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Small, indie bookstores seem to be a dying breed, but I recently discovered a gem that is sure to last, right in my own backyard-just outside of Boston. Barefoot Books [2] is an independent children’s bookstore/publishing company with their flagship store located in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. My first visit to the studio literally took my breath away. The books were brought to life through the studios stunning layout and vibrant colors. It was clear that this was much more than a children’s bookstore, it was a “happy place” as co-owner Nancy Traversy calls it. Turns out they are not only a bookstore, they offer a full calendar of activities [3] (many are free!) for kids of all ages. For those of you in New York, their second store is located inside FAO Schwartz in NYC.
A little bit about Barefoot Books
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Barefoot Books was started by two mothers, Nancy Traversy and Tessa Strickland. They both wanted their children to have books that would “…feed the imagination, while instilling a respect for diversity and a love of the planet.” They have certainly succeeded. Each of their books introduces readers to values and traditions of different cultures along with magnificent illustrations.
Book Reviews
During a recent snowstorm I couldn’t have been more thrilled to receive a box filled with a selection of Barefoot Books for our family to check out. My three boys (ages 10, 9 and 7) devoured each of the books, stopping only to share a picture or bits and pieces of each story.
Our favorites
Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon by Jules Bass and Debbie Harter
[5]Beautiful illustrations compliment this sweet, magical tale set in the fictional time of knights and dragons. Herb, a vegetarian dragon, teaches his carnivorous counterparts that it is possible for all living things to live together in peace and harmony.
Up, Up, Up with singalong CD by Susan Reed and Rachel Oldfield
[6]This children’s picture book is a wonderful story about three children flying through the sky and around the world in a hot air balloon. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations come alive with a CD that has a catchy tune, reminding us that the earth is our home and we must respect it.
My Daddy is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste with illustrations by Sophie Fatus
[7]This book was brought to Barefoot Books by one of my first yoga instructors, Baron Baptiste. Baron illustrates how so many yoga poses relate to everyday life. He shows how children and parents can connect through yoga and how all of us can join together and act compassionately towards each other and towards our planet.
Kids’ Kitchen by Fiona Bird with illustrations by Roberta Arenson
[8]This set of 40 cards is filled with delicious recipes that are healthy and easy to make. My kids went through this entire deck of cards and selected 5 recipes they liked best. Once the snow cleared we headed to the supermarket to buy a few ingredients. The cards reminded us that “we are what we eat”!
Bottom line
These books are incredible. Barefoot Books are quality crafted books that expose children and their families to a wide range of cultures, encouraging respect and love for each other and the earth.
Barefoot Books Ambassador Program
Interested in starting your own home business? Barefoot Books has a direct-selling opportunity as a way to earn income or fundraise for your child’s school by selling their incredible books and earning a commission. Click HERE [9] to learn more.
TIME FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
**THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED** Congratulations to Lisa F. the winner of The Adventures of Odysseus!
Barefoot Books is generously giving one Groovy Green Livin reader a Barefoot Books title of their choice! Check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway by Monday, February 28, to enter to win.
Rules for entry:
- Head over to the Barefoot Books website [2] and choose your favorite title.
- Come back and leave a comment telling us which book you’d like.
- Be sure to include your name (first name and last initial are fine) and email so I can contact you if you win. Anonymous or SPAM-ish comments will be trashed.
- You must have a North American shipping address- no PO boxes.
- One lucky winner (drawn randomly via Random.org) will receive their choice of one Barefoot Books title. The winner will be notified directly via e-mail, and then listed on this post using first name only.
- Contest closes at midnight EST, Monday, February 28, 2011. Winner will be announced on March 1, 2011.
For Additional Chances to Win – Please leave separate comments to let me know you have done any of the following:
- Follow Barefoot Books @livebarefoot on Twitter [10]
- ‘Like’ Barefoot Books on Facebook [11]
- Subscribe to Groovy Green Livin via RSS feed or Email [12]
- ‘Like’ Groovy Green Livin on Facebook [13]
- Follow @Groovygreenlivi on Twitter [14]
Good luck and enjoy!
*Barefoot Books generously sent me a box filled with many of their wonderful titles for review. All opinions in this post are my very own.