National initiative to improve early reading launches in Michigan

A Grand Rapids company is using Michigan to launch a nationwide initiative, featuring a popular children’s character, to improve early childhood literacy.

Wimee’s One Country, One Book aims to increase the number of books available to children, engage young readers through creativity and technology, and bring communities together around early literacy. 

The initiative is led by Wimage, a Grand Rapids-based children’s education and media company and the creator of Wimee the Robot, a children’s character featured in the PBS show “Wimee’s Words.” The program is distributed nationally and airs on the Michigan Learning Channel, reaching more than 40 million households. Wimee also has a growing YouTube channel called Wimee’s World. 

Michigan ranks near the bottom nationwide for third-grade reading proficiency, a benchmark commonly used to predict long-term academic progress and economic stability. Children who are not proficient readers by third grade are more likely to struggle in school, disengage academically, and face limited opportunities later in life.

“When we saw Michigan ranked 44th in third-grade reading proficiency, we knew this had to start here,” says Michael Hyacinthe, a U.S. Navy Seabee veteran and co-creator of Wimee the Robot. “Then we realized this isn’t just a Michigan crisis, it’s a national one.”

“So we moved from ‘One County, One Book’ to ‘One Country, One Book.’” 

More than just a book

Wimee’s One Country, One Book plans to distribute more than 100,000 copies of the children’s book Wimee’s Dreams during March Is Reading Month. The campaign will start in 

Michigan and expand nationally through partnerships with schools, libraries, nonprofits, health organizations, and corporate supporters.

“Kids receive a physical book, but they also get access to a digital version that can be read aloud in English and Spanish,” Hyacinthe says. “Each story also includes animation, so kids can watch the story unfold.”

Nate Boyer, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, NFL player, and movie producer, narrates the English read-aloud. The Spanish version is narrated by Christina Sanabria of 123 Andrés, the 2024 Grammy Award winners for best children’s music album.

“Reading isn’t just about pronouncing words,” Hyacinthe says. “It’s about seeing what words can become.”

The stories also support the development of Wimee AI, a safe digital companion designed for use in supervised, educational settings.

“We see Wimee as a companion, not a replacement for teachers,” Hyacinthe says. “It’s about helping kids want to explore, learn and create.

Inspiring learning

Hyacinthe says the idea behind Wimee emerged from his earlier work with wounded veterans through Has Heart, an organization he co-founded with local designer Tyler Way that connects veterans with artists.

“Connecting veterans with artists and seeing the impact creativity had, that’s when I asked, ‘If creativity can help veterans heal, could we use creativity to help kids learn and heal too?’” Hyacinthe says. “That question led directly to Wimee.”

“We didn’t build Wimee just to be a character on PBS. We built him as a tool to inspire kids to learn and want to read.”

Wimee was built from everyday materials to demonstrate imagination and problem-solving. Wimee was co-created by artist and illustrator Kevin Kammeraad, the creative partner who brings Wimee to life.

“We made him out of reusable parts so kids could see what imagination can do,” Hyacinthe says. “The head was made out of a can, just things we found around the house. Now, several years later, Wimee’s on PBS.”

Since launching in 2018,  the company’s team has grown to five, with support from animation and AI partners in Austin, Texas. 

Wimee’s One Country, One Book launches on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, reflecting King’s view that education and literacy are fundamental civil rights.

“We’re calling on schools, organizations, and partners to help us meet this goal,” Hyacinthe says. “Individuals can help, too. The book costs $19.99, and every purchase results in a book being donated to a child.” The Book can be purchased on Wimee’s Website One Country, One Book — Wimee.tv