Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.
As an educator I must say that I am always excited to get my kids reading. We have more children’s books in our home than you can shake a stick at. We love books! I was SO excited when Jennifer approached me about testing out a few Barefoot Books with my kiddies and reviewing them. Yes! New Books! She asked me to choose a couple from the catalog and I found that I could not. Every time I tried I ended up with an endless list of books that I wanted to read. I eventually ended up just asking her to pic a few. She admits that it was difficult for her too, but I think she did a fantastic job (so if when you order you can’t choose, just ask her she is a GREAT help).
The first book that she had us take a look at was such a perfect choice. (E) is almost two and of course she is at a point where she is super sharp, and her language is exploding. She is OBSESSED with books where you search and find things. In this book “My Big Barefoot Book of Wonderful Words”, she points to things on the pages and we identify them for her. After a few tries, she starts pointing and labeling them herself. There is so much to look at, she sits often turning the pages and telling herself what things are. It’s ADORABLE.
The second book “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” was another great choice. The kids both enjoy it because the tempo is very catchy. There is also a “refrain” that the can repeat along with me. For kids who are just learning to read and repeat along with you like (A) is it is perfect because when we come to that part, he points and reads along. Afterwards he is so proud of himself that we all clap. At its conclusion we often hear the words “again, or more” from both of them. Even better? If I get tired of repeating it (never) it comes with a CD in the back that can be used in a CD player or watched on a computer.
The third book “Ship Shapes” had me in stitches. It turns out that this is an old favorite. I had no idea that it was a Barefoot Book!! (A) and I have been participating in the Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Program since he was 1 year old. We enjoy going through the books together (we take them out of the library), keep track of those we have read, and love the trip to the store in NJ to pick up our free reward when we have completed the list. Well, two years ago “Ship Shapes” was on the list. He loved it then, and more so now because he was able to identify every shape, and show his sister too. He just loves to show her things.
It is worth noting that each book is great quality. The illustrations are super colorful and appropriate without being over the top. They have stood up to (E)’s page turning (no small feat, we keep usually scotch tape on hand her books are well loved). I am eager to read and experience more of these books. I am especially interested in reading the books that are tales from around the world. I really enjoy these types of books, and I love the opportunity to teach the kids about each culture and where it is when we read things like that.
In fact, Jennifer seems to have read my mind. Her summer reading program through Barefoot Brothers Books gives me the opportunity to do just that. She has a printable passport (see below) available with the rules of the program as well as graphics to send for when you have completed a book. You can read the stories, keep track, learn about different cultures, and once completed earn a free book or a puppet (see official rules)!!!
The kids are really enjoying the books which says a lot. They have so many options available to them, that when they reach for the same ones over and over again it really means something. I love how much my kids love to read and Barefoot Books is a great way to grow and develop that love.
If you are interested in Barefoot Books you can contact Jennifer Rankin at barefootbrothersbooks@yahoo.com on her webpage www.BarefootBrothers.barefootbooks.com or on her Facebook Page
