About the Author
Robyn Polansky Morrison works at the junction of money and meaning - teaching, advocating, investing, and volunteering to make a difference in the world. Endlessly curious and always seeking new challenges, she has founded multiple organizations and is engaged in numerous philanthropic activities. Robyn's debut as a children's book author is giving her another platform to encourage cultural and social change. Robyn lives in New York with her husband, David; son, Myles; and daughter, Wren.
Author Q & A
What inspired you to write The Good Morning Book?
I wrote The Good Morning Book while working through postpartum depression after the birth of my son Myles. I found spending time with him immersed in books — reading anything I could from magazines and textbooks to baby books — helped me adjust in my new role as mom. I had fond memories of childhood stories and always thought it would be an extraordinary experience to write a children’s book. I love that children’s books encourage imagination and learning. I was unsure what to write until I had children of my own. I especially enjoy reading to my children in the morning to start our days. While I came across countless bedtime and nighttime stories, I struggled in finding morning focused books.
Motivated and inspired, I wrote The Good Morning Book to fill the gap, help others connect with their children, and start each new day with positive thinking, encouragement, and a little fun. I found the courage and further inspiration to publish The Good Morning Book after the birth of my daughter Wren.
The illustrations throughout The Good Morning Book show diverse characters and settings. What prompted these decisions and why is this representation important?
It is important to me that every child reading The Good Morning Book feels included and finds themselves in the book. Representation and inclusivity are essential to nurturing empathy, kindness, and neighborliness, of which we could all use, adults and children alike. I did my best to capture and inspire as many children as possible.
How has your relationship with reading evolved since you had children?
I love books! I love reading! I love learning! I love my insatiable curiosity. I had reading comprehension challenges as a kid and found it easier to avoid reading all together. As an adult, I have learned to LOVE reading, yet I’m not great about making time to read recreationally. While some day, I can work to make more time for myself, reading children’s books makes me feel more like a reader. More accomplished. More connected to my family.
What sets The Good Morning Book apart from other children's books on the market?
As I mentioned, there are very few books written focused on the morning time. I heard somewhere that our brains are like computers — If I boot up in the morning and think negative thoughts, my computer will spread the negativity throughout my day leading to negative impacts. If I boot up in the morning and think positive thoughts, my computer will spread positivity throughout my day leading to positive impacts. This is a powerful tool. It is within our control to push the negative aside and focus on the positive. My hope is that the pages in The Good Morning Book bring smiles, comfort, fun, and brightness to your mornings.