THE BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN BOOK AWARD 2024 Winner

posted on March 25, 2025 by Eve Panzer

THE BAREFOOT LIBRARIAN BOOK AWARD 2024

Sponsored by Reader Views

Kona and the Lumpy Bumps

Written by Carly Major

Illustrated by Michael Coller
Published by Lolly Books (2024)
ISBN:  979-8989884605

 

Kona and the Lumpy Bumps is a fun, funny, and engaging rhyming story about an endearing dog with several interesting characteristics, some common in dogs but some not so much.  Like countless dogs, he loves rolling in the grass and does not like baths. He will chew on shoes no matter how smelly they are and dig through trash when no one is around.  However, unlike many dogs, Kona doesn’t mind laying on sharp rocks in the garden or sitting on a pinecone. But like a lot of humans, Kona has a seemingly inexplicable anxiety – he refuses to sleep on his blanket if it has a bump, fold, or wrinkle.

Kona’s dog mom tries to figure out the cause of his anxiety. Does Kona see prickles or bugs? Is he scared he will get scratches? Or maybe he just needs some hugs. Perhaps his tummy gets “…nauseous, all squiggly and queasy?” Does he feel uneasy?  There seems to be no apparent reason that Kona gets anxious about his blanket not being just so. However, the story explains that Kona should not feel bad about how he likes his blanket because that is just part of his unique personality.  And it goes on to say readers should not judge Kona or try to change him. Instead, they should accept and embrace him just as he is, quirks and all.

The cheerful, kid-friendly illustrations add so much to the story.  Kona is irresistibly adorable.  Since picture books have so few words, illustrations are often used to provide more details. The illustrator makes excellent use of this opportunity, creating images that keep the readers smiling and giggling as they turn the pages.

Picture books are valuable tools in effectively teaching children essential social-emotional lessons. In the picture book Kona and the Lumpy Bumps, the author successfully uses humor and a charming dog to deliver her message about patience, acceptance, and kindness. A canine character is especially effective here because dogs are easy to relate to and usually have a calming effect, creating a safe space for readers to be more receptive to the author’s message. In addition, addressing the sensitive topic of anxiety from an animal perspective prevents children from feeling singled out, targeted, or uncomfortable.

The author wrote this book to share what she has learned from Kona, her real-life dog, and her three daughters, who experienced anxiety and other challenges: “…that children deserve to be heard, be accepted, and should be supported in their unique struggles.” At the end of the book, she shares some questions to provide a springboard for deeper discussions of the book’s themes. This book is recommended for teaching children to understand anxiety in themselves and others.

Eve Panzer

The Barefoot Librarian

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

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-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.”

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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.

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“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!”

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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.

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