Chat with Maia and Allan

I’m Maia Haag, the author of the books. My husband Allan designs all our products and marketing materials. We’ve loved creating the books and gifts, but even more than that, we’ve loved hearing feedback from you, our customers. How have your children enjoyed the books? Our mission is to make children feel great about themselves through personalized books. How can we do this even better?

112 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Maia Haag  |  October 28, 2009 at 3:17 am

    Hi Robin,

    Thanks for your very nice feedback, and for ordering books for your grandchildren and your friends’ grandchildren! We really appreciate it. In case you haven’t heard, we just introduced a new book called “You and Me” that makes it easy for grandparents to celebrate their grandchildren and show them what you were like as a child. You will receive a kit with fun questions for you to answer about your childhood, and a list of suggested photos for you to provide. You simply mail your answers and photos to us in a return envelope that comes in the kit. We do all the work to make this keepsake book for your grandchild, for $29.95. Thanks again! Maia

  • 2. Anonymous  |  October 28, 2009 at 3:02 am

    Hi Terry,

    Thanks for your feedback. When the book is printed, it does not say “You and Me” on the cover or title page. There is no copy on the front cover. (There is a photo of the grandparent and child in the center, and a colorful design around the photo.) On the title page are printed the actual names of the grandparent and child. For example, the title page might say, “Nana and Austin” or “Grandma Sue, Grandpa Joe and Sammy.”

    I am an English major and I thought about naming the series “You and I” as opposed to “You and Me.” In my mind, it’s a book about “you and me” so the title could be viewed as the object of a preposition instead of the subject. However, I do see your point. The only place where “You and Me” is printed is in small type on the back cover.

    I hope that you decide to purchase the book. Thanks for being a customer! Best regards, Maia

  • 3. Robin MacLachlan  |  October 27, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Someone sent you book to my newest grandchild and I loved it! I immediately ordered one for my other granddaughter and several of my friends new grandchildren. It is a great inspiration and I wish you all the best with your company.

  • 4. Terry Durham  |  October 27, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    I have always been a believer in teaching children proper grammar.

    I wish your book was called You and I, NOT You and Me.

    If it were, I would buy it in a heartbeat!

  • 5. maiahaag  |  October 20, 2009 at 4:37 am

    Hi Jessica,
    I hope that your daughter enjoys her book for Christmas! Thanks so much for your very nice feedback!

    Thanks, Maia

  • 6. Jessica  |  October 18, 2009 at 2:27 am

    I came across your My Very Own Fairy Tale book at the recommendation of someone and decided to get one for my 3 year old daughter for Christmas :) . Little did I know that it would be signed by you and I’d get free shipping. I can’t wait for my little girl to open up her book on Christmas. I know she’s going to love it. Thanks so much.

  • 7. maiahaag  |  September 21, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    Hi Lisa,

    Thanks for your really nice feedback about the fairies in “My Very Own Fairy Tale!” That’s exactly the message that we’re trying to get across in the book–that everyone is beautiful and to be valued, and that it’s one inner character traits that make one a great princess or leader. I hope that your daughter enjoys her book for years to come!

    Best regards,
    Maia

  • 8. Lisa  |  September 21, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Thank you so much for using so many different nationalities in your books! I can buy a book for any one of my friends! I can also find a fairy princess that looks like my daughter. While this might seem trite or unimportant to some individuals, it means so much to a child to see a character that looks like them. I bought one of the books for my daughter and she was so thrilled that the fairy looked like her AND some of her friends. THANK YOU so much for showing that everyone is beautiful and to be valued, no matter what the nationality.

  • 9. maiahaag  |  September 14, 2009 at 9:53 pm

    Susan,
    I love the fact that your friend couldn’t wait to read the book to her daughter. Glad to hear that she loved the personalized stickers!!
    Best,
    Maia

  • 10. Susan C.  |  September 14, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    Maia,

    Well, I couldn’t wait. I already took the book to my friend who 1) cried 2) told her 5lb 12 oz. daughter they had a new book to read tonight and 3) was so excited about the stickers she started putting them on everything the child owns!

    Thanks again,
    Susan

  • 11. maiahaag  |  September 14, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    Hi Susan,

    Thanks for your really nice feedback, and for purchasing the book for your friends who are having babies! ! It’s fun to hear that mothers cry when they read their child’s name in the book! :)

    Maia

  • 12. Susan C.  |  September 14, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Dear Maia & Allan,

    I absoluetly LOVE these books! I just got my 4th or 5th one in the mail today for a friend. Seems everyone is having a baby lately and they are the perfect gift for a newborn, especially the first child.

    I must say, every mother that I have given the book to has cried when they saw their child’s name in it.

    Thanks!
    Susan

  • 13. maiahaag  |  September 1, 2009 at 10:16 pm

    Dear Mrs. L,

    I think it’s a fabulous idea for your first graders to create the “The World According to [Me]” to encourage reading. They would have so much fun receiving their own books with their own illustrations and comments. If you decide to do this project with your students, we would love to hear how it goes!

    Regards,

    Maia

  • 14. Meredith Struebing  |  August 26, 2009 at 11:59 am

    Thank you so much! My daughter, Mya, has the book, “My Very Own Fairytale” and loves it! She is just now at an age where she appreciates it. When the time comes, when the adoption is finalized, I will place an order for both children!
    Thank you so much again,
    Meredith Struebing

  • 15. maiahaag  |  August 26, 2009 at 3:40 am

    Hi Laura,

    I’m glad to hear that Aidan is enjoying his “My Very Own Name” book! I have a 3-year-old as well, and it’s fun when they realize that it’s their name that’s spelled on the page. Please tell Aidan that I hope that he enjoys reading….and his sister, too!

    Best regards,

    Maia

  • 16. maiahaag  |  August 26, 2009 at 3:33 am

    Hi Meredith,

    We do not have a book that is specifically about adoption; however, the “My Very Own Name” and “My Very Own Fairy Tale” books work very well for adopted children. My husband and I adopted our third child, so we’re sensitive to making sure that our books work equally well for adopted children. The copy in “My Very Own Name” reads, “On [date], the news spread far and wide. “Did you hear?” the creatures said. “A baby [boy] arrived.” The book therefore talks about when the child “arrived” rather than when the child was “born.” In “My Very Own Fairy Tale,” the dedication page lists the date as the “arrival date” rather than the “birth date” as well. We’ve received great feedback from the adoption community. Many parents have used the “My Very Own Name” book to talk with their adopted child about when he or she arrived into their lives and when they named the child. It is up to you whether you provide us with the child’s birth date or the child’s arrival date into the home. Either date will work. Thanks again for your interest in our books!

    Best regards,

    Maia

  • 17. Meredith Struebing  |  August 26, 2009 at 1:21 am

    My sister is adopting two little girls. Do you have a book, or will you come out with a book about adoption? If not, could you change the name books birth date to adoption somehow for one of the girls?
    Thanks Meredith

  • 18. Ms. L  |  August 22, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    I am a first grade teacher and the book “The World According to ____” looks like it would be a fantastic project to encourage reading for my young students.

  • 19. Laura  |  August 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    My son Aiden got a the very own name book for his firth birthday. I put the book away till a few months ago. Now that he is almost three he is really enjoying the book. I have to read it to him every night. This is a great books I also enjoy the illistration. I am thinking of getting the fariy book for my daughter.

  • 20. maiahaag  |  August 4, 2009 at 3:47 am

    Hi Cara,

    Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad to hear that you love the “My Very Own Fairy Tale” book that you received for your daughter! Your idea is a good one to include the child’s photo at the back of the book. The only hitch is that most gift-givers don’t have access to a photo, or at least it’s not fast and easy for them to get access to a photo. That’s the only reason that we haven’t offered this option.

  • 21. Cara Richardson  |  August 3, 2009 at 11:34 pm

    My cousins sent my newborn daughter the My Very Own Fairy Tale. I just wanted to say that it is so beautiful!! What a wonderful idea!! I teared up when I first read it. She is only 7 weeks now, but I am anxious for her to see the book as she gets older. I do have an idea for this book. Have you thought of being able to incorporate the child’s picture at the end on the thrown? Or at least showing the face of the princess and the picture be the child? I’m sure that has already been thought of, but I wanted to send that idea anyway.

  • 22. maiahaag  |  July 6, 2009 at 7:07 am

    Hi Kristen,
    Thanks for your great feedback about The World According To Grace! I’m excited to hear that you liked the book that Grace wrote, and that her grandparents liked it, too! I hope that Grace enjoyed writing and illustrating her own book. Thanks for all the books that you’ve ordered as gifts!
    Best regards,
    Maia

  • 23. Kristen  |  June 26, 2009 at 7:50 pm

    I just ordered the World According to Grace and absolutely love it. I kept one and gave one to my mom and dad for mother’s/father’s day. They absolutely loved seeing Grace’s drawings and reading her quotes about her favorite toys and favorite people. It is something we will always treasure. I plan to do one each year to see her change.

    I have also ordered the Princess book as a baby gift and know that my friends have enjoyed it very much.

    I also had a minor issue with a typo and the customer service was excellent to address the problem. Thanks for great products and great customer service.

  • 24. maiahaag  |  June 11, 2009 at 3:24 am

    Hi Kim,

    Glad to hear that your kids love their books! Thanks for giving the books as gifts. Our business depends on word of mouth, so we really appreciate it!

    Best regards,
    Maia

  • 25. Kimberly Mularski  |  June 10, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    Hi Maia,

    My friend gave my daughter the ABC book when she was born and I have been a fan ever since. I have twn children and they both adore their books. My daughter loves The Fairy Princess book. I now only give your books as gifts to my friends and family. I can’t wait to see the new one this fall.

    Thanks,
    KIm

  • 26. maiahaag  |  June 10, 2009 at 3:20 am

    Hi Traci,

    Please tell Rylee that I’m very proud of her for becoming an author and an illustrator! Thank you so much for your nice feedback. It’s wonderful to hear that you like the book and that you’re planning to give it as birthday gifts. We really appreciate it, and we love to hear your feedback!

    Best regards,

    Maia

  • 27. Traci Dobrowolski  |  June 9, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    Just wanted to say how priceless my daughters book is!!The world according to Rylee. She smiles reading every word. It is going to be my new birthday gift for all of her friends and my nieces and nephews!! What a great keepsake of my 5 year old. I may even do a book every two years to watch the change!! Thank you so much for a great product!!

  • 28. maiahaag  |  June 9, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Lynn,

    Thanks for your nice comment! I’m glad that you have received such nice feedback to the recipients of the books. I’ll cross my fingers that you’ll be a grandparent soon! Thanks for being a customer.

    Regards,
    Maia

  • 29. Lynn Caley  |  June 9, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    I LOVE your assortment of books and gifts. My children are all grown, but hopefully I will have grandchildren soon! I have purchased books over the last few years for 5 different newborn babies. It is such a unique and personal gift. Everyone who has received a book has been absolutely enthralled and amazed! Keep it up!

  • 30. maiahaag  |  May 8, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    Hi Linda,

    We do use the US Postal Service to ship to Canada. If you ever have a question about our ordering process, our customer service team at customerservice@iseeme.com will get back to you within 48 hours (usually 24 hours.) I hope that your granddaughter likes the book that you ordered!

    Regards,
    Maia

  • 31. maiahaag  |  May 8, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Hi Erin,

    Glad to hear that you like the ladybug! She’s one of my favorites in the “My Very Own Name” book. Thanks for sharing our website with your friends!

    Regards,
    Maia

  • 32. maiahaag  |  May 8, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Hi Joyce,

    Thanks for the post that you made earlier to our website about illustrations of African American fairies. I wanted to get back to you about this. There are currently only 6 fairies out of 62 that are African American, and we have definitely recognized that we need more. When we developed the book, we asked the illustrator to paint fairies representing a variety of ethnicities and also fairies from other countries such as Spain, China, Italy, etc. We have found that we do not have enough African American fairies, particularly for commonly used letters such as vowels. I’m in the process of writing more rhymes now, and we will soon ask our illustrator to paint more African American fairies. This will take several months, as each illustration is hand-painted on canvas. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback.

    Regards,
    Maia

  • 33. maiahaag  |  May 8, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    Hi Arlene,

    I am writing a book for boys and it’s being illustrated now. Each illustration is an original oil painting on canvas, so the illustrator is hard at work. It usually takes our illustrators over 2 years to illustrate each book since the illustrations are done by hand. We will introduce this book for boys sometime in 2010. Thanks for being a customer, and I’m glad to hear that your grandchildren enjoy their books!

  • 34. Lynda  |  April 27, 2009 at 2:00 am

    I am so excited to order one of your books for my 2 year old Granddaughter. I have a question about shipping, do you use US Postal Service to ship to Canada?

    Thank You
    Lynda

  • 35. Erin Gehr  |  April 23, 2009 at 12:23 am

    I just wanted to thank you guys so much for using the Lady Bug in the book I just ordered. It will really mean a lot to the family. Lady bugs have a really special place in their hearts. Again thank you so much I have ordered many books from this website and would tell all my friends about them.

  • 36. Deb  |  April 19, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    I just found your website and love it, its exactly what I have been searching for, I would love to visit with you via email if possible about some ideas I have for a niche that I believe would fit in beautifully with your current business. I dont have a business but would like to create my own personal niche in this area but would like some help or input. Im a 51 year old mother from the midwest so have extensive farm and animal background.

  • 37. Joyce  |  April 14, 2009 at 3:44 pm

    I was wondering why you didn’t do any illustrations of African American Fairies in the fairy book? It’s a great book but i would have also liked it better for my daughter’s imagination to capture herself in the book. A student of mine brought her book in for show and share and I thought it would be something my daughter would enjoy

  • 38. maiahaag  |  March 30, 2009 at 5:30 am

    Hi Stephanie,

    How much fun that you’re buying books for your girl friends for your group birthday celebration! I think that’s great. It was also fun to hear that you and your daughter enjoy finding the baby fairy in “My Very Own Fairy Tale.” Sometimes I wonder if we should have made those baby fairies harder to find because my 2-year-old finds them right away….
    Maia

  • 39. Stephanie  |  March 27, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    As soon as I found out about your books I had to get them for my children a few years ago. Both of my children (ages 3 & 5) have learned how to spell their own name and their sibling’s name a long time ago with the help of your books. They love reading their own book and each other’s book. We love the detail of My Very Own Name and My Very Own Fairy Tale. We all enjoy searching for the “baby fairy” in My Very Own Fairy Tale each time before turning the page.
    Now I am spreading the word to all of my friends for any of their children and friends. I am going to order 5 more books for my adult girl friends for our “group birthday celebration.” and I know they will all enjoy it.
    Thank you all for your wonderful creativeness!
    Sincerely,
    Stephanie Ball

  • 40. maiahaag  |  March 12, 2009 at 7:12 am

    Hi Julie,

    I’m so glad to hear that your daughters love their books! Please let them know that the author hopes that they develop a lifelong love of reading. Thanks also for your suggestion about the personalized graduation book!

    Best regards, Maia

  • 41. Julie  |  March 6, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    First, I want you to know my daughters (2 & 5 years old) enjoy listening to me read their personalized books to them. We also enjoy giving your books as gifts. With that said, I would love to see a personalized graduation book. The students name, school name, what type of graduation (preschool. kindergarten, elementary, etc…) and year could all be included. It would be a gift that could be treasured forever.

  • 42. maiahaag  |  March 4, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    Hi Nicole,

    Thanks for your really nice feedback! Please tell your son that the author is very glad that he likes his book, and I hope that he develops a joy of reading!

    Thanks,

    Maia

  • 43. Nicole  |  March 4, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    I love your books…. I received one for my son from a good friend when he was born… I believe it was one of if not the favorite gift we received! He is 3 now and LOVES reading his book!!!
    It is now my favorite gift to give to friends with newborns!!! I’ll be a customer forever!!!!!

  • 44. Arlene Hart  |  March 4, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    I have enjoyed your books and so have my grandchildren! I have purchase all of your books, and now I was wondering if you are working on a book specifically for boys as you did for the girls with the writing of you “fairies” book? Please let me know if this is in the works since I do have a grandson that I would love to purchase another book for! Thanks, Arlene Hart

  • 45. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    Hi Rupa,

    I hope that your nephew enjoys is very own book! Thanks for thinking of I See Me! whenever you’re buying gifts for children! Also, thanks for your suggestion to include photos in the books. (Have you seen our new book “The World According to Your Child?” This book includes the child’s own drawings and comments about the world. At the back of the book, the child is listed as the author with a photo of him or her. We sell a kit for the book and it makes a great gift.) Thanks also for your very nice feedback about our customer service! We really appreciate it.

    Best regards, Maia

  • 46. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    Hi Jan,

    I love the fact that your 8-year-old is waiting for his very own book. We won’t have a boy book out by May. (It’s a labor of love, and the illustrator is painting over 60 original paintings for it.) However, I might suggest our new book “The World According to…” for your son, if he likes to draw. This book would feature his own drawings and comments about his world. This book would be ALL about him! Another great alternative would be our personalized floor puzzle that features his own name and birth date in the puzzle.

    Thanks, Maia

  • 47. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    Hi Kim,

    It was so much fun to read your story about how you gave each animal its own sound and voice in your son’s book! I would love to hear you read it :) He will have fond memories of hearing Mom read his book with animation! Please let him know that I hope he develops a life-long love of reading.

    Best regards, Maia

  • 48. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    Hi Israel,

    Thanks for letting me know how much you, your son and your nieces have enjoyed reading the books! Regarding the animal choices, we do actually have a lion for the letter “L,” as well as the lamb. (The wall art only features the lamb. Maybe that is what you are referring to.) If you received a book that has duplicate animals, please send an email to customerservice@iseeme.com to see if we had other animals that we could have used. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will remake a book if we didn’t use all the animals that we could have. Thanks for being such a great customer!

    Regards, Maia

  • 49. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    Hi Grandma Sue,

    Thanks for your very nice feedback! I’m glad to hear that your grandson loves his “My Very Own Name” book. I’m very impressed that he is captivated by it at 7 months. Hopefully he will continue to love the book in upcoming years as he learns to recognize the letters of this name. Thanks for your suggestion to offer a book that includes older siblings, to incorporate the entire family. (For older siblings, by the way, please see our new “The World According to…” book that features the child’s own drawings and comments about their world.) Thanks for giving our books as gifts to your friends’ grandchildren!

    Thanks,
    Maia

  • 50. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    Hi Cheryl,

    I’m so glad to hear that your grandson loves is “My Very Own Name” book! Hopefully his book is helping him to recognize letters and learn to spell his name. Please let him know that the author hopes that he continues to love his book! Thanks also for your suggestion about the personalized DVD.

    Best regards,
    Maia

  • 51. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Hi Susan,

    It’s always great to hear from other small business owners. That’s fun to hear that you heard about our company on The Doctors. For his first birthday in December, you could give him “My Very Own ABC’s,” in which animals encourage the child in rhyme to learn his ABC’s. It comes with an adorable plush lamb. When he turns 3, our personalized floor puzzle would be good.

    Thanks again for your nice comments! -Maia

  • 52. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 9:54 pm

    Hi Jocelyn,

    Thanks for your compliment about our new fairy wall art! The illustrator Joyce Patti did a fabulous job painting the fairies for My Very Own Fairy Tale, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer wall art featuring the fairies.
    Thanks! -Maia

  • 53. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    Hi Ingrid,
    Wow! Thanks for all the very nice feedback! I’m very glad to hear that you like My Very Own Name and My Very Own Fairy Tale! I hope that your daughter enjoys her books for years to come. Please tell her that I hope that she develops a life-long love of reading.
    Thanks! Maia

  • 54. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    Hi Marlene,
    Glad to hear that you like our new personalized puzzle! We are not currently planning to offer another design for the puzzle, but we may in the future. Thanks so much for being a customer!
    Regards, Maia

  • 55. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    Hi Maggie,

    Glad to hear that you like our new fairy wall art! The illustrator Joyce Patti did a wonderful job painting the fairies for My Very Own Fairy Tale, and we’re very happy to be able to offer her paintings as wall art. Thanks so much for giving so many of our books as gifts! We really appreciate it.
    -Maia

  • 56. maiahaag  |  March 3, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    Hi Jackie,
    Thanks for your really nice feedback! I’m especially glad to hear that your girls loved making their World According to… books. I’m sure that they did a wonderful job making the books. Please let your children know that I hope that they love to read, and that they could become an author one day, too, if that’s in their dreams. Thanks for your suggestion for a book for boys!
    Maia

  • 57. Joan Fey  |  March 3, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    I was delighted to read that you are preparing a book for boys. I gave “My Very Own Name” to my granddaughter. Now that I have a grandson, I would like to do the same for him…but not with the same story line as his older sister’s. My wish would be ANOTHER “My Very Own Name”, perhaps minus the bassinet; a little less sugar; and a little more spice.

    Thank you for your many entrancing works.

    Joan
    Thanks for your feedback about wanting a book for boys! We are in the process of developing a book for boys right now. My lips are sealed regarding the subject, but I think that you and your son will really like it! Don’t hold your breath, though….It takes us a long time to produce each book because the illustrations for each book are hand-painted by the illustrator. We hope that our new book will be ready next year.

  • 58. Rupa  |  March 3, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    I first ordered ‘My very own name’ for my baby nephew and the whole family enjoys the book. They give me credit for the thoughtful gift, but I know the true credit goes to you for these wonderful ideas and how easy you make it for us to order custom gifts. I now make ‘I see me’ a regular stop whenever I’m looking for gifts. Probably the option of adding a couple of our pictures to the custom gifts is something you could consider when planning future products. Also, as someone else has said, the personalized emails from Mindy, helping us keep track of our gifts are just super. I haven’t experienced such great customer service anywhere else. As a freelance copywriter for websites and a newsletter writer myself, I am often skeptical of marketing copy as a lot of it promises the world and underdelivers. I’m happy to say that my ‘I See me’ experience has been a delightful surprise!

  • 59. Jan D  |  March 3, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    My 5 and 7 year old daughters absolutely love their name books. My 8 (almost 9) year old son is still asking when there will be a book with his name in it. (They just don’t grow out of some things that are as special as your books.) We can’t wait for your “boy” book to come out. His birthday is in May. Any chance it will be out by then???? Thanks so much!!!!

  • 60. Kim Mullen  |  March 3, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    We had the name book created for our son when he was 5 and he loved it! The idea of animals creating his very special name interestingly brought questions about how we thought of his name, which was fun to share with him. From the very first time I read it to him, I gave each animal their own sound and voice as I read their part of giving their letter towrds his name. He still loves for me to do that to this day, even though he’s 8 now.

    He still gets the book out and even though he can read it himself of course; he still loves to have us read it to him, and he still reads the inscription in the front. This will be a keepsake for his entire life!

  • 61. Pam Terrelll  |  March 3, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    Dear Maia and Allen,
    I love your books and have given “My Very Own Name” to several of my friends. In addition to that, I’ve recommended your books to friends who want to give a different and unique baby gift. However, I’d love to see you adapt something especially for older boys (3-6) i.e., some adventure story or action character, similar to your “princess” story for girls. My grandson would love a book like that with his name throughout. Just a suggestion.

    Keep up the good work, your books are amazing!

  • 62. Grandma Sue  |  March 3, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    My first grandson received “My Very Own Name” and, at 7 months it is one of his very favorite books !!
    I have purchased one already and have several friends who are having grandchildren this year. I plan on sending all of them this incredible story.!!
    I was wondering if a older brothers or sisters could be mentioned in the book to incorporate the entire family??
    Thanks for a adorable book !!!!
    In reading the blog….going forward I will purchse the ABC’s for my grandson also!!
    Thanks for a wonderful product.
    Grandma Sue from Conneciticut

  • 63. Cheryl  |  March 3, 2009 at 4:11 pm

    I love the name book. I bought it for my grandson when he turned 1 years old. He now will be 3 in April and he loves that book. That is still the book he always picks out and he has many books. The personalization is great, it makes the gift seem so much more warm and heartfelt. I would love to see a cd or DVD with our special childs name or picture ( in the dvd ). My grandson always watches his dvd’s or listens to his cd’s and it would be great for him to see himself or hear his name. Just a suggestion. The illustrations are very detailed and creative, thanks allan and maia for making a product that is safe and positive for our precious children. God Bless.
    Cheryl

  • 64. Susan  |  March 3, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Heard of your books on The Doctors . “My Very Own Name” was perfect for my new grandson. His first birthday is coming up in Dec.. Will there be something new for boys by then ? Your customer service is great. We have a large family and it’s sometimes hard to get something someone else has not already bought him.
    Keep up the great work !
    From one small business owner to another -
    Susan

  • 65. Jocelyn  |  March 3, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Just wanted to say that the new fairy name posters are really beautiful–can’t wait till some birthdays come around so I can have an excuse to order them!

  • 66. Ingrid  |  March 3, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    I received “My Very Own Name” as a gift 4 years ago from a friend and was blown away by its quality and creativity – as a new mom, it brought tears to my eyes reading it and my daughter was captivated – the words just flow so beautifully! Two years ago I ordered the Fairy Book as a birthday gift for her and now at age 4, she has a renewed interest in it and is thrilled to see her own name referenced in its pages – it warms my heart to see her enjoyment. I have to compliment you on the absolutely beautiful illustrations and lovely story. This is the most captivating personalized book we own and your company does a sensational job. Thanks for putting such wonderful products out there and btw, your customer service is also excellent! Keep up the good work!

  • 67. marlene morris  |  March 3, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    I just received the personalized puzzle which I ordered for my grandson. It looks just beautiful. I am going to save it for his birthday. However, he has a little sister. I would like to get her a puzzle as well, but would like it to be different. Are you planning to do another with a different design?

  • 68. marlene morris  |  March 3, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    I just received the personalized puzzle which I ordered for my grandson. It looks just beautiful. I am going to save it for his birthday. However, he has a little sister. I would like to get her a puzzle as well, but would like it to be different. Are you planning to do another with a different design?

  • 69. Maggie Torres  |  March 3, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Maria & Team, I just received the personalized fairy art for my daughter’s room – it is beautiful!!! The faces on the fairies are lovely and being able to choose our favorite fairies was an added bonus!I have been giving your books as gifts since receiving one for my son 4 years ago (I think I’m over 10 books)! Congratulations on your awards — well deserved!

  • 70. Jackie  |  March 3, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Hi guys!

    I love your products! We received MY Very Own Name 7 years ago and have since received them for all of our children as gifts. I purchased the fairy book, which my 4 yr. old LOVES. My 7yr. old daughters want their own. I recently purchased the book..The
    World According to…. My girls loved making it and then receiving it. We are expecting the last one today, as a matter of fact. One suggestion for a book to coincide with the fairy book, would be one for little boys. Like trains, cars, etc. Congratulations on your new award!
    Jackie from WI

  • 71. maiahaag  |  February 19, 2009 at 4:30 am

    Hi Norma, you can reach our customer service center at 1-877-281-0536. If you’d like to reach me personally, the best thing to do is to send an email to me via this blog. Thanks, Maia

  • 72. norma johnson  |  February 18, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    note..IS THERE A PHONE # WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHEC..THANK YOU..NORMA JOHNSON..(320) 632-2147..(LITTLE FALLS, MN..56345)..it is freezing here today w/sub zero windchills!!!!!hopefully you all are somewhere WARM!!!!!!!..nej

  • 73. maiahaag  |  January 30, 2009 at 6:13 am

    Hi Nancy,

    I’m so glad to hear that your love our products and that you’ve had great customer service. Mindy is great. I hope that your granddaughter and grandson enjoy their personalized Easter gifts!

    Regards,
    Maia

  • 74. Nancy Blasingame  |  January 30, 2009 at 12:26 am

    NEVER have I received such wonderful customer service from any business!

    I ordered for my grandaughter (2yr) and my grandson(6 mos). So far my items have been for birthdays and I just placed an order tonght for Easter gifts for them. Keeping the items a secret before the event is so hard…

    I discovered your site by accident, I was browsing one night looking for personalized children’s books. I sure did get lucky! I love the quality and the beautiful pictures.

    You have a great person “Mindy” who has been so kind to me. Kudos to her.

    Thanks so much for your products and service….and your trust.

    Nancy in North Carolina

  • 75. maiahaag  |  January 23, 2009 at 12:04 am

    Hi Karissa,

    Thanks so much for letting me know about your experience receiving “My Very Own Name” for your son! I love hearing that the book is now one of his favorites. Please let your son know that the author hopes that he really enjoys his very own book! Hopefully he’ll be a reader in no time….

    Best,
    Maia

  • 76. Karissa  |  January 18, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    My son got a “My Very Own Name” book from my cousins for Christmas. I cried as I was reading through it. It was the most creative thing I saw. This is his second Christmas, but he actually enjoyed opening his gifts. This book is now one of his favorites.
    Thank You!

  • 77. maiahaag  |  January 15, 2009 at 5:49 am

    Hi Elisa,

    What a great story about your son and his story time moment at school! Thanks for helping to spread the word about the books with his teachers. I hope that your son enjoys his book for many years to come.

    Best,
    Maia

  • 78. Elisa Morvillo  |  January 14, 2009 at 11:37 pm

    My son received “My Very Own Name” from my sister-in-law as a gift. His school, as a special birthday treat, welcomes books to be read during storytime in lieu of having parties. He brought the book to school on Monday, Jan 12th to be read for his birthday. His two teachers raved abouth this book for days and asked my how to get the book. I just e-mailed them all the information.

    This book is special and I will save it with my sons memories.

    Thank you!

  • 79. maiahaag  |  December 22, 2008 at 4:19 am

    Hi Molly,
    I hope that your daughter enjoys her “My Very Own Fairy Tale” book for years to come! Hopefully she’ll be spelling her name in no time…..Best regards, Maia

  • 80. Molly  |  December 19, 2008 at 3:53 am

    My mother in law order my daughter. My Very Own Fairy Tale for christmas it is very beautiful. Thank you both for all the hard work you do . And I think my daughter will learn how to spell her name a lot easier thanks so much it is beautiful.

  • 81. maiahaag  |  December 3, 2008 at 6:16 am

    Debi, if you include a middle name in the book, then the animals (in My Very Own Name) or the fairies (in My Very Own Fairy Tale) bring letters one by one to spell out the child’s middle name. This makes the book longer, since additional pages are added. The inclusion of the middle name doesn’t actually change the story, but there will be more animals or fairies used in the book.

  • 82. maiahaag  |  December 3, 2008 at 5:55 am

    Eliza, I’m so glad to hear that you love your very own fairy tale! I’m sure that the fairies made a perfect choice in selecting you to be their fairy princess. They must have flown across the world to find you in Australia.
    Maia

  • 83. eliza murrells  |  November 29, 2008 at 4:21 am

    i turned 2 today and my friend anna ellis bought my very own fairy tale book – i love it.
    eliza murrells
    victoria
    australia

  • 84. Debi  |  November 28, 2008 at 2:29 am

    I have recently learned about your books and am excited to order them for my girls. I am however, trying to decide if I should include their middle names. How does this change the story?

  • 85. maiahaag  |  November 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm

    Hi Brenda,

    To answer your question about “The World According To” book, it will work perfectly for Cooper, even though he does not have siblings. One spread in the book asks him to list and draw the people in his family. It’s an open-ended question, so he could list himself and his parents, or include his pets. Another spread asks Cooper to list up to 12 people that he loves and why. The sample book on the website includes siblings because that child happens to have siblings. Cooper could list any people that he loves. His list could simply include his parents. If he only lists 2 people, then we increase the font size so that his responses will fill the page. Or, he could decide to list relatives and pets.

    Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope that Cooper enjoys making his own book!

    Best regards, Maia

  • 86. maiahaag  |  November 24, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Hi Tess,

    Thanks for your very nice feedback!! I hope that your daughter learns to love her book as she grows older. (I know that right now, she would just want to eat it. :) Thanks for spreading the word about the books!

    Regards, Maia

  • 87. Tess  |  November 23, 2008 at 8:28 pm

    I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but as often as I have seen your ads, I was never compelled to look into your product. I suppose I may not have noticed the web address. Your website, is really thorough. I am happy to admit that all changed this week. My newborn daughter received “My Very Own Fairly Tale” as a gift and it sent chills through me. I just wanted to comment and thank you for offering such creative and high quality products. I have already ordered two gifts for others to keep the word spreading.

  • 88. Brenda Farquharson  |  November 22, 2008 at 9:40 pm

    I saw your books a while back on the Today show and thought they were a great idea. I have a 5 year old grandson in Pre K and thought “The World According To…” book would make a great gift for my grandson as he will soon be learning to read.

    I took the virtual tour and noticed that the storyline refers to the child’s siblings. Cooper does not have any siblings, but he does have two dogs and a cat. Or, perhaps it could be about his school friends. Can this be accomplished?

    Thank you for your quick response as I would love for this to be a Christmas gift.

    Brenda Farquharson

  • 89. maiahaag  |  November 21, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    Hi Julie,

    If you place your order our books by December 14 with standard delivery, we guarantee that they will arrive in time for Christmas. Thanks for being a customer!

    Regards,

    Maia

  • 90. julie  |  November 21, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    When does the order need to be in so it is received by Christmas? Thanks! Julie

  • 91. maiahaag  |  November 18, 2008 at 7:43 pm

    Hi Martha,

    I’m glad that you like our books! We don’t offer a book that is all about puppies. If you order “My Very Own Name,” there are many types of animals in that book. Animal characters bring letters one by one to spell out the child’s name in rhyme, and then they celebrate because they’ve created the perfect name. If your son’s name happens to have the letter “N” in it, the Newfoundland dog might bring the letter “N” in the story. But that would only be if your child has the letter “N” in his name. Thanks, Maia

  • 92. Martha  |  November 18, 2008 at 7:02 pm

    I saw your book and really like it, Please let me if you have someting whit puppies, my grandson like them very much and woul like to made one whith that subjetc. Thanks for your answer

  • 93. maiahaag  |  October 28, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    Hi Irene,

    Yes, we do occasionally give away a free book on blogs. Please send an email to accounts@iseeme.com with information about your blog and the giveaway.

    Thanks, Maia

  • 94. maiahaag  |  October 3, 2008 at 10:36 pm

    Hi Louise,

    Yes, our books allow for a double first name like Anna Kate and a double last name like Smith-Robinson. There’s a maximum of 15 characters for the first name, but as long as you’re within the maximum, the books can accommodate a double first name. Thanks for being a customer of I See Me!

  • 95. Louise Robinson  |  October 3, 2008 at 1:05 am

    My granddaughters have double names…..Mary Emery,Anna Kate,etc.Does your book allow for this?

  • 96. maiahaag  |  September 25, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    Hi Debbi,

    Thanks for your feedback about wanting a book for boys! We are in the process of developing a book for boys right now. My lips are sealed regarding the subject, but I think that you and your son will really like it! Don’t hold your breath, though….It takes us a long time to produce each book because the illustrations for each book are hand-painted by the illustrator. We hope that our new book will be ready next year.

  • 97. Debbi Haft Plitnick  |  September 25, 2008 at 7:46 pm

    Hi Maia & Allen,

    I love your books, My daughter and son have one. I have a question about the fairytale one though, how about a super hero story for a boy? My son Alex is 5 and is very into superheroes,
    and I thought it might be a good fairytale princess alternative.

  • 98. maiahaag  |  September 16, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Hi Cheryl,

    Thanks for your thoughtful feedback. When we developed “My Very Own Fairy Tale,” we made a concerted effort to make sure that our illustrator painted a diversity of fairies. Our list of fairies includes fairies of different ethnicities and fairies from different countries. However, we have realized that we did not go far enough. Our library of fairies is not wide enough to represent different cultures adequately. Depending on the spelling of the child’s name (and hence which fairies are used in the book) many times we do not have enough diversity represented. We have already decided that we need to ask the illustrator of “My Very Own Fairy Tale” to illustrate more fairies that represent different cultures. Your email confirms this need. I can’t give you timing on this because it takes a long time for our illustrator to paint original paintings, but please know that we are working on it.

    Thanks again for your feedback. We always like to hear from our customers, and we appreciate candid feedback because it helps us improve our personalized books and gifts.

  • 99. Cheryl Cooks  |  September 16, 2008 at 2:55 am

    Hello, I am a “consultant” for your books and I have been very pleased with the quality. I am a teacher as well and I love the concept and the excitement you bring to the books.

    ……The only thing that I was wondering was if you were going to include any other cultures or “hues” within your fairy concept(or any of your books). (Honestly, I have only viewed the My Very Own Name and the Fairy Book so if I am mistaken then please correct me). I had a lot of people want to buy the fairy book but they were turned off because they felt like the book didn’t not represent them and they wanted to have a positive representation for their children to see someone that looked more like them. I am not suggesting you have an “African-American” line or a “Latino” book but just be aware that there is a great need for books that could represent other cultures. Please know that I do love the My Very Own Name and I think the animals are GREAT! Plus they are for EVERYBODY. I just wanted you to know that some potential patrons only bought the My Very Own Name Book because the Fairies didn’t have any representation of them.

    Thanks for the ingenious way to receive commission and for the great quality. Please take this as a thought to chew on and not in any way as a criticism to you.

    Thanks again.

  • 100. emily  |  September 14, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    hi i love ur blog

  • 101. maiahaag  |  August 28, 2008 at 3:13 pm

    Hi Maggie,

    It’s so heartening to hear that parents have enjoyed the books that you’ve given to them for their children! We’ll contact you via email about the sales rep program to provide more information.

    Thanks again for your kind comments!

    Maia

  • 102. Maggie Roy  |  August 28, 2008 at 1:28 am

    This has been the best found thing since I’ve had children. I saw you first advertised in People and ordered your books for my two children. Then I ordered them for my sister’s two children and have gone on to order them for at lest 4 more of my friend’s children. When I give them as gifts the parents are overjoyed and often bring tears to their eyes. I’m writing to say thank you for putting excitement into childhood as they see their names come to life. It will be the gift I give to all those who have new babies.

    I have both the animal and fairy books and am considering being a sales associate since I have just moved to Florida into an area that might have a nice selling point. If I decide to do this can I use my own books so I don’t have to purchase the starter kit?

    Thanks again and God bless.

    Maggie Roy

  • 103. Allan Haag  |  August 25, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Kat,
    Thanks for your comments and I appreciate all the compliments. To clarify, I’m responsible for the creativity behind the books, however, the final illustrations are completed by a different illustrator. In the case of the My Very Own Name book it was Mark Mille.
    Thanks again for your thoughts! It’s impressive that your son learned how to spell his name so quickly.
    Regards,
    Allan

  • 104. kat  |  August 25, 2008 at 3:17 am

    Maia-I love your ideas, putting them to life is like magic! I’m like most mom’s, when you see your child’s name in a book it speaks to a part of your heart that other books don’t get even get close to.
    Allan-Your illustrations are gorgeous, I love that the words seem to jump out of the page. My son’s are 2 and 3 now and my older one has known how to spell his name since he was 2.5~ I think your book has contributed to that interest in letters…… Thank you for such a quality product and delivered with such beauty and sincerity! Kat

  • 105. Narelle Sheppard  |  August 20, 2008 at 12:47 am

    Fantastic, I look forward to hearing from you then.

    Narelle

  • 106. maiahaag  |  August 19, 2008 at 8:40 pm

    Hi Narelle,

    Thanks so much for your very nice comments about our business! We feel the same level of enthusiasm within the company, so I’m glad to see that our customers have caught the passion!

    I would love to talk with you about representing our products in Australia and New Zealand. I was out of town all last week on a family vacation so I’m a bit swamped right now. I will send you an email with more information at the beginning of next week if not sooner.

    Thanks,
    Maia

  • 107. Narelle Sheppard  |  August 19, 2008 at 6:38 am

    Hi Maia & Allan,
    Firstly, I just want to say “you guys are amazing” My little girl Lilly and I received “My Very Own Name” book for her birth gift just recently and my husband and I were just blown away with it and its entirety. Straight away I was on the web site to be yet again so impressed with everything you have accomplished, from idea, to idea, the highest level of quality, the details both with the business concept and the product, your professionalism, shown in the product and the website, (your website is extreamly good) the business potential, the exciting and educational wording, the breathtaking illustrations, the feel you get from receiving such a gift, I could go on and on but am sure you get the idea that I am well impressed by you and your company and hence the reason for my inquiry being that I would like to discuss the possiblilty of representing you and your company throughout Australia and possibly New Zealand.

    My contact details are as follows and
    i would love to hear back from you, to confirm receipt of my inquiry and to hear your thoughts on this matter.

    Congratulations to you for your outstanding achievement and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

    With thanks and kind regards

    Narelle Sheppard
    email: narellesheppard@live.com.au
    phone: 011 61 7 3857 3405

  • 108. maiahaag  |  August 8, 2008 at 4:14 am

    Hi Mary,

    My husband and I have adopted a child ourselves, so this is something that is close to my heart. (Our third child is adopted.) When I wrote My Very Own Name, I made a special effort to make sure that the story worked well for adopted children. The book talks about the day that the child arrived, rather than the day that the child was born. We have received feedback from many parents in the adoptive community that they have used this book as a vehicle to talk with their young child about the day that the child arrived into their home and was named by them. One day I would like to write a book that is specifically about adoption, but I have two other book concepts already in the works so it will be quite a while. Thanks for your question!

  • 109. Mary Foard  |  August 7, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    Your book is adorable. I have 2 grandchildren who are adopted. Would you ever consider writing a personalized adoption story?

  • 110. maiahaag  |  August 6, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    Karleigh, thanks for your very nice comment! It’s fun for us to hear from a recipient of the book who’s gotten older now and looks back with fond memories on receiving the book. I do hope that we can bring a smile to your kids’ faces one day! –Maia

  • 111. Karliegh Wells  |  August 6, 2008 at 8:51 pm

    My mom and dad got me the “My Very Own Name” book for me for my birthday in 2002 and I loved it. When I have kids I’m going to depend on you to help me provide them with a gift they’ll never forget!!!!!!! You have wonderful books. Thank you

  • 112. John A  |  July 11, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    Your photograph is so creative. It is very nice to be able to put a face to such a wonderful product. I’ve enjoyed ordering and reading your books to my own children. They will one day read them to their own children, who will know that their grandfather truly loved his children.

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