Barefoot Librarian Newsletter May 2020

posted on June 3, 2020 by Eve Panzer

Barefoot Librarian Featured Book Reviews

WALKOUT
Written by Tina Shepardson
Illustrated by Terry Sirrell
Published by Clear Fork Publishing, 2020

In the picture book WALKOUT, experienced educator and author Tina Shepardson takes on the difficult and scary topic of school violence. Based on a true story the author helps children see what they can do about a situation that feels out of their control. She also helps children understand that feelings that are different from their own are acceptable and valid.

The story begins with two best friends, Stella and Maddie discussing an anti-violence walkout planned at their school at the end of the week. While Maddie is all in to participate in the walkout, Stella is hesitant especially since the principal announced that the walkout is only for upper grades. Despite what the principal said, Maddie feels compelled to participate in the walkout, explaining “But my days would be as dark as rain clouds if something happened to you or anyone else.”

This seemingly simple picture book provides a springboard to many important topics. The main theme of the book is violence in school, a topic that has to be approached with sensitivity depending on the age and maturity of the children. The author does a great job of introducing the topic for young audiences without going into details that might be frightening.

Another aspect of the book is social learning. Maddie shows sensitivity to Stella’s feelings. Maddie kindly offers Stella options that might make her comfortable enough to become involved on some level. Maddie treats Stella with respect, instead of shaming her. Also, there is a point where Maddie questions her own actions because Stella is so reluctant to participate. However, Maddie is strong enough in her beliefs that she does not back down from her decision. The author gives both characters room to be who they are, despite their differing positions, and they are still able to remain friends.

Also, the book introduces the concepts of how democracy allows even younger children to have a voice in changes. The right to protest and freedom of speech empowers them when they may otherwise feel helpless to tackle an overwhelming problem. This book could be used to introduce young children to the concept of democracy and some of the rights that our constitution has granted Americans.

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Nellie the Narwhal
Written by Sarah Cullen and Carmen Ellis
May 10, 2020
Ages 3-7

Nellie The Narwhal is an engaging picture book for ages 3-7. There are several layers to this book which makes it useful to teach different lessons. On one level, it is a fun rhyming story about the experience of an adorable narwhal and her sea creature neighbors. But it is also a great book for emotional learning. And finally, it offers a brief introduction to different inhabitants of the ocean world.

The story has a familiar theme. Nellie is bored and is looking for someone to play with. She comes across various sea creatures during her search for a playmate. However, all of her friends find reasons that they cannot play together. However, instead of feeling lonely and sorry for herself, Nellie is determined to find a way to play with her friends. With a little contemplation, Nellie finds solutions that allow her to play with her friends.

The rhyming and illustrations are engaging for children. The storyline is relatable to the intended audience. Nellie relies on her abilities to resolve her problems exhibiting confidence, intellect, and imagination.

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I Dig Books
Great resource for purchasing high quality children’s books about science and history

My friend Allison has started a new business to help parents and educators find and purchase great science and history books for children. I recommend you check out her website and services at www.idigbooks.com.

The mission of I Dig Books is to seek out and provide high quality children’s books about science and history to educators and parents. The company was founded by Allison Diehl, a professional archaeologist, part-time children’s book seller of fifteen years, and mother of two. In addition to offering content reviews of books for children of all ages, I Dig Books is also a full-service bookseller offering delivery of millions of books in print from a wide variety of publishers. Customers may request sourcing services for most titles with direct home shipping. Bulk discounts and grant matching are also available to educators and non-profit organizations. You can read Allison’s latest reviews, browse a virtual bookstore, and request a quote for any size order at www.idigbooks.com.

Educational Resources Recommended bythe Barefoot Librarian

*Kids Yoga Stories. This website provides resources for a fee and some free that teaching kids about nature and the environment through yoga poses and practices. Check this out for free resources. There is also a newsletter and blog you can sign up for. The founder of this website, Giselle, is an experienced educator, yoga instructor and mother.

Zinn Project: “The Zinn Education Project promotes and supports the teaching of people’s history in middle and high school classrooms across the country. Based on the lens of history highlighted in Howard Zinn’s best-selling book A People’s History of the United States, the website offers free, downloadable lessons and articles organized by theme, time period, and reading level.”(The (Barefoot Librarian is not receiving any compensation for this recommendation.)

Tumble Publisher: “Called “a leading publisher of science books for children” by the Boston Globe, Tumblehome has developed expertise in helping scientists and engineers translate their research into attractive, accurate, engaging science books for children from grades 2 to 12.” In conjunction with WGBH’s NOVA, Andy Zucker and Penny Noyce of Tumblehome books created a one-week unit for grades 6-12 called “Resisting Scientific Misinformation,” available on their website free of charge. (The Barefoot Librarian is not receiving any compensation for this recommendation.)

*Barefoot Books and *Usborne Books & More, two publishers that the Barefoot Librarian sells books for, have educational resources tied to some of their products. These resources require that their products be purchased. I have provided links below.*

*Barefoot Books – Activities for Kids

*Usborne Books & More – Educational Resources

*(The Barefoot Librarian will earn a commission on any purchases made on these websites at not cost to you. Thank you for your support of my business.)

Also check your local public library website for free online resources.

I subscribe to many children’s book bloggers, children’s book author communications, many children’s book publisher newsletters and various librarian publications. All of these are offering resources to keep children’s minds active, curious and learning. I will include resources in my monthly newsletter and will also keep a running list of all resources on my website in the This and That section. I will do my best to provide resources from trusted sources. It is my hope that this service will make your lives easier.

If you are creating or receiving educational resources worth sharing, please send them to me and I will add them to my list.

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.”

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

Barefoot Books – www.barefootlibrarianbooks.com

Usborne Books & More www.barefootlibrarianubam.com
Need help selecting just the right books to purchase?
Contact me anytime!

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

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

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!