barefoot books- There's A Cow in the Cabbage Patch

There's a Cow In The Cabbage Patch - Board Book

I love this board book because I love the country lifestyle. I have always jumped out of the car and taken photos of cows. Yes, even when I was in Hawaii, I saw a cow grazing along the hillside and I just had to take its picture!



Cow in the Cabbage Patch is written by Stella Blackstone. Read about her here

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=87

Cow in the Cabbage Patch is illustrated by Clare Beaton.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid=86

Read Alone: Ages 4-7 and Read Together: Ages 0-4



All the animals in this mixed-up farmyard are out of place. Young readers are asked, "What shall we do?" and encouraged to sort out this puzzle. Collage art in felt, stitched with antique fabrics, buttons, and other bric-a-brac, perfectly illustrates the playful text.



BB Was $6.99 Special Price $4.99

There's A Cow in the Cabbage Patch

Stella Blackstone books are marvelous! But don't take my word for it. Take a look at these great book reviews.

Recent praise for the hardcover:

"Stitchery wizard Beaton seems right at home from the opening pages. Shedding the tableaux feel of her earlier work, she displays an almost cinematic aesthetic here, composing and cropping her remarkable appliqu�s of felt, buttons and beads to capture the comic havoc of the farmyard denizens. What's more, the meticulous beauty of her work finds the ideal showcase in the book's full-bleed, double-page spreads." - Publishers Weekly

"When you pick up There's a Cow in the Cabbage Patch, it's hard not to notice Clare Beaton's astonishing cut-and-sew illustrations. The magical blend of flannel boards and quilting is like eye candy - a visual feast for the mind and the soul. But it's Blackstone's 'fish out of water' story that brings the playful pictures to life. From the cow in the cabbage patch to the pigs invading the coop, every animal on the farm is out of sync. What will set things straight? The sound of the dinner bell." - Booklist

"Though the audience may have suggestions, they'll realize, as the tale unfurls with more out-of-place animals, that the pandemonium will become worse before any solution can be found, and they will quickly take up guessing each new twist.... Beaton's appliqu�d felt scenes ... lend a down-home feel to this farmyard saga and create interest with varying stitches, buttons, and patterns in strong primary and secondary colors. This title begs for audience participation." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Blackstone's rhymes perk along at a sprightly pace; bouncy verses provide readers with information about familiar barn animals, their sounds, and their domestic habitats. Beaton's collages, created out of a mixture of felt, stitchery, beads, and buttons, capture the homespun charm of the country. The double-paged, full-color spreads are intricately detailed; layers of materials lend depth and texture to the pages, creating images that seem to pop off the pages. From tiny pink piglets gleefully scampering about to playful lambs splattering mud, these frisky illustrations have just the right kind of silliness that will appeal to preschool readers." - Kirkus Reviews

"Exciting, eye-catching illustrations and rollicking, rhyming text.... Beaton's whimsical illustrations prepared in felt and cotton with beads and buttons follow two farmers who push the cow to the dairy, but find a dove destined for the birdhouse.... Large shapes and bright colors will satisfy even those in the back row of a group." - School Library Journal

"This light and cheerful story is about naughty farm animals that have wandered into places they don't belong. The farmer and his wife find cows in the cabbage patch, roosters in the stable, pigs in the henhouse, and all other animals in the wrong places. On every page they ask, 'What shall we do?' The final answer provides an unexpected and delightful ending. The story is told in a simple but energetic rhyme. Bold illustrations are a compilation of sketches and felt-art photographed to look as though it's stitched to each page. This story is easy and enjoyable for children 3 to 7 years old." - Today's Librarian

There's A Cow in the Cabbage Patch

Happy Reading,
LadyD

Caitlin Matthews- Book of Princesses

If you're looking for children's book for girls, I have a recommendation and the book is on sale for the month of February! Do you remember the story The Princess and the Pea? What about the Sleeping Beauty? Here is a list of information on the product.
* The Barefoot Book of Princesses -
Hardcover & CD


This warm and humorous collection presents much-loved favorites such as "The Princess and the Pea" from Denmark and less familiar figures including "The Mountain Princess" from Persia and "The Horned Snake's Wife" from the Iroquois of North America. Caitlin Matthews's wonderfully dramatic retellings are perfect for reading aloud, while Olwyn Whelan's bright and witty illustrations are a feast in themselves.

Was $19.99 Special Offer Price $16.99
Click Here, Barefoot Book of Princesses

Awards and Honors
Smithsonian Notable Book, 1999
Recent praise:
"Talking birds, magic red beans and, of course, resourceful heroines, tumbling out from a jaunty, fantastical compendium that reflects sources as various as Scandinavia, China and Persia." - Smithsonian Magazine

"Matthews come[s] up with treasure.... Whelan's effervescent artwork recalls Jane Ray's in composition, color and use of detail and borders. She tailors her delicate watercolors to each story's country of origin." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Those who enjoy fairy tales in their homes will love these stories… The illustrations are whimsical and colorful, full of delightful detail.” -The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Caitlín Matthews
Caitlín Matthews is a writer, singer and storyteller who lives in Oxford.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=123
She has written nearly fifty books. To read more about Caitlín Matthews, work visit her website

http://www.hallowquest.org.uk

Narrated by Margaret Wolfson
After receiving a Masters from New York University, Margaret developed a unique form of story-theater, creating performances of dramatically performed myths, epics, legends, and fairytales in collaboration with musicians, composers, and visual artists.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=150
Learn more from her website:

http://www.margaretwolfson.com


Illustrated by Olwyn Whelan
Olwyn Whelan worked as a newspaper cartoonist and as a graphic designer before becoming a full-time freelance illustrator. She aims to produce "timeless and classic" books that children will treasure for life. Olwyn lives in Ireland with her husband, their two children, and her cat called Sleazy.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid=81
So, why not plan a Princess Party for your special "princess"? Barefoot Books offers Princess Puppets, Princess Puzzles, Princess Activity online, and Princess Prints.
Enjoy this delightful storytime book with cd!

Classic Poems

I am thrilled with the arrival of my new hardcover book Classic Poems!
My all time favorite is The Owl and The Pussycat.
Introduced by Carol Ann Duffy, these 74 poems create an exquisite collection that traces our journey through life from birth to old age. Along the way, the works of some of the finest poets in the English language celebrate all kinds of human experience: the wide-eyed wonder and adventure of childhood, the magnificence of the natural world and the animal kingdom, the mystery of love and the tragedy of war.
Each page is superbly illustrated by Jackie Morris, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
According to the journalist Katharine Viner,
"Her poems are accessible and entertaining, yet her form is classical, her technique razor-sharp. She is read by people who don't really read poetry, yet she maintains the respect of her peers. Reviewers praise her touching, sensitive, witty evocations of love, loss, dislocation, nostalgia; fans talk of greeting her at readings 'with claps and cheers that would not sound out of place at a pop concert'".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Ann_Duffy
I read the book out loud to my husband. He loved it! Especially, The Owl and the Pussycat!
"And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon." Edward Lear

Read Alone: Ages 8-Adult
Read Together: Ages 6-10
Click Here, Classic Poems
Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy is an acclaimed poet and playwright who has also written many picture books. She has also written the introduction to The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=278

Within the fire consumes my heart
And in my heart there beats a bird
And in the bird there wakes an eye
— Classic Poems
Compiled and Illustrated by: Jackie Morris
Jackie has written and illustrated many books and has won international acclaim for the quality of her work. Among her best-loved picture books are The Greatest Gift, written by Susan Summers (Barefoot Books, 1997) and Can You See a Little Bear?, written by James Mayhew (2006).

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid=123
For more about Jackie Morris, please visit her lovely site

http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk
Be sure and stop by her blog, lovely countryside and beautiful cats!

http://www.wethreecats.blogspot.com
Children's Literature Awards:
Recent praise:
National Parenting Press Gold Award Winner
2006 ForeWord Magazine Silver Medal Winner
"Children will meet some of the best-known poetry in English in Jackie Morris's 'The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.' The bright watercolors and intriguing hints of story that Morris splashes across the pages make this an attractive venue for first encounters with the soon-to-be-familiar ... the more than 70 poems have enough range and allure to entice the young and the adults who read to them. Luminaries like Yeats and Poe keep amiable company with Ogden Nash ('The Tale of Custard the Dragon') and Alfred Noyes ('The Highwayman')"—The New York Times Sunday Book Review
"An appealing assortment of 74 classic poems that touch on childhood, animals and the natural world, love, war, and the stages of life. Overall, this is a sumptuously packaged collection, with many large, double-paged illustrations. Morris's watercolors on hot-pressed paper are romantic and spirited... its attractive design brings a fresh perspective to these poems and makes them accessible to a wide range of readers."—School Library Journal
" Stately figures and scenes in luminous colors provide rich backdrops for 74 English poems selected as much for their sonorous language as for their familiarity. Morris arranges her choices in, by and large, organic order... animals put in appearances too, from Blake's Tyger to Milne's 'Furry Bear.' Extending even to the endpapers, the flood of words and images in this sumptuous volume creates an uplifting experience for the eye and ear both. An ideal collection to give or share."—Kirkus Reviews
"This handsome volume would be a strong complement to other books of poetry available for children now, like Jack Prelutsky's humorous anthologies. These are the poems someone may have read to parents, from writers such as Eleanor Farjeon, W.B. Yeats, W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll and Dylan Thomas, for example, elegantly arranged and illustrated. Imagine seeing 'Fern Hill' against a landscape of the "fields of praise" and the 'lamb white days.'"—The Chicago Tribune
"This wonderful book will be a treasured find for anyone who wants to bring beautiful, classic poetry into the schoolroom…I was glad to have found a compilation whose rich artwork so complements the richness of the poetry within. "-The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Click Here, Classic Poems
View Carol Ann Duffy's Biography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Ann_Duffy

Jen Wojtowicz- The Boy Who Grew Flowers

If you’re looking for a great children’s book this Valentine's Day, you’ll definitely want to check out and cuddle up with The Boy Who Grew Flowers. I highly recommend it for 6-10 year olds. To top it off, the book is on sale for $14.99 This touching story promotes acceptance of the things that make us all different. You children will enjoy the illustrations that help depict how special we all are in our own ways. But don’t take my word for it. Purchase The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Click Here, The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Read Alone: Ages 6-10
Read Together: Ages 4-8
The Boy Who Grew Flowers - Hardcover
Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
Rink's grandmother was raised by wolves, his Uncle Dud tames rattlesnakes, and Rink grows beautiful flowers all over his body when the moon is full. Townspeople just don't understand the Bowagons. But one day a new girl named Angelica arrives at Rink's school, and he soon discovers she has some unique qualities too.
Using humor and metaphor to promote acceptance, this touching story shows us that what makes us different makes us beautiful.
The Book has some great reviews:
Awards and Honors:
Book of the Year Award Finalist 2005, ForeWord Magazine
Recent praise:
"This is a wonderful story that teaches about accepting differences - and even celebrating them."
- Library Media Connection
"Children who struggle to fit in at school will find a hero in the star of this debut children's book. Adams's incandescent illustrations, painted on textured boards in deep blues and green integrate flowers and full moons scattered across the pages, and the characters' faces look almost beatific...it will remind [young readers] of the power of kindness."
- Publishers Weekly
"Artful compositions, intriguingly varied perspectives, and a gorgeous palette make these whimsical, expressive paintings suitable for framing. An odd, lovely offering."
- Booklist
"[The] story is one that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance. The illustrations are done in acrylics on board and the way the texture of the wood shows through gives the lovely paintings a folksy quality. The luminous scenes and soulful relationship between Rink and Angelina make this story a joy to read." - School LIbrary Journal
"Acrylic paintings are the perfect accompaniments to the author's debut story of courage and friendship. A shy boy named Rink, who grows flowers from his body during the full moon, befriends the new girl, Angelina, who has one leg shorter than the other. He makes her special shoes that change her life. With his use of soft colors and subtle details, Adam's ethereal paintings pull the reader into the page." - ForeWord Magazine
About The Author
I enjoyed reading about Jen Wojtowicz. She was inspired to write this story because of her brother, who has autism.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=256
About The Illustrator
Steve Adams
Steve is an award-winning illustrator based in Montreal. After finishing his studies of graphic design in 1994, he traveled to Europe for an advanced training course in design. Upon his return, Steve began collaborating with various publications including
The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and American Lawyer. Further reading:

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid= 206
$16.99
Special Offer Price $14.99
Click Here, The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Celebrate the Year of the Ox!

I found this marvelous article on Life&Leisure by Joseph Yeh Taiwan News, Staff Writer: The Year of the Ox bodes well for the world
The Lunar New Year heralds the reign of a hard-working animal
"Bid farewell to the global economic downturn brought on in the Year of the Rat, and get ready to embrace the upcoming Year of the Ox. The second animal in the twelve Chinese zodiac signs began its year-long reign on Monday, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
The Chinese zodiac consists of a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. According to the Lunar calendar, the twelve animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
In terms of the Lunar Calender, 2008 was represented by the Rat, while this year, 2009, will be the year of the Ox.
Though not entirely identical with the Greek zodiac, the Chinese zodiac shares with it the duodecimal system and the idea of using animals as numerical symbols.
Scholars have different views regarding the origin of using animals representing a year in the Chinese calendar. Some hold that the system originated in the prehistoric worship of animal totems in ancient China, while others believe that the twelve-animal cycle was imported along the Silk Road from Buddhists in Khotan, Sogdiana, and India.
But if you ask a Chinese person, he or she will tell you that the most widely-known reason for the origin of the animal cycle and its order is a bedtime story about a legendary "Great Race of the Chinese Zodiacs."
According to the legend, a long, long time ago the Jade Emperor - the supreme god and ruler of the heaven in Chinese mythology - invited all the animals in creation to take part in a race. The prize for the first twelve animals to finish the race was an opportunity to appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar in the order in which they completed the race.
Surprisingly, at the end of the great race, the first animal to across the finish line was the rat, a seemingly unlikely scenario given it was such a small animal and the race was so strenuous.
The legend explains that the rat used his brain to win the race and a permanent position in the Chinese calendar. A poor swimmer, the rat talked the honest and simple-minded ox into taking it across the river on the ox's back. As they approached the finish line, the rat jumped off the ox's back and zipped across the line, putting it in first place in the race. The ox, which should have won the race, came in second and as promised in the legends and mythology, was the second animal listed on the Chinese Zodiac."... further reading,

http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=852325〈=eng_news

Happy Chinese New Year!
Today Barefoot Books is heralding in the Year of the Ox, the Chinese zodiac animal that symbolizes calm, patience, honesty and hard work. Sounds like the makings of a great year for them!
You and your young ones can learn all about the story behind the Chinese zodiac (not to mention the Chinese calendar, the festivals, and what animal YOU are!) by checking out their book, The Great Race. You'll be able to download their fun zodiac-themed activity on how to make Chinese paper lanterns!

Dawn Casey, the author of The Great Race, says "I strongly believe in the archetypal power of myth and folklore — they deal with the most profound questions of humankind. The stories we read in childhood shape our internal landscapes, and stay with us forever."
Further reading about this author

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=262
Great Race
The Story of the Chinese Zodiac
Written by: Dawn Casey
Illustrated by: Anne Wilson
New in Paperback! Also available in Hardcover.
Which animal will win the race and get the first year of the Chinese calendar named after them?
Race long with Rat, Monkey, Dragon, and their companions while discovering the origin of the Chinese Zodiac. This bright and colorful book includes intriguing notes about the Chinese calendar, the festivals, and the animal that rules each year.



Anne Wilson is the illustrator for The Great Race and she says, "I enjoy creating characters and telling narratives through my images." Further reading

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid=208
Book Reviews:
"Prepared in collaged papers with acrylic and printed backgrounds, Wilson's creatively stylized folk art gives this retelling of an ancient legend a distinctive look. Youngsters will likely enjoy the final spread, which lists the years that fall under each respective animal, and the characteristics of people born under that sign. - Publishers Weekly
Order Book:
Click Here, The Great Race
"In this retelling of the ancient legend, Casey maintains the pace well. Back matter includes information about the Chinese calendar in general, as well as the more specific Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival. The book is a visual treat, with illustrations in simple collage designs on acrylic and painted backgrounds placed in such a way as to keep the eye engaged and moving. The palette is a pleasing mix of intense and muted tones. An attractive addition for most collections." - School Library Journal
"In The Great Race, Anne Wilson's whimsical collages even include baubles hanging from the trees on the riverbank, capturing the joyous spirit of this story about the Chinese Zodiac."- ForeWord Magazine
"Playful color illustrations by Anne Wilson add an enthusiastic touch to this adventurous narrative, rounded out with fun facts about the Chinese calendar and Chinese astrology."- The Midwest Book Review