magical experience that brings families closer together.
To help make reading a joyful part of your family routine, consider these tips.
Reading Tips for Families
1. Make Reading a Shared Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day to reading together, so it becomes a beloved habit.
2. Personalize Your Library: Choose books that reflect your child’s interests and personality to keep them engaged and excited about reading.
3. Encourage Interaction: Pause during your reading to ask questions that can spark your child’s imagination and encourage them to think creatively.
4. Create a Cozy Reading Space: Set up a comfy, inviting nook where your child can relax and enjoy their stories.
5. Be Animated: Use different voices for characters to make the story come alive and keep your child entertained.
6. Model Reading Behavior: Let your child see you reading for pleasure, showing them that books are a source of joy and knowledge.
I See Me! books are special because they are designed just for you! With extensive customization options, these books put you and your family in the story and feature your names, skin tone, hair color, and more. This unique touch makes every reading experience even more fun and engaging.
Our personalized stories have gained widespread attention, appearing on ABC’s The View and the “Made in America” segment on World News Tonight with David Muir. As Romper highlights, books like The Magic in Me help kids appreciate their uniqueness, celebrating individuality with every turn of the page. Maia’s If My Dog Could Talk has particularly charmed dog lovers, offering a wonderful “what if” scenario to reveal what our pets are really thinking. As Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE Shopping Editor, shared, “I got this for my son, Malcolm, as a Christmas gift, and he loved it!”
For 25 years, I See Me! has been making storytime personal and magical. Here’s to many more adventures!
Resources:
- Romper: https://www.romper.com/life/personalized-childrens-books
- People: https://people.com/gifts-for-dog-lovers-8739911
- ABC The View: https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/view-hosts-share-favorite-things-2022-50/story?id=95331039
- World News Tonight with David Muir, Made in America: https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/made-america-christmas-series-highlights-small-businesses-country-94813858
