Ms. Rachel on Her Picture Book, Trusting Herself & Mental Health

If your little one is a fan of Rachel Griffin Accurso, aka Ms. Rachel, and her wildly popular Songs for Littles YouTube channel, you’re in for a special surprise. The former preschool teacher has created a picture book: Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise, where the YouTube star—pink shirt, overalls, headband and all— guides young readers through a fun and educational story, complete with familiar characters and music from her show. We had the delight of speaking with Ms. Rachel about her book, the line of toys that comes out with it (including a speaking and singing Ms. Rachel doll!), her family, her inspirations and so much more.

The Bump: We’re so excited about your first book, Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise! We know it features some of the familiar characters and music from your beloved videos, as well as exercises to practice key milestones. Can you tell us about the process that went into writing it?

Rachel Griffin Accurso: Thank you so much! I wanted something that reminded little ones how unique and special they are, while also breaking into song of course. I wanted it to be really playful like the videos, because we know children learn best through play. Before I realized my son had a speech delay, I didn’t know how important gestures like pointing and waving were for predicting speech ability. I wanted to incorporate these throughout the story and in the tips in the back of the book to let parents know things I wished I knew then.

TB: What are some surprising lessons you learned from writing Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise? What are some skills you already used in making your show that you applied to writing the book?

RGA: I learned that you need to go with your gut and trust yourself. I had written a different first book that was edited and all set; then in the middle of the night one night I woke up and thought, “I have a different idea that I think will be better!” I rewrote the whole thing. I care so much about our audience, and really wanted this to be special. I’m glad I trusted myself and put all the care I did into it—something with our videos, books and toys that I’m really proud of is the extra care and extra attention to make things the best we can for children. Kids deserve the best!

TB: You have a line of toys—including plush toys, blocks and puzzles—coming out along with the book. People seem very excited about them, especially the Ms. Rachel doll! Can you tell us about how you worked with Spin Master, the toy company, to develop them? What are some of your favorites and what learning benefits do they provide for little ones?

RGA: It was so exciting to partner with Spin Master and be involved in all the toys. I’m such a big kid and I’ve always loved toys! I felt like I got to be Tom Hanks in the movie Big. It was a blast! It was really important to me that the toys be high-quality, but also affordable. I also wanted them to have longevity in the playroom. I’m really proud of the doll and how it has a quiet and a loud setting: I knew parents would appreciate that. I’m really proud of the blocks because they can be used in so many ways. We worked with developmental experts and genius designers—I’m so proud of the research and care that went into the toys.

TB: So, you’re basically a legend in parent circles! But you’re also a very real, everyday mom who microwaves chicken nuggets for dinner. How do you protect your peace? What non-Ms. Rachel things do you like to do when you get a little time to yourself? What traditions and rituals does your family have?

RGA: Time to myself? What’s that?! We do family dinner, which is important to us. We love our work, but it’s important to us to have a work-life balance. We adore being with our son. I’m getting better at saying “no,” which I’m proud of! I make time to pray daily. I think a lot about how to have peace that doesn’t depend on outer circumstances—and about how I can use the platform I have to help others. Service to young children and their families is my calling.

TB: Before you were Ms. Rachel, you were a singer-songwriter in New York City and a preschool teacher. What were your aspirations during your early career?

RGA: I’ve always loved working with children and composing. My husband and I were talking about how one of our biggest dreams was to write a song for Sesame Street. I never dreamed we’d be on the show and write a song for the show! I always wanted to be a mom—having Thomas after experiencing a miscarriage is my biggest and most wonderful dream fulfilled. I wanted to be a public school teacher who’s there for my students, sees the best in them and inspires and celebrates them. I remember after my first week of teaching music being in awe that I was getting paid to do such an awesome job. (Though of course teachers should be paid more!) I was just really excited about the work.

TB: You’ve shared that you’ve experienced postpartum depression, anxiety and OCD. What are some lessons you’ve learned from those experiences? What’s some advice that you’d give other moms going through these mental health challenges?

RGA: I’d say to definitely get help because you deserve to be well and thriving. And that is possible for you. It can feel like there’s no way that’s it, but it is. Don’t be ashamed if you need medication. Don’t be ashamed if you have a diagnosis. It’s not your fault, not a character flaw, not a weakness: It’s a mental health condition.

TB: We know you’re a huge fan of Mr. Rogers. What are some of your other favorite sources—parenting books, social media channels, entertainment—where you go for inspiration?

RGA: I love Dr. Becky’s book, Good Inside. I’m so inspired by the little ones and their families that I hear from and meet. I have an email on my desktop from a nurse who works in a hospital saying how the show is helpful for little ones there, and how she sees them learning from the show and being comforted by it. It inspires me so much and makes me want to work as hard as possible.

TB: You’ve been vocal in advocating for children’s and families’ rights, including access to education, a safe place to live and affordable childcare for parents. What inspires you to speak up on these issues? What’s next for you when it comes to advocacy?

RGA: I can’t not speak on them. I find it so upsetting that all children don’t have everything they need to thrive. If we helped all children during the crucial birth-to-early-childhood period, it would truly transform society. It’s the right thing to do and it would benefit everyone. I’m currently reading a book called The Daycare Myth by Dan Wuori and hoping to advocate for affordable, accessible, high-quality early-childhood education for all.

TB: You created your YouTube channel with your son Thomas in mind when you couldn’t find other sources to help him with his speech delay. How does he continue to inspire your work?

RGA: He definitely inspires everything we do. He’s our world!

TB: You occasionally post adult-oriented advice on social media that resonates with quite a few people—for example, you made a video on forgiving yourself for your mistakes. You’ve also made clear that you don’t think mom shaming is okay. With all the wisdom you share, do you have any plans to write an advice book for parents? (We’d read it!)

RGA: That’s so nice! I don’t feel qualified now, but maybe one day!