Spooky Recipes for Halloween!

Slimey Green Goop - A slimey green potion to serve at your Halloween Party.



Dracula's Gelatin - A dessert scary enough for a vampire.

Eyeballs - Frighten party-goers with these spooky hors d' oeuvres.


Ghoul's Smoothie - A healthy snack for ghouls and goblins.

Icy Hand Snatchers - A frozen goodie sure to be a scream.


Meringue Ghosts - A hauntingly sweet treat.

We had a blast at our local Pumpkin Patch. How about you?

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Related articles

• Halloween "Witches' Brew" Punch Recipe (halloweenforkids.blogspot.com)

Jennifer Garner Loves Barefoot Books!

 'Tis true, Jennifer Garner loves Barefoot Books, too!

 "Cambridge-based Barefoot Books got a big boost yesterday when a paparazzo in LA snapped a pic of Jennifer Garner clutching one of its volumes. Ben Affleck’s bride is one of several celebrity admirers of the children’s book publisher, whose fans also include Debra Messing, Brooke Shields, Helen Hunt, Paul McCartney, Deepak Chopra, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In the pic, Garner is holding daughter Seraphina and one of Barefoot Books’ best-selling toddler titles, “Bear in Sunshine!’’ We rang up company CEO Nancy Traversy for a reaction. “It’s not really what we’re all about, but celebrity sells,’’ she said. “Maybe that’s sad, maybe that’s OK. I have a huge amount of respect for Jennifer Garner and it’s wonderful to see she’s raising her kids Barefoot.’"

  http://www.boston.com/yourtown/cambridge/articles/2010/10/16/garnering_attention/

About Bear in the Sunshine

Bear in Sunshine

Enjoy the seasons with Bear, as he partakes in a different activity for each kind of weather. The rhyme and humor of the text help to introduce the concepts, and a two-page spread of the four seasons offers a recap at the end.

Ages 2 to 6 years
Written By: Stella Blackstone
Illustrated By: Debbie Harter

$6.99 Order book here

I like this... it's a Win-Win opportunity when Mom and Daughter read together!
How many Barefoot Board Books are in your library?

-- LadyD





“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis


My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Related articles

• Spotted: Jennifer Garner's Little Page-Turner (celebritybabies.people.com)

Barefoot Books: Greece Represented

Here is a Barefoot Books list representing this great country.
Greece
1. Adventures of Odysseus
2. Ballet Stories
3. Grandfather Mountain
4. Lady of Ten Thousand Names

Adventures of Odysseus Story CD/DVD

Travel back in time to experience one of the greatest epic stories of all time. Once the Trojan war ended, Odysseus thought his journey home would begin. But what he assumed was the end of his adventure was truly only the beginning.

Available in full-length story CD read by Hugh Lupton and illustrated paperback chapter book as part of the Barefoot Books Young Fiction line.

Ages 8 and up
Retold By: Daniel Morden, Hugh Lupton
Illustrated By: Christina Balit
$19.99

Gift Set

The Adventures of Odysseus Gift Set

Meet Odysseus and hear his mythical tale.

Enjoy the timeless tale of the Greek hero who travels home from the Trojan War with The Adventures of Odysseus hardcover gift book, paired with the double-story CD by world-renowned storytellers, Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden. The set is packed in an eco-friendly, reusable green shopper tote with a gift tag to personalize.

Ages 8 and up
In Stock: 11/19/10 

$38.00

Chapter Book

The Adventures of Odysseus

As Odysseus fights to find his way back home after the long and brutal Trojan War, he has to endure harrowing ordeals and adventures, and come to terms with devastating losses. Storytellers Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden’s graphic retelling breathes new life into this great classic.

Paperback chapter book now part of the Barefoot Books Young Fiction line.

Ages 8 and up
Retold By: Daniel Morden, Hugh Lupton
Illustrated By: Christina Balit
$12.99 

Hardcover with Story CD

The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories

Watch the curtain rise on these dramatic and beautiful ballets. The stories in this collection feature magic and comedy, drama and adventure, and are accompanied by a brief history of classical ballet, as well as historical details of the composition, choreography and early performances of each ballet. Book with double CDs edition includes stories read by actress Juliet Stevenson.

Ages 6 and up
Written By: Jane Yolen, Heidi E.Y. Stemple
Illustrated By: Rebecca Guay
Narrated By: Juliet Stevenson

$23.99

The Lady of Ten Thousand Names

Goddess Stories from Many Cultures

Worship the goddesses of mythology. The eight stories in this elegant collection are based on traditional tales and sacred texts, and are models of female leadership, authority and wisdom. 

Ages 8 and up
Retold By: Burleigh Muten
Illustrated By: Helen Cann
$19.99 


I personally have sold many copies of the Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories. It is truly a beautiful book and you will love the illustrations. This one is a great  gift for your special little tots, as well as young ladies who are studying ballet and taking classes.


I also have read the chapter book on Odysseus and I am so pleased that we have a fiction line for the older readers. All of the above products are a must have for your library. Place order at
http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis


My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Related articles

• Jane Yolen, 'The Hans Christian Andersen of America,' Publishes 300th Book this Fall (prnewswire.com)
• Greeks 'discover Odysseus' palace in Ithaca, proving Homer's hero was real' (telegraph.co.uk)

Happy Halloween from Barefoot Books

 Send this very cute but not too spooky email card to a friend from Barefoot Books!

 






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

How To Add Zest to Your Storytelling with Puppets

Are you looking to add zest and imagination to your storytelling?

Folkmanis has a wonderful line of animal finger puppets. One of my favorites is the Hedgehog.

Mini Hedgehog Puppet

 This one sells for $6.99 and you can purchase it here http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com

Hedgehog Finger Puppet

Beware of this "prickly" hedgehog in the garden. This finger puppet is four inches long with soft plush spines.

Ages 3 to 7 years
Produced By: Folkmanis

Craft Fun Felt Finger Puppets for Kid's Play

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Children love to make simple crafts. They also love engaging in dramatic, creative play. A perfect way to combine these two loves is by letting your kids craft fun felt finger puppets. Easy to create and fun to play with, these finger puppets will provide hours of entertainment.

 

Different Characters and How to Make Them 

1. Princess 

A princess finger puppet can be made from pink felt fabric. Long blonde hair is a classic image for a princess as well. To really make the finger puppet look regal, you might like to add a ring of silver wire, ribbon, or other trim for a crown. To make a princess gown, you can use a piece of gathered lace as a fancy skirt. 

MiniFox Puppet

Fox Finger Puppet

Can you outwit a sly fox in the forest? This clever finger puppet is four inches long.

Ages 3 to 8 years
Produced By: Folkmanis

Purchase $7.99 at Puppets
 

 2. Lion

A lion finger puppet should be made out of tan or golden colored felt. Cutting a fringed mane out of brown or orange felt is a good idea. You can glue it around the drawn on face. Make sure to make the face look like a cat face with a triangle nose and whiskers. You can also glue on a long golden tail at the back for more realism. 

Mini Owl Barn Puppet

Owl Finger Puppet

Perch this spotted owl on your finger and see if he shares some wisdom. This finger puppet is four inches tall.

Ages 3 to 8 years
Produced By: Folkmanis 
$6.99 Finger Puppet

3. Scary Witch 

A witch finger puppet would be fashioned from black or another dark colored felt. Straggly black hair and perhaps a green face would look great on this one. You can fashion a pointed witch hat out of sturdy black paper and glue it on the top of the head. 

Bunny Rabbit Finger Puppet

Bunny Rabbit Finger Puppet

Hop, hop, hop through the flowers! This adorable two-toned bunny finger puppet is five inches long.

Ages 3 to 8 years
Produced By: Folkmanis 
Price $7.99 My Marketplace

4. Rabbit 

Making a felt finger puppet rabbit is another cute idea. Rabbits can be white, grey, or brown and should have long ears, pink noses, and white bellies. Gluing a small white pom-pom to the back for a cotton tail is a great idea. 

Mini Moose Puppet

Moose Finger Puppet

Explore the snowy north with this chocolate brown moose. This finger puppet is six inches long.

Ages 3 to 8 years
Produced By: Folkmanis 
$7.99  Store

5. Super Hero
 
Craft a super hero finger puppet in bright blue and red felt. Make sure to put on a gold ribbon belt and a super hero symbol on the chest. Use a piece of thinner fabric or felt to make a cape down the back. Instead of hair, you might want the super hero puppet to have a brightly colored helmet on.
Kids love to craft and play with these fun felt finger puppets. With different colors of felt and their imaginations, they can create different characters and whole different dramatic plays with them. With the simple materials and easy instructions, this is one craft that needs limited supervision.

Original article by Melanie L. Marten

Mini Black Bear Puppet

Black Bear Finger Puppet

Wander through the forest with this cuddly black bear. This finger puppet is six inches long.

Ages 3 to 7 years
Produced By: Folkmanis 
$7.99 Barefoot Books

Another great resource for Fuzzy Fun Finger Puppets:
http://www.crayola.com/crafts/detail/fuzzy,-fun-finger-puppets-craft/



Educational Ideas for All Ages Making Puppets:
http://www.freekidcrafts.com/finger-puppets.html


Have fun making these cute finger puppets and spending hours of entertainment with these animal characters.  Mini puppets make excellent gift giving for preschool and kindergarten teachers for their kid's birthdays. Let me know which one is your favorite. Do stop by and tell me what puppet you and your child have successfully made over the years.



-- LadyD with Barefoot Books


“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis


My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Related articles

• Fun with Puppets (brighthub.com)

Barefoot Books Ambassadors Be Proud!

Become an Ambassador like Yours Truly!

Although this may be "old news" for some, nevertheless, quality children's books sell themselves. Here a few honors and awards that Barefoot Books has added to their reputation. For sure Barefoot Books Ambassadors, you can be proud of who you represent.  I am pleased to sell these gorgeous picture books to teachers, schools and children in my area. If interested in learning how to become an ambassador and you would like to join my team, visit http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com

"Barefoot Books, the independent children's publisher, today announced that it has received gold medals from the Nautilus Book Awards and the IPPY Awards for outstanding children's books and activities. Gold Nautilus Book Awards were given to two Barefoot titles: Little Leap Forward: A Boy in Beijing by Guo Yue & Clare Farrow, and illustrated by Helen Cann; and The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales, by Dawn Casey, and illustrated by Anne Wilson. A gold IPPY Award was given to Kids' Garden: 40 Fun Indoor and Outdoor Activities and Games by Whitney Cohen, Life Lab Science Program, and illustrated by Roberta Arenson. The awards were announced at the BookExpo America trade show and conference last week in New York City. "

"The Nautilus Book Awards recognize titles that promote conscious living and positive social change, offering readers new possibilities for a better life and a better world. Earth Tales, honored for best children's picture book, helps children learn about the earth through engaging folk tales and related crafts from different cultures, including India and Nigeria. Little Leap Forward, which won in the Fiction Teen category, is a story of the author's childhood in Beijing that brings the Cultural Revolution alive in a way that is unforgettable for young readers."

 "The IPPY Awards, presented by IndependentPublisher.com, attracted nearly 900 entries this year. The Kids' Garden activity deck was selected to win in the Children's Interactive Category. The 40 laminated activity cards with colorful collage artwork provide easy and fun follow-along activities for gardening projects such as planting a pizza garden, collecting seeds in socks, and creating paper pots. The activities provide a great way for budding green-thumbed gardeners to plant, investigate, learn and experiment. "

"We are excited and honored to have received these gold medal awards for three of our titles that teach children about the world through engaging stories and activities," said Barefoot Books Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, Tessa Strickland. "We started Barefoot Books nearly twenty years ago to offer children books that would feed the imagination while instilling a respect for diversity and a love of the planet. We are so pleased to be recognized as a publisher that is providing timeless stories, captivating art and earth-friendly activities for our young audience."

 For more information on Barefoot Books awards and honors, visit Balance Work and Family: Earn from Home

-- LadyD
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

How To Shop with Dad

 "My Mom made a list and she gave it to us, To me and my Dad, and we went on the bus. We got off the bus at the stop by the shop, Dad found us a cart and then..."

 As a child, I had always loved the days of shopping with my Dad and how I would look forward to just pushing the cart together. Sometimes we would just take walks together with my doll, just the 3 of us strolling down the dirt path together.

Barefoot Books has a very cool book about those same kind of special memories, There is just something about a little girl and her Dad, taking Mommy's shopping list, and being on an adventure together. What happens inside the grocery store will amuse and delight you with a warm resolution in the end of the story.


This delightful children's book is available in Hardcover for $16.99, as well as Paperback for  $7.99.

About The Book:

Shopping with Dad Venture to the grocery store with this father-daughter duo on a very lively shopping trip. As their cart swings down the aisles, the pair create minor calamity left and right. The rhyming, bouncy text teaches an important lesson about accidents and responsibility, all with a healthy dose of humor. Ages 3 to 7 years Written By: Matt Harvey Illustrated By: Miriam Latimer

About The Author:

Matt Harvey's artwork and design is beautiful. Visit his website, his art and design portfolio, and just keeping up to date with his projects. http://mattharvey.com/

About The Illustrator: 

Miriam Latimer is quite popular in the barefoot Books community! Are you familiar with her other works? Here's a list of some of her works that come to mind.

1. Emily's Tiger
2. Ruby's School Walk
3. The Prince's Bedtime
4.  Shrinking Sam 
Enjoy Miriam Latimer's website: http://www.miriamlatimer.co.uk/ 

Back to our story. Well, everything seems to be going well with lots of giggles because mommy put some funny names on her shopping list! Once inside the store, something happens!

 Find out more about the sweet, honest moral lesson towards the back of the book. A rich, quality experience for the whole family. A must read! ***** stars!
Get the book: http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com 

What Others Say: 


While grocery shopping with her dad, a rambunctious young girl can't hold back a sneeze that sets off a chain reaction: "That sneeze was fantastic. It made my Dad jump,/And his jump gave the woman beside him a bump/And she went, 'Aaarrrggghhh!' and swung around in alarm,/And her bag hit a woman, who jogged a man's arm." The sneeze is given a spread with the offender in the left-hand corner and a large-print "Ah-Ah-Chooooooo!!!" dominating the pages and surrounded by flying broccoli, cans of pet food, fruit, and even a dog. After Dad is blamed and his daughter confesses, the formerly angry shoppers work together to restore order. The cartoon mixed-media illustrations depict a lively hubbub amid plenty of color in the spilled ketchup, jars of pickles, etc., and various styles of dress on the diverse mix of people. Funny and warmhearted, this story will be enjoyed one-on-one and handy in classrooms where fingers are pointed: "Accidents happen,/it's always a shame,/But when push comes to shove,/there's no one to blame."—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA

The cartoon mixed-media illustrations depict a lively hubbub amid plenty of color in the spilled ketchup, jars of pickles, etc., and various styles of dress on the diverse mix of people. Funny and warmhearted, this story will be enjoyed one-on-one and handy in classrooms where fingers are pointed. --School Library Journal  

Happy Reading,
-- LadyD 

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Book Sale: 20% Off Plus Free Shipping

Please let me know if you'd like to schedule your Barefoot Book Party or fundraiser for your school or group. Interested in becoming a Barefoot Books Ambassador?  I'll help you get started with your  new portable book business. Visit Ambassador Sign Up

Treat yourself to our popular Fall children's books, puzzles, finger puppets and music cds.

 

Here's a hardcover book that is one of my favorites that  comes with music cd. I live in an avocado grove, surrounded by orange groves and strawberry fields. We see many tractors and think of the book.


Hardcover: On sale $15.99
Paperback w/ cd $9.99
Paperback: $6.99

Driving my Tractor

Chug along with a farmer and his tractor on this multi-season animal adventure! A busy farmer picks up fifteen animals along his route, but when his trailer hits a stone, chaos ensues. This colorful book combines simple counting instruction with humor, repetition and rhythm to encourage learning fun. Book with CD edition includes song sung by acclaimed children’s performer SteveSongs.

Ages 3 to 7 years
Written By: Jan Dobbins
Illustrated By: David Sim
Sung By: SteveSongs

 To order book, visit Driving My Tractor Book

I hope you'll take advantage of this great sale.  20% off through Monday, October 11th and then free shipping through Dec. 24th.


Happy Reading!


-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Down on the Farm

 What do you have growing on your farm?

 In my garden,  you'll find pumpkins galore!

I recommend these books and products for your little ones this fall:

On the Farm Mini Playscene

Have fun on the farm with over forty stickers of farmyard animals and a colorful background scene. The reusable, vinyl stickers create a new scene every time, and the convenient format is perfect for travel.

Ages 3 and up
Illustrated By: Clare Beaton
Produced By: Mudpuppy Press

Order the mini playscene for $8.99 on LadyD's Barefoot Books website:
http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com

Or you might be into puzzles.

Barefoot Books First Puzzle

 

Barnyard First Puzzles

This first puzzle is made for little hands!

Get ready for fun at the barnyard. Sixteen pieces fit together to create four farmyard scenes with these color-coded, four-piece, shaped puzzles.

Ages 2 to 4 years
Illustrated By: Clare Beaton
Produced By: Mudpuppy Press

 The Barnyard Puzzle

Barefoot Books Board Book

How Big is a Pig?

Follow an inquisitive pig as he asks all kinds of barnyard animals a barrage of questions. The rhyming, question-and-answer text presents opposites and animals in a colorful farmyard setting.

Ages 1 to 4 years
Illustrated By: Clare Beaton

Board Book On Sale 

Hardcover with Music CD

The Farmyard Jamboree

Sing and dance along with a young boy who introduces different members of his family along with a new farmyard animal and animal baby on every page of this rollicking early learner, inspired by a Chilean folk tale. The toe-tapping story offers a playful way to practice counting skills. Book with CD editions include song sung by Bob King.

Ages 3 to 7 years
Written By: Margaret Read MacDonald
Illustrated By: Sophie Fatus
Sung By: Bob King

Hardcover Book with Music CD 

 Why not take advantage of free shipping on all orders over $60.00 until Dec. 24th!

I absolutely love Clare Beaton's work. Her writing and illustrations are lovely. And the music to the Farmyard Jamboree is a fun approach to learning. Have fun shopping early.

So, I was wondering... do you have yummy pumpkin bread recipes to share?

Happy Fall,
-- LadyD

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com