Saturday, December 29, 2012

Thank You and Happy New Year!







I want to send a great big THANK YOU to each and every one of you for supporting my Barefoot Books business in 2012, and wish you all a peaceful and joyful beginning for 2013!

If you want to get a head start on gifts for birthday parties and baby showers in 2013, head over to the Barefoot Books website before December 31st to take advantage of the Dazzling Gift Sets - these will disappear on January 1st, so snap them up now!  And if you haven't yet used the TWENTY12 discount code, you also have until December 31st to use it and save 20% on your order!  

See you next year!


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Step Inside the Barefoot Books Ambassador Community

Take a peak at this wonderful new video about Barefoot Books and the Barefoot Books Ambassador community:





We are a fun, creative, and passionate group, and I am so proud to be a part of this inspiring community!

If you would like to find out how you can join us, read more about the Barefoot Books Ambassador opportunity, or contact me to discuss joining my team.  You can also speak directly with Ambassadors and Barefoot staff by participating in a weekly conference call for those interested in joining the community:

DAY:  Tuesdays
TIME:  8:00PM Eastern Time
CALL:  888-619-1583
CODE:  199753

Our Starter Kit is on sale for $99 through the end of this week, so there's no reason not to join us now!


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Bear in Sunshine

On Sunday night, as the wind began to howl and we had learned that schools would be closed in Boston on Monday because of Hurricane Sandy, Elfe requested Bear in Sunshine as her bedtime book.






Bear does all kinds of activities, depending on the weather...Bear likes to sing in the rain, He flies his red kite when the wind blows, When it's icy, he skates in the lane...






...Bear likes to paint when it's misty, When storms come, he hides in his bed, When snow falls, he likes to make snow-bears, When the moon shines he stands on his head (my personal favorite Bear activity!).






Whatever the weather, come snow, rain or sun, Bear always knows how to have lots of fun!





Bear in Sunshine was the perfect choice for a stormy night! 


Bear in Sunshine is available in paperback or board book format for $6.99.


You can also take advantage of one of this week's Barefoot Dazzling Deals and get FOUR Bear board books for just $19.99 - a savings of 30%!  The Dazzling Deal Bear Board Book Bundle is available until the end of Thursday, November 1st.




Bear is one of our favorite Barefoot characters, and I'm so happy that Elfe still enjoys Bear books even as she gets older.  I'm sure your little one will enjoy Bear for years to come too!


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Some of Our Favorite Singalong Books

In case you are trying to decide which Barefoot singalongs you should order at a 25% discount this weekend, here are some of our favorites...



"Chug, chug, clank clank toot - it's a very busy day!"  One of Barefoot's most popular singalong books, Driving My Tractor helps kids learn counting, the names of animals, and what grows on a farm.  Such a catchy tune from SteveSongs!



This is the classic favorite with an international flavor - kids from all around the world clap their hands, stomp their feet, wiggle their hips, and shout "Hello!" to show how happy they are! 



Another great tune from SteveSongs - what can you do with a line, a square, a circle, and a triangle?  You'll be surprised to find out!



Perfect for long car trips, and for learning colors and forms of transportation!




This was one of the first Barefoot Books to arrive at our house, and we still love it.  Great for dancing!




Such a fun song, and kids can learn all about the parts of a pirate ship, famous pirates from around the world, and the types of ships they used in the wonderful end notes.




Another classic tune, great for building counting skills, and for learning about musical instruments.




Learn how four kids from different countries jump out of bed, brush their teeth, do their hair, and head off to school every morning.



Learn about insects, musical instruments, and counting from one to ten - all to a calypso beat!


Friday, October 19, 2012

Celebrate with Us and Save on Singalongs!

If I had to pick a favorite Barefoot book, I don't think I could do it - there are just so many amazing books, with more being published all the time!  But I think I can safely say that books with singalong CDs are one of my favorite kinds of Barefoot books...and there must be a lot of you who agree, because this weekend Barefoot is celebrating the fact that their animated video of Driving My Tractor has been viewed over 3.5 MILLION times!  If you haven't seen the video yet, take a peek below...







To celebrate this amazing milestone, Barefoot is offering a 25% discount on ALL singalongs with enhanced CDS (which means the CD also includes a video version of the book) now through Sunday, October 21st.  Just enter the code TRACTOR at checkout, and you will enjoy savings of 25% on all of the singalongs with enhanced CDs in your shopping basket. 





Stock up on singalongs this weekend for all the children in your life - they are great for keeping kids occupied when a parent needs a few minutes uninterrupted - and celebrate with us by saving!


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Kite Princess




The Kite Princess is a new release from Barefoot Books, and it gets two thumbs up at our house!

Princess Cinnamon Stitch is bored with palace life - she doesn't want to parade around in fine ribbons and pearls, she doesn't want to practice deportment by walking with a book on her head, she wants to be WILD and FREE!  


 


She tries to escape, but her parents catch her and spoil the fun...so Cinnamon Stitch hatches a plan...




...and soon everyone in the kingdom is flying free and shouting Yippee!





There once was a princess called Cinnamon Stitch.
Her parents were stuffy and terribly rich.
They liked to parade her around their fine land,
with Cinnamon looking exceedingly grand.


The illustrations by Laura-Kate Chapman are perfect, full of spunk and color, sure to stimulate the  imagination.  The Kite Princess comes with a story CD narrated by Imelda Staunton, who played Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies.  There are also simple instructions for making your own kite in the back of the book.

If you've got a little girl who yearns to be free, The Kite Princess is the book for you!


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Barefoot World Atlas App Giveaway!



Calling all Atlas fans!

I am giving away a Barefoot World Atlas app for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch to the first person who purchases the book version of the Atlas before noon on Monday October 15th!




The Atlas app has been named an Apple Editor's Choice Pick and App of the Week, and has gotten rave reviews in The New York Times, on The Today Show, and on ABC News.  It is completely amazing, a fabulous companion to the equally amazing World Atlas hardcover book!




  World Atlas app demo video


I can send a copy of the Barefoot World Atlas app to any email address, so you can keep it for yourself or give it away as a gift.  Purchase the World Atlas online or from me directly if you are local - I have several copies in my current inventory.  But you have to be the FIRST person to buy the World Atlas from me before Monday at noon to get your FREE app!




If you've had your eye on the World Atlas, NOW is the time to buy one and get the app for free as an extra bonus!







*****UPDATE - the free app has been claimed! Thank you!*****

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Third Annual Clambake and Auction for Humanitarian Projects in Ethiopia

I've got several home parties scheduled in October but only one public event selling Barefoot Books - and it is one that is deeply meaningful and personal for me.

The Third Annual Clambake and Auction for Humanitarian Projects in Ethiopia will take place at 6PM on October 20th in Newburyport, MA.  All proceeds from the event will go to support orphan prevention and family permanence projects in Ethiopia through Wide Horizons for Children (WHFC).  You can get more details about the event and buy tickets on the WHFC website.

WHFC is the agency that helped me to adopt Elfe, and they are also involved in humanitarian work in several countries - including Ethiopia.  I help to support a little girl and her family in Ethiopia through their child sponsorship/family empowerment program, and they also have programs related to healthcare and education.  

The clambake and auction is an annual fundraiser organized by adoptive parents that helps to support these critical programs.  I am donating some Barefoot Books to the silent auction (there will also be a live auction for bigger items), and I will have a table selling Barefoot Books at the event; I am donating 20% of my sales at the event on October 20th to the fundraiser.  For those who can't make it to the clambake but would still like to help support the fundraiser, you can purchase Barefoot Books through the Clambake and Auction link under My Events on my Barefoot Books Marketplace.  The on-line component of the fundraiser is available now through October 27th, and I will also include 20% of those sales in my donation to WHFC for the clambake fundraiser.

So, if you live in Massachusetts and are available on October 20th, buy your tickets now for a delicious lobster or steak dinner and a fun time bidding on some great items...or go to my Barefoot Marketplace and make your purchase now to help me make the largest possible donation to this very worthwhile cause.

Thanks in advance!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Giants, Ghosts and Goblins!

Are you in the mood for Halloween yet?  You will be after I tell you about one of the books on sale this month on the Barefoot website!




The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins includes nine spooky stories from around the world.  There are ghost stories from China and from the Cheyenne people, an Irish giant who is defeated by a clever woman and a Scottish lass who isn't scared of goblins, a Danish goblin who has to decide between delicious cream and magical books, a boastful man who meets his match in a story from the Hausa people of West Africa, a Norwegian giant with no heart in his body, and monster stories from Australia and Siberia.  Something for everyone!










This sturdy hardcover book is recommended for ages 5 to 11 and comes with two CDs narrated by Jerry Nelson - the voice behind The Count from Sesame Street - who does an unbelievable job of creating different voices for every character in every story.  We love listening to the CDs all by themselves just as much as we love reading this book - and we'll be reading it quite a bit this month!

The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins is usually $21.99 but for the entire month of October you can buy it for just $14.99.

Here are a few other spooky books from Barefoot that are on sale this month - stock your shelves with all of them in time for Halloween!  Remember that you always get free shipping on orders of $60 or more; and if you haven't already used the discount code TWENTY12 this year, you have until the end of 2012 to use it on one order for 20% off your entire purchase!





Saturday, September 29, 2012

Surprise! It's a Sale!





Now through Sunday September 30th, save 20% on EVERYTHING in the Barefoot Books store when you use the discount code SEPTSALE at checkout!

This includes books that are already on sale, such as the Barefoot World Atlas and Ruby's School Walk!



Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Tesfa Foundation Fundraiser - Final Report

I just made my third and final donation to the Tesfa Foundation to support School #3 and School #4 in their 5x3 initiative...and I am pleased to report that I was able to donate a total of $186 to Tesfa thanks to everyone who purchased Barefoot Books to Build Schools in Ethiopia!  See below for a list of everyone who helped make this fundraiser a success.

My fundraising event is over, but you can of course still donate directly to the Tesfa Foundation if you would like to support their amazing work.  And you can also still buy Barefoot Books to support literacy projects in Ethiopia - I always have a fundraising event for Ethiopia Reads (a partner with Tesfa on bringing literacy to Ethiopia) on my Barefoot Marketplace, and I donate 20% of sales that come through that event to Ethiopia Reads.  I usually make my Ethiopia Reads donation at the end of each year, so there is plenty of time to purchase Barefoot Books for a good cause.

I have another fundraising event for humanitarian projects in Ethiopia coming up soon, stay tuned for details!  And if you are interested in setting up your own Barefoot Books fundraiser for a cause or organization that you are passionate about, please do not hesitate to contact me about it.

A great big THANK YOU to the following people whose Barefoot purchases made my Tesfa donations possible:

Kim N.
Kristin W.
Anne O.
Stephanie D.
Ellen D.
Jennifer M.
Themia S.
Lori H.
Julie C.
Meghan W.
Mary H.
Colleen T.
Angela P.
Theresa E.
Bridget S.
Evelyn O.
Meredith W.
Barbara M.

Amesagenallo!

Monday, September 17, 2012

We have a winner!

Yesterday Elfe picked the winner of the Back-to-School giveaway - a $25 Barefoot Books gift card and a hardcover copy of Ruby's School Walk - and the prize goes to....

Staci H.

...who purchased The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories from me at a local event!  I knew that she and her girls would love these dance stories from around the world, which is why I recommended it to her when she wanted to make a purchase at the event.  I'm so happy that now her family gets to enjoy even more Barefoot Books with this prize!

Thank you to everyone who made a purchase during the giveaway - I hope you are enjoying your new books so much that you all feel like winners!

If you didn't win this time, make sure you head over to my Barefoot in Boston Facebook page - I am going to do a super surprise mystery giveaway over there once the page hits 150 LIKES, and I think you'll really enjoy what I have planned for this one!


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Barefoot Artist Prints on Sale

There's still time to enter my Back-to-School Giveaway by making a purchase from me - either online or in person - by September 15th...here are a few things to tempt you into buying ;)

One way that you can tell a Barefoot book from any other book is the absolutely take-your-breath-away artwork in a book from Barefoot.  When Barefoot is developing a new book for publication, they search the world for the very best artist to do the illustrations for that book.  I got a glimpse inside the process of bringing a book to publication at the annual Ambassador conference last June, and I can tell you that the Barefoot editorial staff pay just as much attention - if not more - to the artwork as they do to the story; they do not hesitate to go back to the artist and ask for changes to the artwork to make sure it is as beautiful and as stimulating to the imagination as our children deserve.  The end result is books that are visually appealing as well as beautifully written.

If you have ever thought to yourself that the artwork in a particular book would look fantastic hanging on the walls of your home, now is your chance to make that dream a reality!  Barefoot is currently offering a selection of artist prints for the unbelievably low sale price of $4.99 each.  The prints are approximately 11x14 inches, are flat-packed on cardboard and shrink-wrapped with autobiographical information about the artist, and are normally priced at $14.99 each (yes, that's a $10 savings on each print!).  I've bought several of these prints already; I'm planning to frame some of them to hang in Elfe's room, and to give others as holiday gifts to nieces and nephews. 

Here are some of my favorites:



What did I spy? by Nicolleta Ceccoli, from I Spy the Sun in the Sky (sadly out of print right now)




A bird flying by by Nicolleta Ceccoli, also from I Spy the Sun in the Sky


















 Don't you agree that these are simply fabulous?  Which one is your favorite?



I have several of these in my current inventory, so if you are a local customer and would like to purchase one, please get in touch to see if I have it in stock - an in-person purchase by Saturday will enter you into the Back-to-School giveaway too!  

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Raising Imaginative Children - Barefoot Books on Mothering.com


A few days ago, Barefoot Books was featured on Mothering.com in an article titled Raising Imaginative Children: A Grassroots Approach.  It's a great post, highlighting what makes books from Barefoot so special and how they can help your children learn so many important skills.  There are also some nice tidbits of advice for adding a little creativity to your daily routine with kids.

The post also includes several videos of Barefoot Books Ambassadors, recorded during our annual conference in June; here's my fabulous team leader Laurie describing all the benefits she has gained during her long career as a Barefoot Books Ambassador:





(If you are reading in a feed reader and can't see the video, please click through to the blog)

I love my Barefoot Books Ambassador business - learning new skills every day, helping families provide beautiful multicultural books to their children, and earning extra income to provide a good life for my own child.  If you would like to join Laurie and me on this Barefoot journey, please contact me - and read more here about the Ambassador program and why this month is a great time to join!


Liz Hughes
Barefoot Books Ambassador
Sales Leader
617-359-1774
Liz@ReadingBarefootinBoston.com

Friday, September 7, 2012

September Sale

Several of our favorite books are on sale this month, here's a brief list of books at great prices that I think belong on every kid's bookshelf:




Ruby's School Walk - our very favorite Barefoot heroine from one of our favorite Barefoot artists, Miriam Latimer.  Ruby is brave and strong on her walk to school, confronting crocodiles, tigers, witches, and ghosts...but she needs her mom to help her be brave enough to face a day of adventure once she gets to school.  The hardcover version of the book is usually $16.99 but is available for $12.99 through the end of September - and the paperback version has just recently been released for the very affordable price of $7.99.





 The Boy Who Grew Flowers - Rink's whole family is considered strange by the townspeople and Rink mostly keeps to himself at school, not revealing his special talent to anyone - when the moon is full, he sprouts flowers all over his body.  But then a new girl arrives in class and Rink takes a chance by inviting her to the school dance; when he reveals his secret, he discovers that she has a special talent of her own!  I adore the happy ending to this story, and I know you will too.  This book is normally $16.99 in hardcover, but is on sale for $11.99 through the end of the month - and it also has a brand-new paperback version available for just $7.99.





Children of the World Memory Game - based on the fantastically fun singalong book If You're Happy and You Know It.  Match the girl and boy pairs from each country, and learn how to say "hello!" in 36 different languages while you're at it.  For children ages 4 and up.  This is usually $15.99 but is on sale in September for just $11.99.




Lola's Fandango - Lola is another of our favorite Barefoot heroines because she is so spunky and persistent!  Lola finds her mother's old flamenco shoes in the back of the closet, and convinces her father to secretly give her lessons in the dance.  While learning how to count the rhythms and move her arms and stomp her feet just the right way, she also learns a thing or two about herself along the way.  We often listen to the story CD from this book, with perfect narration by the Amador family.  The hardcover version is normally $16.99 but is available for $12.99 during this month.





The Barefoot Books World Atlas - I saved the best for last!  I have gushed and gushed about this book before, both here on the blog and on Facebook, so I really think you should take advantage of this sale - the Atlas is usually $19.99 but you can have it for just $15.99 through the end of September.  Buy one for every child in your life, as well as any adults you can think of who love to learn more about our world!


There are several other items on sale this month as well, but these are the ones I highly recommend.  Start your holiday shopping now with this September sale!



Reminders:
  • Shipping is always free for orders over $60
  • Use the discount code TWENTY12 for an additional 20% off your order
  • Purchase any of these books online before September 15th and be entered into my Back-to-School giveaway - you could win a $25 Barefoot gift card and a hardcover copy of Ruby's School Walk







Thursday, September 6, 2012

Animal Stories

Barefoot Books has released several new titles for the Fall, and will be releasing several more over the next few weeks.  I'll be sharing as many of them as I can with you as they come out, and here is the first installment...




The Tortoise's Gift is #1 in the new Animal Stories series.  It's an easy chapter book in paperback format, perfect for your new reader who is developing confidence or for reading aloud with your pre-reader.  This story is from Zambia, retold by Lari Don and colorfully illustrated by Melanie Williamson.




When the rain stops falling one summer, the animals get hungrier and thirstier....and then they remember the story of the wonderful tree that will produce fruit for them if only it is asked by name.  They find the tree, but no one knows the tree's name!  They think the wise mountain knows the tree's name, but which animal can make the journey all the way to the mountain and come back without forgetting the name the mountain tells them?




Kirkus Reviews says of The Tortoise's Gift“Simple vocabulary, straightforward text and plenty of repetition make this a good choice for somewhat experienced readers, while the gentle humor, accessible lesson and appealing illustrations make this a tale that children will savor.”  





Never Trust a Tiger, a story from Korea, is #2 in the Animal Stories series.  It is also retold by Lari Don and illustrated by Melanie Williamson, and is also perfect for early readers.




The merchant helps a tiger out of a hole, but then the tiger wants to eat the merchant!  Should good deeds always follow good deeds, or is it fair for the tiger to eat the merchant?  The merchant and the tiger consult several passers-by, but they all give a different answer to the question.  Does the merchant manage to escape?  You will have to read the book to find out!





Never Trust a Tiger has received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which says, “Young readers will be drawn in by the suspense and leave with a chuckle. An excellent addition to both the folk tale genre and the early-reader shelf.”

These two Animal Stories join Barefoot's Monster Stories as chapter books for early readers, and I can't wait to see what's next for this category - since Elfe will very soon be among the ranks of kids just learning to read on their own!


Don't forget that if you make a Barefoot Books purchase from me, either online or in person, before September 15th, you will be entered to win a $25 Barefoot Books gift card and a hardcover copy of Ruby's School Walk.  See all the details here.



Monday, September 3, 2012

Back-to-School Giveaway!

Have your kids gone back to school yet?  I know a few schools around here that have already started, but in this area most schools don't start until after Labor Day...I've still got a week at home before Elfe goes back to school, and I am planning to make the most of it - cleaning and organizing the house, and having playdates with classmates Elfe hasn't seen all summer.

I am going to help you make the most of the back-to-school season too - by offering a Barefoot Books giveaway!

Everyone who makes a Barefoot Books purchase, either through my on-line shop or in person, between now and September 15th, will be entered for a chance to win a $25 Barefoot Books gift card AND a hardcover copy of Ruby's School Walk.




Ruby is brave and strong on her morning school walk - facing down tigers and witches and crocodiles - and then her mom helps her find the courage to face a day of adventure at school.  Ruby is one of our favorite Barefoot Books characters, and Ruby's School Walk is the perfect book for this back-to-school season.

When you enter the giveaway by placing an order through my website, remember that you receive free shipping for orders over $60 and that you can also receive a 20% discount on your order by using the discount code TWENTY12 when you check out (you can use this discount code once before the end of 2012).  Orders must be placed before 11:59PM Eastern time on September 15th, and orders of any size will earn you an entry into the giveaway.

If you are located in the Greater Boston area and would like to enter the giveaway by making a purchase in person, please contact me at 617-359-1774 or Liz@ReadingBarefootinBoston.com to place your order.  To earn an entry into the giveaway through an in-person order, you must contact me before noon on September 15th.  I always offer free shipping for local orders of any size, but the TWENTY12 discount code can only be used for on-line orders. 

Place your order today and you could win a $25 Barefoot Books gift card AND a hardcover copy of Ruby's School Walk - good luck to all who enter!


Monday, August 20, 2012

May I Offer You Some Free Books?

Pick a book, any book...


You are probably aware that for most retail businesses, the last quarter of the year - the months of October, November, and December - are critically important; that's when many businesses make the majority of their sales for the year.  My own Barefoot Books business is no exception to this, and I am already laying the groundwork for a very busy holiday season.  With a lot of hard work, and a little bit of luck, I am anticipating a very profitable final quarter for myself and my team of Ambassadors.

Right about now you are probably wondering why I am sharing my fourth quarter plans with you...and what it has to do with free books.  Here's the scoop - I can't be successful without you, my loyal customers.  I want to reward all of you who are going to help me be successful over the next few months, and I want to offer as many different ways for you to be rewarded as I can.

Here's my offer, and feel free to suggest other ways to earn a reward if you think of any:
  • Anyone who hosts a Barefoot home party between now and December 31st will receive free books equal to 20% of the party sales no matter how much the total is (normally your guests would have to order $500 in Barefoot books and products for you to earn 20% of sales).  You will also receive a free book for every guest at your party who schedules their own Barefoot home party with me, and a free book for every guest at your party who joins my team as an Ambassador before December 31st.  This is in addition to the free book that you receive for scheduling the party.
  •  Anyone who introduces Barefoot Books to a friend who then places an order through my online Barefoot Marketplace by December 31st will receive a free book.  Please email me your friend's name so I can give you credit for the referral.
  •  Anyone who refers a friend who schedules a Barefoot home party with me before December 31st will receive a free book.
  • Anyone who lets me know about a community event or fundraiser or other opportunity for me to sell Barefoot Books in the Greater Boston area before December 31st will receive a free book.
  •  Anyone who refers a friend to my Barefoot Books Ambassador team (and that person joins my team by December 31st) will receive a free book.

There is no limit to the number of free books you can earn between now and December 31st!  I will tally up all the referrals and notify everyone by January 2nd, 2013 and free books will be shipped out by January 15th, 2013 (unless the book you want is out of stock at the time). 

Thank you all so much for your support so far, I can't wait to see how many free books I will be able to send to you in the new year!

Contact me if you have any questions:
Liz Hughes
Barefoot Books Ambassador
Sales Leader
617-359-1774
Liz@ReadingBarefootinBoston.com