Barefoot Librarian Newsletter January 2021

posted on January 28, 2021 by Eve Panzer

Multicultural Children’s Book Day January 29, 2021


Quigley the Quiet Hedgehog
Author: Claudine Norden
Illustrator: Bonnie Wiegand
Publisher: Hoberman, 2018
Format: Hardback
Price: $14.95
Ages: 4-8

I was generously gifted the book Quigley the Quiet Hedgehog by the author Claudine Norden. This review expresses my thoughts on her book. This review is part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day, occurring on January 29, 2021.

Quigley is a tiny, quiet hedgehog, but this does not prevent her from having a healthy dose of self-confidence. She* understands that it is her nature to stand back and watch things unfold, processing them at a pace comfortable for her. Quigley knows this may be different from others, but she also has a place in the world. She does not need to shout, as she knows, “I am seen. I have clout.” And she confidently states, “Shy is cautious, I don’t have shame.”

Diversity comes in all forms, but this is the first book I have read about introverts. I am happy to see this as I was timid as a child and young adult. Outgoing people find it hard to understand introverts, which often leads to marginalization. This book explains why a person is introverted and that, despite this trait, still has a lot to offer the world. Written by an author who is an extrovert mother to an introverted child, this book helps the reader see into and make sense of the world of introverts. With understanding comes caring, respect, empathy, and inclusion.

Thoughtful illustrations by Bonnie Wiegard play an important role in communicating Quigley’s messages since the book contains sparse, selective text. Pictures provide information and context that bring the story to life.

*Note, I believe the author purposely left the gender of the main character ambiguous so that all children could identify with Quigley. However, since the author dedicated the book to her daughter, and for simplicity, I have used female pronouns to refer to Quigley.

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(The Barefoot Librarian may receive a commission from your purchases at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support of my business. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”)


From My Window
Author: Otavio Junior
Illustrator: Vanina Starkoff
Publisher: Barefoot Books, 2018
Format: Hardback
$17.99

From My Window by Otavio Junior as gifted to me by Barefoot Books. This review expresses my thoughts on this book. This review is part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day, occurring on January 29, 2021.

From My Window is a timely title from Barefoot Books, an independent children’s publisher that produces “…beautiful books that celebrate diversity, spark curiosity and capture children’s imaginations.” The book is based on the author’s childhood growing up in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. “A favela is a special kind of district in Brazil.” Instead of the government, “…the people who live in the favelas are in charge of them.”

The boy is confined to his apartment, much like many children have been during the pandemic. The favela is well populated as the boy exclaims, “I see people everywhere!” He describes the day-to-day life that he sees out of his window. The art and text weave together to create a vivid tapestry of life in the neighborhood.

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(The Barefoot Librarian may receive a commission from your purchases at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support of my business.)

Multicultural Children’s Book Day
January 29, 2021

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.

Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

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Online Book Fairs can be hosted from anywhere in the continental U.S.!

Online book fairs with the Barefoot Librarian are easy as 1,2,3!
1. Contact the Barefoot Librarian to set up your book fair.
2. The Barefoot Librarian will send you a flier with your online book fair links & other book fair info.
3. Share the flier to the school’s families and supporters, as well as reminders during the book fair and start earning free books! (Or choose a cash option.)

Purchasing books from the
Barefoot Librarian is just a click away!

Barefoot Books
Usborne Books & More
Need help selecting just the right books to purchase?
Contact me anytime!

Barefoot Books creates “…beautiful books that celebrate diversity, spark curiosity and capture children’s imaginations.” Since 1993 they have been “…sharing books and gifts that inspire children to be compassionate, creative and curious.” Many of their books represent different cultures and diverse characters.

Usborne Books & More “Usborne and Kane Miller books are the most exciting, engaging, and educational books on the market today. They are high-quality, innovative, lavishly-illustrated, and best of all, they are the books kids love to read. Choose from over 1,800 bright, colorful, and fun titles covering a wide variety of subjects. From activity books, to neat fiction series, to internet-linked science and history encyclopedias, Usborne does books better.”
“Kane Miller has published award-winning children’s books from around the world for more than 25 years. They bring to life fantastic fiction stories for older readers and wonderful multicultural picture book stories for younger readers. All of these are stories that will make you smile, think, cry, or laugh ‘til you have tears in your eyes.”

Interested in selling Barefoot Books and/or Usborne Books & More?
Earn money by selling books online from your home.
Please contact me!

I would love to hear from you!

Please contact me anytime with all of your book needs! I will be happy to recommend and sell you great books to enhance and enrich your lesson plans.

Happy Reading,
Eve

Raves & Praise from authors and educators about Eve Panzer, the Barefoot Librarian.

Eve Panzer has displayed her wonderful books at several of our Early Childhood events. Our teachers are always excited to see the age appropriate materials she provides.

-Jacquie Porter, Early Childhood Director, Austin ISD

A favorite resource we use everyday in our preschool is a beautiful book! We love to share the joy and excitement of engaging stories to help the children make deep connections to their exploration and learning. The Barefoot Librarian offers THE best selection of books in a full range of topics and targeted age groups to appeal to children of all ages.

-Community School Director, Four Seasons

Eve, the Barefoot Librarian has done a wonderful job at hand-selecting books for my three children, ages 3.5, 4.5 and 7. She considered their interests and reading levels in her selection of 23 titles. Some are bi-lingual, which is ideal since they are learning Spanish and English at the same time. All of the books are beautiful and some come with audio CDs, which they love listening to while having the book on their lap as we commute to school. What a wonderful way to get new books!

-Sharon M., Parent

Faced with the wealth of incredible books available for children, many educators can feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing titles for the classroom. If you’re a teacher who doesn’t want to resort to the dartboard method, the Barefoot Librarian is your new best friend!

-Audrey Linter, Blogger, Little Pickle Press

“Eve Panzer and her site The Barefoot Librarian is every author’s friend. Her thorough reviews inform readers just how and why a book makes the perfect fit. Reviews are important so people understand whether a potential read will be successful and with reviews like The Barefoot Librarian help make those selections a success!”

-Carole P. Roman, award-winning author

“I was the lucky recipient of a review from Eve Panzer for my debut picture book, SUMO JOE. Not only was her review timely, but she also got to the core of the book and really understood what it was all about. Her blog posts not only look beautiful but are well written and help readers find books for their needs. I highly recommend Eve’s book review services!”

-Mia Wejen – Co-founder of the MultiCultural Children’s Book Day and author of children’s books, including Sumo Joe and the Barefoot Books title Food for the Future, which has received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“Eve, the Barefoot Librarian provided me with an excellent service. Being a first-time author, it is a challenge to get your foot in the door and I was really pleased with the process. Not only was it a well thought out and wonderful review, but Eve is lovely and very prompt with her communication. Thank you for a job well done.”

-Sarah Cullen, Author of Nellie the Narwhal and Director Majestic Whale Encounters

Eve Panzer wrote a wonderful review for my debut middle grade novel. I was thrilled at how detailed and thorough the review was. In fact, it has helped me so much as I have sent this review to schools and educators so they can get a good idea of what my book is about. I am so grateful to Eve for her deep insight and analysis of my book. I highly recommend her services to any author looking to get a book review.

-Shirin Shamsi, author of Laila and the Sands of Time and the Barefoot Books title Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story which received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“An author is always nervous to see a review of their book, especially their first book. When I read Eve Panzer’s (the Barefoot Librarian) review of my debut picture book Walkout, I immediately relaxed as I saw her deep connection to the core of the story. She truly understood the character relationships, problem, and message of the book. In addition, Eve’s correspondence was timely, efficient, and professional. I look forward to seeking her expertise and experience for future children’s books.”

-Tina M. Shepardson, Author of WALKOUT

“I was honored to receive a Barefoot Librarian Book Review as an award from this year’s Reader View’s Reviewers Choice awards. I was especially pleased that David’s ADHD was selected, since my greatest hope for the book was to have it shared in libraries so that it is available to all.” “I found her review to be insightful and extremely helpful in presenting the book, including helpful quotes from the book and well as providing encouraging and perceptive comments. I am hoping to use her reviewing service again for future books!”

-Sherrill S. Cannon, Award-Winning Author of David’s ADHD

“As an author, I feel like there’s nothing more rewarding than when grownups really get my message and what I’m trying to portray in the story. Eve Panzer is one of those gems who has been a huge champion for our yoga stories, which are a little outside the box, combining literacy and movement. Her reviews are hugely comprehensive, and it’s clear that she spends quality time getting to know the books and the authors. It was an honor to have one of our first yoga books reviewed by Eve, and I highly recommend her services!”

-Giselle Shardlow, Author and Owner of KidsYogaStories.com

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian, provided an outstanding, valuable review of my children’s book, My Chickens Lay Eggs. Her professional review was written in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner. Most importantly, it specifically highlighted aspects of the book considered relevant to my reader and buyer audiences. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful time and effort put into the final product and highly recommend her services.

-Sherry Crelin, Author of My Chickens Lay Eggs

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals …! Your review pointed out the many lessons hidden and not so hidden in the book, which is a bonus for a story that, on the surface, seems relatively simplistic.  Thank you also for including pertinent facts and safety information from the back matter page in your review.

-Rebecca Leopold Publicist, Waterbear Publishing

This is fantastic; thank you so much! Your review really captures everything we love about this title.

-Hannah Thelen (she/her/hers), Editorial and Production Director Women In Botany (Science Wide Open series) by Mary Wissinger, Published by Science Naturally!