Personal Story
For as long as I can remember, both my parents always tried to incorporate aspects of Polish culture into my life. This was done through making many of the same foods they grew up with, practicing traditions during holidays and special occasions that aligned with the ones they were familiar with, and practicing the language with me. This went as far to the point that as early as first or second grade, I was enrolled into a weekly Polish school program that focused on teaching me and other children the language. Although currently I’m proud of my cultural background and where I came from, it wasn’t always like that for me and at times I found myself ashamed of where me and my family came from.
What is Happy Home Press?
Happy Home Press is a publishing company that specializes in creating children’s books that seek to foster inclusive and welcoming communities. The main selling point of Happy Home Press is its introductory book “A Kot’s Cot” which is a story about how a young cat named Iga learns about her Polish heritage through childhood stories her mother tells her.
Unique Value
Happy Home Press’s "A Kot’s Cot" will standout from children’s books such as the ones from Patricia Polacco due to the fact that it covers Polish culture and traditions. Along with this, the book will strive to explain the significance of these traditions in a way that anyone can understand the importance easily. Finally the book will also incorporate more anthropomorphic characters as opposed to humans since children tend to attach more onto animal characters, developing a stronger emotional connection.
Competition
Babushka’s Doll and The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco are two children’s books that tell captivating stories relating to various aspects of the author’s life coming from a Russian family. Aspects of Russian culture are present throughout both books ranging from traditions taught to children, to Russian cuisine.
Personas
After gathering insightful information regarding the project, the main target audience can be divided into three groups: parents or caregivers, educators like librarians or teachers, and the children themselves. Representing each group is a persona that embodies the respective audience as a single user.
The Parent
- Name: Adam Broz
- Age: 34
- Occupation: Stay-at-home Parent
- Location: Long Island, NY
Parent or Caregiver (late 20’s to mid 40’s) that is an immigrant from a different background or wants to educate their own children on different cultural backgrounds. Feels that there needs to be more representation present in the books they read to their kids. They often search for books on-line or through stores and libraries. Along with this they also try to join different groups that discuss about different children’s books.
“ Children should learn more about different cultures so they can be more empathetic.”
The Educator
- Name: Joan Smith
- Age: 25
- Occupation: Librarian
- Location: New York City, NY
Teacher, librarian, or specialist that regularly works with children (early 20’s to 50’s) and wants to foster an environment that is aware and accepting of those from different cultural backgrounds. Believes that better practices and more representation should be present in these environments. They often search for books that reflects their community. They also discuss with parents and other professionals on what can be done to improve their established learning environment.
“ Children’s books, schools, and libraries should better reflect the community as a whole.”
The Child
- Name: Anka Broz
- Age: 9
- Occupation: Student
- Location: Long Island, NY
Young child (age 5-9) that comes from a different cultural background or has parents that come from a different country. Due to their background, they often find themselves feeling isolated from their peers and would like to find themselves more in media geared towards them like in children’s books. They want to learn more and join communities that facilitate discussions surrounding these books.
“ I wish it was easier for me to connect with my classmates so I can make more friends.”