March is National Nutrition Month

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month?

Well, we all know that through the Winter we can let the cold and unfriendly outside keep us inside. As a result, by spring we notice a couple of extra pounds on the scale and the nervous pangs of beach vacations are beginning. Let's celebrate National Nutrition Month and the coming of warmer weather with some fun Barefoot Books activities that parents and kids can do together - and get healthier in the process!

National Nutrition Month Event click here to participate!

Kids' Garden Card Deck - 40 Indoor and Outdoor Games and Activities!

Get outside and grow with some child-friendly fun with gardening! Kids’ Garden includes forty activities and games and an eight-page booklet that contains information on gardening tools, year-round plant care and garden safety. These step-by-step instructions are enhanced by colorful collage artwork on each double-sided card and they create a fun and easy way for budding green-thumbs to plant, investigate, learn and experiment.

Kids' Kitchen Card Deck - 40 Recipes for Parents and Kids to Enjoy together!

Step into the kitchen for some child-friendly fun with food. The forty recipes in this colorful deck are based around the five main food groups, and offer a healthy and exciting way to learn about cooking.

My Daddy is A Pretzel - Yoga fun for the Whole Family!

Twist your way into this story that introduces both yoga and professions. For example,  “My mommy is a veterinarian. Sometimes my daddy is a dog.” The next page then includes a picture of Downward Dog as well as a series of pictures displaying how to get into the pose.The nine yoga poses show how the practice of yoga relates to everyday life, and encourages readers to stretch both their bodies and their minds. There are tips about practice and preparation, yoga life, and having the right attitude.

Barefoot Books has many more wonderful selections to help us underscore the value of a healthy, engaged, active lifestyle for our children. Lastly, I will also make a donation to a local charity working toward the health and wellness of Virginia families. 10% of sales from this event will be donated, if event sales go above $500 I will donate 25% of the gross totals. National Nutrition Month Event click here to get started!

Thanks and have a happy, healthy March!

Herb the Vegetarian Dragon

It's hard to be different and to stand-up for what we believe in. When others expect us to be something contradictory to how we feel inside it's an opportunity to remind them that we are all individuals with the power to choose our own path - no matter the who we are, or on what side of the castle wall we live.

Herb, the title character in Herb the Vegetarian Dragon finds out that a vegetarian dragon is confusing to everyone but him. The other dragons have written him off but when a war between the dragons and the humans breaks out Herb is caught in the middle. The humans assume he is a fire-breathing, meat-eater just like the others, and the Dragons do nothing to protect him until he is captured. When the dragons tell him he must become a meat-eater in order to gain their protection Herb's resolve is tested but he never wavers. With the help of a young human friend Herb convinces everyone that he is not a danger to them. He helps the warring factions realize that they can live in peace even with their differences but not before  excitement and adventure ensue.

Herb is a comical, unlikely hero. He has a silly appearance and sleepy eyes yet a surprisingly zen-like composure that is rarely found in children's literature. He reminds us all that heroes come in all shapes and sizes; and that the bravest among us are those who know that all people (and dragons), no matter their differences, have a right to live in peace. Similar to Dr. Seuss' Bread and Butter Wars, this story brings to light important life lessons in a way that is silly and fun. We love Herb and hope that you will too!

Raising Green Richmond Kids Barefoot Books Event - Win FREE STUFF!

I was so excited a few weeks ago when I got a message from Dorinda Bredbenner a local mompreneur Green Irene Consultant, and blogger.  She wanted to introduce her readers to Barefoot Books' terrific, eco-conscious products and I was thrilled to join forces with this super cool mom. She will be doing a giveaway of the Whole World Gift Set via her Blog www.raisinggreenrichmondkids.com. Pay her a visit to be eligible for this giveaway and to learn more about Green Irene, greening your life, and some super fun eco-activities for you to do with your kids! Her Valentine's projects are fun year round.

I am also doing an online Barefoot Books event! Following this event I will be giving away more free stuff and donating money to a Green organization of Dorinda's choosing. Below you will find the link to the Barefoot Books event where you can make your purchases - which automatically enters you to win. The event runs from Wednesday February 23 - Wednesday, March 9.  Follow this link to participate:  http://store.barefootbooks.com/?bf_affiliate_code=000-03f2-3816

I'm excited to talk to you, answer questions, or share my favorite Barefoot selections! Please feel free to contact me, become a follower of this blog for opportunities to win more free products, and follow me on Facebook. Thanks!!

Welcome!

Hello, I am the Story Mama. Ever since childhood I have been a lover of stories. Whether it was the vibrant stories that my grandmother used to tell, listening to my parents read to me, or reading some of the great children's literature by Roald Dahl, Maurice Sendak, and Shel Silverstein - stories have been an enormous influence in my life. Today, as a mother, performing artist, and writer I often create my own stories. When I became a Mom I stumbled upon the amazing children's book publisher and seller, Barefoot Books. Upon ordering some of these books for my children I was hooked and soon after began selling these books myself.

 The majority of my business has been in the form of fundraising. My work in the human services and performing arts has compelled me to connect with others by giving back. As a result, I donate a portion of my commission to charity for each event - often the events are meant to benefit a particular charity but when they aren't I just pick an organization to help.

In this blog you will find the beautiful artwork and stories of the Barefoot Books products, recounts of my adventures as a Barefoot Books Ambassador, and my personal experiences as a mom raising readers and story lovers in a modern world.  I invite you to join me on this journey to learn about Barefoot Books, motherhood, storytelling, and life as the Story Mama. Come along!