Barefoot Librarian Newsletter October 2020

posted on October 5, 2020 by Eve Panzer

Barefoot Librarian Featured Book Reviews

Authenticity in Diverse Children’s Literature:
American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America

I was recently asked to review a children’s book dealing with the Pilgrim’s and their Plymouth experience. The writing was engaging, presenting in an entertaining way what could be dry material. The author also did a skillful job conveying some sophisticated concepts about the religious situation of the times in simple, clear terms that the target audience, children ages six to eight, could understand. Yet I was hesitant to review it. As a white American, I felt I lacked the qualifications to review a book that depicts American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America.

When it comes to the portrayal of American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America in children’s literature I turn to American Indians in Children’s Literature for recommendations. This site was founded and is run by Debbie Reese who has earned several degrees including a Masters in Library and Info Science, a Ph.D. in Education and Masters in School Administration, and is ”… tribally enrolled at Nambe Pueblo in northern New Mexico.” The website’s creators “…publish analyses of children’s books, lesson plans, films, and other items related to the topic of American Indians and/or how this topic is taught in school.”

Recently the website posted a wonderful resource for educators: Tips for Teachers: Developing Instructional Materials about American Indians. I highly recommend this as a starting point when developing materials to teach about American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America.

My final thoughts. There is a lack of diversity in the editorial staff members at many publishers. This can result in a lack of authenticity and accuracy in diverse literature. As teachers, librarians, and parents, we must be vigilant about the diverse materials we share with children. Finding resources like American Indians in Children’s Literature is essential. That sounds like a good topic for a future article. Stay posted.

I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!
Written by Tiffany Turner
Illustrated by Natalia Cano
Shadowcast Publishing 2020

We are living in a world we could never have imagined. Parents and educators are facing many challenges with their children and students. More than ever resources are needed to help navigate these unchartered waters. Often schools and public areas require mask-wearing, but for many children this is scary and bewildering. When we face difficult discussions, we often turn to books to help start the conversation. I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask! by Tiffany Turner is the perfect title to use when addressing mask-wearing requirements and the pandemic.

The author, Tiffany Turner, has been a professional educator for over twenty years. Her book reflects her experience, expertise, and knowledge as a teacher. I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask! legitimizes children’s disappointments and worries about the way their school year ended last spring and what the new school year will be like. She gives clear, concise reasons as to why mask-wearing is important.

Albert graduated from preschool last spring. But the school year did not end as he expected. Because “…something terrible happened. A virus called COVID19 spread throughout the world.” Albert’s school, like so many others, had to close and he had to finish his last year of preschool online from home. And there was no preschool graduation celebration. On the last day of online preschool Albert’s teacher told her students, “…it will be important to do as your new Kindergarten teacher says, and things will be different than they were in preschool. Most of all, you will have to wear a mask.”

Albert did not want to wear a mask. He kept saying it over and over to himself as he laid down on his bed. His mother sat down on his bed and rubbed his back soothingly. She asked why he did not want to wear a mask. Albert told her, “Because things are so different. We can’t see our friends. We can’t play outside. And most of all, I don’t want to wear a mask.”

His mother explained that sometimes we must do things we do not want to because it will help others. Wearing a mask protects others, so it is important. It prevents others in the community – like the librarian, the postal worker, and the grocery clerk – from getting the virus. His mother told him, “They will be safe because of you.” “It would be something a superhero would do to help save everyone around him.”
When Albert heard superhero, his imagination took off. He could be a ninja, a pirate, or a secret agent. A different mask, a different superhero every day of the week! His mother said, “You can save the world now. Keep everyone safe by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and staying safely away from others.” On the first day of Kindergarten Albert “…felt great walking into the classroom and meeting his new friends because they were all wearing masks too. They were all superheroes together.”

Read more

Purchase now!
(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.”)

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.)

Online book fairs advantages
1. Family & supporters can purchase books to support the school even if they live far away.
2. Ability to expand the number of days your book fair runs.
3. Books are shipped directly to the families.
4. You can run a Barefoot Books book fair and an Usborne Books & More book fair simultaneously.
5. Families can purchase all titles available on the Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More websites, giving them a much wider selection to choose from.

Your school can easily boost its sales!
1. Host a book talk via a zoom meeting. (Whenever the Barefoot Librarian hosts a book talk for parents, the book she recommends always sell out.)
2. Record this zoom meeting for parents to watch at their convenience.
3. Have teachers fill out their Barefoot Librarian classroom wish list form.
4. Have teachers convert their wish list into a google doc to share with their parents.

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

Barefoot Bookswww.barefootlibrarianbooks.com

Usborne Books & More www.barefootlibrarianubam.com

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!