Robin Morris-Wilson, Author Of Children’s Book "Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme", Pursues Degree In Education At UM-Dearborn

Part of our mission here at the College of Education, Health and Human Services (CEHHS), is to highlight the great work of students. Robin Morris-Wilson is a current student in our Elementary Education Program. You can view her recently published book, Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme, HERE. 

1. What degree are you pursuing at UM-Dearborn and why? 

"Currently, I am majoring in elementary education with a concentration in reading and minor in integrated science. I have a passion for literacy and for helping children and families become better readers."

2. As a published children's author, what is your perspective on reading and early childhood education? 

"I firmly believe that reading is an integral part of early childhood education. It is especially important to talk to children and use variations of words in describing things around them. This is one way to aid in their language learning and support the development of early reading skills."

3. Tell us a little bit about your book, Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme and why it is important for children to read books like this? 

"I have always loved jazz music--it was among the rich music that filled my household growing up. Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme is a children's book that takes the reader on a journey into the lives and times of some of the jazz artists and musicians that made modern R&B possible. Jasmine, the main character, learns about jazz when her parents take her to a jazz museum in New York City. I wrote the story because it is important for people, especially young people, to understand the connection between jazz and rhythm & blues. So often people listen to modern music but they do not have the slightest idea of where the music comes from."

I think children's books like Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme are important

because they both educate and entertain the reader. Once, a young girl told me that she heard of Billy Holiday but did not know that Holiday was a women until reading my book. That meant a lot to me because she learned something from reading my book.

Also, I think the characters in my book are a departure from stereotypes that sometimes exist in multicultural children's literature. I have found that children appreciate the characters in my book and can relate to them regardless of their background.

In 2015, Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme will be published in French and Spanish. I believe this will further broaden my books reach and translate into more children learning about jazz music."

4. What are your plans after graduating with a degree from UM-Dearborn's College of Education, Health and Human Services? 

"I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a masters and doctorate degree in reading. I plan to become a reading specialist to support literacy learning for children in under-served communities. Additionally, I want to consult for school districts and nonprofit organizations on developing research-based and culturally relevant literacy curriculum and programs to benefit under-served youth."

5. Any other notes or comments you would want our audience to know about you and your work? 

"Next year, I hope to travel abroad to schools in Spanish and French speaking countries to promote the release of the second edition of Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme. I would love to travel to the Dominican Republic and Paris, France.

In 2013, my new children's manuscript Jazz-A-Bet: An Original Jazz Alphabet won second place in the poetry category of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Writing Awards. I hope to find a publisher for my newest children's manuscript in the upcoming year. In the meantime, I will continue to write and perform my poetry and fiction writing for local and national audiences."