Say Hello to Maggie Mae's!

Coming to a local event or city park near you!

Maggie Mae's Kids Mobile Bookshop is a new small business conjured up by Sho Roberts, and her English Bulldog, Maggie. Sho and Maggie believe in turning little ones into readers, supporting the community, and having a lot of fun while doing so!

Sho with Maggie the English Bulldog at the Oregon Coast. Photo courtesy of Sho Roberts.

So, what does this have to do with MarshMueller?

You'll find MarshMueller items stocked at Maggie Mae's! There's also an amazing assortment of locally-made children and baby items, as well as the best selection of children's books all under one mobile roof. (a converted red trailer Sho nicknamed Hilda). I'm super excited to be a part of Maggie Mae's Mobile Bookshop!

Hilda, the red trailer, in action! Photo courtesy of Sho Roberts.

I got the chance to ask Sho some questions about Maggie Mae's:

M2 :: What compelled you to start a mobile bookshop?

Sho :: I have always loved reading, but it wasn't until I worked in the children's area of a used bookstore that I fell head over heels in love with [children's] books. At first it was the beautiful illustrations and adorable stories that caught my attention, but then it truly became about seeing kids get excited about books and reading that pulled me in for good. There were two things I noticed about kids books: they were expensive and it was hard to find books with quality illustrations and stories. The idea of having a mobile bookshop came to me as a way to provide affordable and accessible kids books to a large community. I thought, "why not bring a quality selection of books (both gently used and new) directly to the people, and that is how it all began.

M2 :: What's the best way for fans to see where you will be next?

Sho :: The best way for fans to find our location is to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our website. 

Not only does Maggie Mae's provide accessibility and affordability to children's reading materials, but each month the business donates 5% of monthly sales to a local charitable organization.  

M2 :: How do you choose the charitable organization each month?

Sho :: Each month we have a theme to showcase certain books or hold a story time while working within the theme to choose a local charity. The current theme is SUMMER and we are working with Camp to Belong this July and August. Camp to Belong works to provide foster kids the opportunity to go to summer camp and be reunited with their siblings. If there is a local charity you work with or support, and would like to team up with Maggie Mae's Kids Mobile Bookshop, send an email to maggiemaespdx [at] gmail [dot] com.

M2 :: What's YOUR favorite Children's book?

Sho :: Man, this may be the toughest question! At this exact moment, my favorite is I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. Just thinking about the story makes me laugh! Right now I can't get enough of Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen books; they are beautifully illustrated and have fun story lines. My favorite children's book characters are Toot & Puddle, Amelia Bedelia, and Little Critter. Look, you got me talking about books and now I can't stop!

M2 :: Can you tell us some more about Maggie?

Sho :: Maggie is an eight-year-old English Bulldog whom we were lucky enough to adopt two years ago. Since joining our little family, we couldn't imagine not having her to spoil every day with treats, rubs, and mini explorations. Maggie has stolen our hearts, so it was fitting to name our business Maggie Mae's Kids Mobile Bookshop after her!

Be sure to catch Maggie Mae's Mobile Bookshop this Saturday at Multnomah Days!