Barefoot Books- LadyD: Family

Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Celebrating 5!

Oh, how they grow... grandchildren that is and garden plants, too. One of my grandson's turned five and Ryan was so pleased to have his very own sleeping bag, to celebrate many indoor/outdoor adventures to come! His favorite color is green. Linking to Color Connection

Kids' Garden: 40 Fun Indoor and Outdoor Activities and Games

Barefoot Books offers some gardening cards and picture books that our family likes. You can read the review at Kiwi Magazine Review: Kids Garden

Spring has arrived in SoCal and our garden soil is all prepared and ready for planting. So far we've purchased lots of seeds and a few starter plants like Basil and Parsley. Will you be growing a vegetable garden this year? I wanted to share this comprehensive article with you for vegetable gardening. Very informative!

I've filled 5 Easter baskets for the grandchildren and I'm really excited for the weekend festivities. They'll have bubbles and silly string, jewelry and books. Of course, I'll add pretzels and crackers, maybe a little candy, too! Do you have a favorite Easter tradition? One of my favorite bloggers, +Bernadette Ortiz-Grbic has tons of great ideas for all those accumulated eggs. You'll want to see her post on 10 Ways to Use Plastic Eggs

In addition to the vegetable garden, we have a few flower gardens along the way. Our Clivias seem to do well in the shade around the north side of the house. Linking up with Orange You Glad It's Friday

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Easter filled with happy memories!

Blessings,

LadyD

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

Meet Riley!

Our 5th grandchild, we are so blessed.

Riley, born January 19th on our daughter's birthday on a warm, winter's day. You see, we were just sitting around on a Saturday doing a little yard work, resting by the fountain. Our son called and announced, "Four centimeters." We thought it would take pretty much all day but shortly the whole birthing experience moved up to seven centimeters and we were on our way to the nearby hospital, just a 15 min. drive. We've done this before... wonderful midwife, modern facilities, everyone remember to breathe and bask in the love and grace of God. You're about to experience a miracle!

So, here he is... sweet baby at:

7 lbs. 10 oz.

20 inches

Mommy and baby doing fine

Big brother loves little brother

Truly blessed with 4 grandsons and 1 special granddaughter...

Ben and Noah, Ryan and Riley and Miss Flora.

Photos for Blue Monday and Mandarin Orange Monday

Counting my blessings for my grandchildren bring me such joy!

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

Spinning, Pushing, and Shoving

Oh my, how my granddaughter has grown! I had taken these photos of her awhile ago in her yellow tutu. She's a natural in it, twirling around like her mother did a very long time ago as a ballerina who majored in dance at Cal Arts. Photo for Mellow Yellow Monday I just learned that this meme has ended, so for 2013 I've posted this collage because seeing little Flora in yellow brings me JOY!

That's Mine!

It was Spring time of last year, and our daughter arrived with her daughter to attend a cousin's birthday party at a local park.

There were lots of food, a pinata and of course balloons! It's a beautiful, spacious park with lots of acorn trees all around. We were surrounded by so many kids.

Of course, my granddaughter spotted some water bottles and desperately wanted one. I knew she was thirsty with all the running around she did that day. It was a fun playground and the kids got a great workout on the slide, swings and merry-go-round.

Once our granddaughter had possession of her water bottle, lo and behold... her little cousin started moving in on her territory!

All of a sudden, there were lots of pushing and shoving going on. You could hear the little ones shouting, "Mine! That's mine!"

Ah, but the story has a happy ending because the parents stepped in and made the children stop fighting and asking for hugs all around... and so they did! Photos of an old navy blue quilt, blue jeans and blue jacket for Blue Monday

James 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

Blessed are the peacemakers!

Review

On Bear s birthday, he blows up 10 balloons and greets his party guests at the door. After playing hideand-
seek and musical chairs, the bears have a treasure hunt, enjoy a birthday feast, and say good-bye.
Rhymed couplets are illustrated in the vibrantly colored ink, paint, and crayon artwork. The final spread,
Counting Balloons, challenges kids to count rows of balloons, from 10 to 1, as Bear s cat bats them
about and occasionally pops one. Children can practice counting in this cheerful board book (also in paper)
the latest in Blackstone and Harter s Bear series. --Booklist

Blackstone combines a rhyming counting book and a birthday celebration. Harter s familiar cartoon bear and buddies party with gifts, musical chairs, hide-and-seek, a treasure hunt, and a variety of treats. Readers are given the task of counting the number of balloons as designated in a square at the bottom right corner of each spread. The final spread shows a balloon countdown from 10 to one, assisted by Bear s black-and-white-striped cat. The busy scenes with bright geometrics and patterns promise many fun readings. --School Library Journal

Bear's Birthday

Peek-a-Boo VIII, Hippo

Buy From Art.com

Happy Reading!

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

Tips for Sending Kids Off To School

Barefoot Books

As a piano teacher for over 15 years now, it seems I find myself, especially around this time of year, busily hurrying about, gathering up lesson books at the teacher store, cleaning up my music studio a bit and ordering popular sheet music and theory books for returning piano students as well as welcoming aboard new ones.

About this time, from late August to early September, that's when all the schools here in California begin, whether you attend a public, private or charter school. And so my heart begins to race as my mind is flooded with past memories that identify with that universal feeling as a parent, as well as a grandparent of letting go of your child or grandchild into the hands of a new teacher that will help mentor and guide your child through a new school year of great things to learn and much interaction with other children.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was waving goodbye, all teary-eyed to our daughter as she boarded the big yellow school bus and was headed for kindergarten. Now she will soon be expecting her new little baby of her own. As I pour myself another cup of coffee, I think back to the time my own mother gave our first born daughter her first car and how I felt my heart breaking as she drove off to Stanford to complete her education and embark on a wonderful, exciting bright future of world travel, wonderful teaching jobs and meeting her future husband. It all seems like yesterday and now she's a proud mother of 2 charming, sweet boys.

As I tend to live life more and more in the present, I was thinking of what I could possibly share with my readers in the upcoming weeks and decided that the obvious coarse of action would be a series of future posts that serve as a bridge for preparing you and your child for back to school... where you are now and where you will be headed this Fall. I would like to introduce my readers to a new children's book from Barefoot Books that captures the heart and essence of "Back to School" and what that means and feels like to your child. Children are indeed a real blessing.

Packing Backpack, Lunchbox, and Confidence: Tips for Sending Children Off to School

It happens every autumn. Millions of young children start school for the very first time. They carry backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, sometimes a grin on their face, but more often, a look of trepidation about what school will really be like. They wonder: Will my teacher be nice? Will I have friends? What if I can’t find my way? Who will sit with me? What will I do? What if I don’t like it? What if I miss home? What if it’s too hard?
As parents guiding our children off to start school for the first time, or to begin a new school year, we want to do all we can to ensure that they have a great experience. At the same time, we want to encourage their independence as they set off on a new journey in their development.

Kathryn White, author of Ruby's School Walk, early educator and mum of five children, shared her tips to ease children's start-of-school anxiety and make this an enjoyable milestone:

Read with your child and talk about the school experience. Share with them stories about your memories of school, both the good and the less so. School is an adventure, and like all adventures, has its ups and downs.
Help spark your child’s imaginations about school to encourage them to talk about their concerns and face their fears. You can do this through stories, books, drawings and other art forms. Ask them questions such as what they think school will be like, what they are excited about and worried about, what they think they will learn, etc. These conversations can also be had with grandparents and other favorite people in your child’s life.
Build a community in your neighborhood. It is amazing what a familiar and friendly face can do to help a child overcome their fears about going to school. As your family journeys to school each day you might see this friendly neighbor, or only see them occasionally, but it will help your child feel comfortable and safe on their trip to school.
Sit down together and create a fun map to school. Note interesting landmarks and have your child colour them in or place numbers at each point. On that first morning to school, your child will be pre-occupied with ticking off the landmarks on their special map. The school can be drawn with welcome signs, making it a great triumph upon their arrival.
Walk with your child to school whenever possible. If you don’t live nearby, take public transport, bike or drive and get out a few blocks away and walk together. The walk will become a meaningful way to spend time together and help get the day off on the right foot.
Create traditions. Take pictures of your child in front of your home or on their way to school. Each year you can reflect back on these first day of school photos and see how much your child has grown in every way.
Know that if the first day went well or didn’t go well, there are many more days of school throughout the year and peaks and valleys along the way.
Here's some information on this delightful children's book:
Ruby’s School Walk
Join Ruby on her way to school and see the world her mum cannot see. In an old house, she spies bats with red eyes peering out and scary witches that flit about. And these aren’t the only dangers on her path: tigers, crocodiles and mighty beasts abound! ‘I must be brave, I must be strong,’ chants Ruby as she musters the nerve to scare them off; but will it work?
Ages 4 to 7 years
Written By: Kathryn White
The author has written over a dozen children’s books, but Ruby’s School Walk is her first with Barefoot Books. She often visits libraries and schools leading interactive workshops with her books. To learn more about Kathryn and her work, visit her website. http://www.kathrynwhite.net/

Illustrated By: Miriam Latimer
Miriam is a full-time illustrator who also combines her love of art with workshops for young children. She has illustrated five Barefoot Books, including bestseller The Prince’s Bedtime and Shopping with Dad. Her quirky, colorful art is usually done in acrylic paints, but she also uses pencils and a bit of collage. To learn more about Miriam and her work, visit her website.
http://www.miriamlatimer.co.uk/
I love Miriam's artwork. Here are a few more samples of her talent.

Ice cream

India

Miriam's Books

Buy a book, build a library!
To purchase Ruby's School Walk, Hardcover Format for $16.99, visit: My Marketplace
A Look Inside Ruby's School Walk with Kathryn White and Miriam Latimer (Barefoot Books)

I hope your child’s first experience with school is part of their magnificent journey of growing up!
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

Barefoot Books: The Prince's Bedtime

I was delighted to see a customer, a beautiful mom with her very pretty daughter, stopping by my Barefoot Books table to browse and read a story aloud. Which story, you might ask? Well, the Prince's Bedtime seemed to intrigue the little girl so much so that I had to grab my camera and record this wonderful moment. For me, it's not just about selling children's books but sseeing children eager to read for themselves and also those special times of reading together!

Well-written and very colorful, this bedtime story has great illustrations! The Prince can't fall asleep and the King and Queen call on the entire kingdom to help. When the doctor, cooks, maids, musicians, dancers, and others all fail, a little old woman tries a simple solution. The sure cure for the Prince's insomnia: a bedtime story. A great way to send your little one off to sleep! I love this book and I continually stock up for more inventory because it is so popular at the Farmer's Market.
* One of Barefoot Books Best Sellers: The Prince's Bedtime
Meet a young prince who refuses to go to sleep! The entire kingdom comes out to lend a hand in this rhyming bedtime adventure. There is a hullabaloo of activity—jugglers juggling, magicians hypnotizing, dancers dancing—but it is the wonder of a good story that finally does the trick. Book with CD editions include story read by actor Jim Broadbent.
Ages 3 to 7 years
Written By: Joanne Oppenheim
Illustrated By: Miriam Latimer
Narrated By: Jim Broadbent

* Joanne Oppenheim
Author of more than fifty books, many of which have received awards and critical acclaim, Joanne is well known for her work in child development, education and children's literature. She is currently the president of Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Inc., an organization that reviews children's products.

* Miriam Latimer
Illustrator who studied illustration at the University of the West of England and received an honors degree in 2003. Her first picture book, Wheelie Girl, was first published in 2006. As well as The Prince's Bedtime, Miriam has also written and illustrated Shrinking Sam (2007) for Barefoot Books.
You can order the book and look for more great reads at:

http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/4135

Celebrate Father's Day with June Special Offers!

Celebrate Father's Day with June Special Offers!

Father's Day Favorites
From a crazy shopping adventure to an all-ages introduction to yoga, these specially discounted books are all great to share with Dad!

Here are your Special Offers for June:

* Shopping with Dad £8.99 HB/ $13.99 HC

* My Daddy is a Pretzel £4.99 PB/ $12.99 HC

* Yoga Pretzels £7.99/$13.99

Image via Wikipedia

* Yoga Planet £7.99/$13.99
* Journey Home from Grandpa's £2.99 PB/$3.99 PB

Young travelers will delight in this colorful journey. Along the way from country to city, they'll learn about different colors and modes of transportation, and sing along with Fred Penner to the catchy road-trip song.

* Bear's Busy Family £3.99 BB/$4.99 BB

As young readers follow Bear around his home, they will learn about all kinds of different household activities! With many first learning themes, an easy-to-memorize rhyming text, and a useful family tree, Bear's Busy Family offers many opportunities for interactive projects with young children.
* The Beeman £3.99 PB/$5.99 PB
* The Barefoot Book of Pirates £6.99 PB w CD/$11.99 PB w CD

* The Barefoot Book of Monsters! £8.99 HB/$15.99 HC
* The Story Tree £6.99 PB w CD/$15.99 HC w CD

This delightful collection of tales from around the world includes favorites like "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" (Norwegian) as well as less familiar stories such as "The Blue Coat" (Jewish) and "The Sweetest Song" (African-American). Hugh Lupton's engaging narrative quickly draws young readers into each story, while Sophie Fatus's quirky illustrations will have children laughing in their seats, ensuring hours of entertainment.
* Jack and the Beanstalk £7.99 HB w CD/$6.99 PB w CD

* Grandfather Mountain

* Grandfather Mountain US ONLY $12.99 HC

A delightful companion volume to our bestselling Grandmothers' Stories, Grandfather Mountain explores what it means to be a grandfather. Our grandfathers are the tellers of stories, passing on the knowledge they have accumulated over the years, and sharing the lessons they've learned from the grandfathers who have gone before them, who in turn received them from their elders.

This is a unique anthology, which presents adventures of well-known gods and heroes taken from cultures all over the world, and explores the quests that challenge all males as they take the step into manhood.

Image via Wikipedia