Bonnie Wallace Talks Success, Tradition, and The Launch of Her New App/Book Series We Can Books

Bonnie Wallace is no stranger to Hollywood being an accomplished podcaster, author, producer, and now, entrepreneur… Oh, and let’s not forget mom to Emmy Award winning actress Dove Cameron and celebrity voice coach Claire Hosterman.   This talented multi-hyphenate has ignited her entrepreneurial spirit with the launch of her new app/book series We Can Books.  Inspired by a tradition that was started by her father, Bonnie is bringing this incredible heirloom into the homes of other parents so they too can help their own children read more confidently—and create fun and lasting memories at the same time.  We had a chance to speak with Bonnie all about her exciting new program, her advice for others looking to pursue a dream, and why self-care helps her to be such a “super-mom”… 

  1. You’re an accomplished producer, writer, and podcaster—not to mention, mom to actress and singer Dove Cameron and celebrity voice coach Claire Hosterman…  What would you say most inspires you when it comes to being creative? What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue their dream? 

I’m inspired by people with the courage to create something new. I think that creativity is often considered to be the domain of artists, but you can be creative in any arena. Business is an amazing arena for creativity! My best advice for other women looking to pursue their dream: first, believe it’s possible. Then educate yourself so you have the best chance of success and take the first step. It’s better try something and miss the mark than to spend your life wondering “what if…”

  1. When it comes to family, you seem to be all about honoring traditions! Tell us about your new app/phonics book for children inspired by your father.

We Can Books is a series of three personalized phonics books for children, using photos from their world to illustrate a key word on each page. They’re based on books my father created when my kids were ready to learn how to read by using family photos, and cutting and pasting the word sets together. Now with the We Can Books app and print-on-demand, you can build a We Can Book using photos from your phone, and at the press a button, order a hardcover, full-color book that your child will love to engage with again and again. By the time they can make their way through the third book, your child will be well on their way to independent reading.

  1. Why would you say We Can Books is essential to other parents when it comes to getting their children ready to read?  What are the benefits as opposed to other alternatives out there?

It’s been proven repeatedly that phonics is the most effective way to teach a child how to read. This is because learning with phonics gives children the tools they need to decode new words when they encounter them. They can break a word down into its sounds and figure it out. The innovation of We Can Books is using the power of association to help a child make the connection between an image they know and the letters and sounds on the page. A familiar image with a simple key word unlocks the mystery, and the related, rhyming words on the page are then easy to decode. It’s a fun way for your child to learn to read, and a meaningful gift.

  1. Do you think that due to the pandemic and distance/virtual learning, more kids are struggling to read? How can We Can Books help those who are struggling?

Yes, unfortunately. Increasing numbers of studies are revealing that all of us—from kids to adults—learn and retain information better on the printed page than a screen. Screen time has soared over the past two years. At the same time, fewer kids are getting the critical one-on-one attention that learning to read requires, because both teachers and parents are stretched so thin. We Can Books creates an opportunity for parents and their kids to step away from the screens, sit down together, and share an intimate, special bonding experience while building the critical skills required for a successful life.

  1. Are there particular benefits to this program for kids who are dyslexic?

Yes! There’s significant evidence that kids with dyslexia learn best with a phonics-based approach. This is because phonics teaches kids to decode a word by learning the sounds associated with each letter and sounding the word out to find its meaning, as opposed to the “whole language” approach, which encourages kids to guess at words through context, without sounding them out. Whole language fails when kids begin to encounter more complex words. We Can Books provides an intuitive, personalized way for kids to connect the letters and sounds with the meaning of the words on each page, using a child’s unique association with meaningful images. And because it’s fun, kids want to sit down with these books again and again, which helps cement in the learning.

  1. Shifting gears… when not in “mom” mode, what do you like to do for yourself? What’s your go to self-care routine?

My husband Simon and I live in Los Angeles in a canyon, and I love getting out in nature with a little hike up into the hills. I like to read and write poetry. Spending time with my adult daughters really fills me with joy. They’re just my favorite people. Is that “mom mode?” 

  1. What would you describe to be as your perfect day?

Waking without an alarm, coffee and a light breakfast with Simon, a little hike in the canyon, some creative work in the afternoon, then a glass of wine on our roof before Simon cooks a fabulous meal to enjoy with our kids or good friends at home. Heaven.

  1. Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self now that you wish you knew then?

Have more faith in your own instincts. Work less, enjoy more. And moisturize your neck, not just your face!

  1. You experienced life as a “Hollywood Mom.”  What advice do you have for other moms out there who have kids in the entertainment industry?

It’s incredibly important to make sure that the effort is child-led, rather than parent-pushed. Check in with your kid regularly to be sure they are still enjoying themselves, and make sure they know it’s always OK to take a break or leave the industry. Don’t get attached to, or identified with any aspects of fame, because it’s objectifying and unhealthy. For more specific advice read my first book, The Hollywood Parents Guide.

  1. Lastly, what does the word “success,” mean to you? 

At this point in my life, success means a deep sense of alignment between my life and my values and knowing that I’m a force for good in the world. It means I have a sense of peace when I wake, and when I fall asleep, and that I have great relationships with my loved ones. Everything else is just a bonus.

To learn more visit wecanbooks.com and follow Bonnie on IG @bonniejwallace
Photo credit: Dawn Bowery

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