May Newsletter

Hello Summer!
from Great Books for Children
Summer is upon us again.  While the kids look forward to it all year long, it seems as soon as it arrives they begin claiming "Mom, I'm bored!"  Well, we can fix that!

Keep your children's brains engaged this summer, and keep them from vegging out in front of the TV by giving them plenty to read.  There are quite a few new offerings by Barefoot Books, as well as many favorites that you haven't discovered yet.


New Catalogs!
Finally the new 2010 catalogs have been released.  The full catalog is online here! There are tons of new offerings, as well as release dates on some of the fun things coming up.  Drop me an email at greatbooks4children@gmail.com if you need a paper copy.  

On Sale Now!
Kid's Kitchen - 40 healthy recipe cards.  Great for summer activities!  $18.99 - Buy Now
Shopping with Dad - A humorous story that is finally back in stock - right in time for Father's Day. $15.99 - Buy Now
Fabrics of a Fairy Tale - Collection of seven fabulous folk tales.  $7.99 - Buy Now

Brand New and Flying Off the Shelves!
Bear at Work :  Fun Activity Book - Great activities to keep kids busy during summer travels. $5.99 - Buy Now
If You Are Happy and You Know it - Now in PAPERBACK with CD! $9.99 - Buy Now

If you are local, you always have the option of free delivery.  Drop me an email before you order online and we'll talk!  greatbooks4children@gmail.com

Till next time, Amy

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  What exactly is this holiday?  It is a celebration, primarily celebrated in the United States, that celebrates a specific military victory.  It isn't celebrated in Mexico.  It has come to signify a celebration of Mexican heritage.

Check out this great book, Off We Go to Mexico!  It's a great way to introduce your child to Mexico history, holidays and simple Spanish vocabulary.  You'll both love the beautiful pictures, and they'll appreciate the rhyming text.  It's great for kids ages 3 - 9!

Click here to see more!

May - Giveaway! $20 Gift Certificate

Great Books for Children is giving away a $20 gift certificate this month for Barefoot Books!  How do you enter?  Well, there are 3 ways:

1) Be a newsletter subscriber.  Just sign up in the box on the right of this page.  You'll get a monthly (or sometimes twice monthly) newsletter full of discounts and interesting information about books.
2) Be a facebook fan of GB4C.  The fan page is found at www.facebook.com/greatbooks
3) Tell your friends about this giveaway and GB4C.  Put a comment on this post and tell me how you did that.  Did you twitter it?  Did you email the information?  Did you tell your mom's group?  Let me know!

Good luck!  Giveaway winner will be chosen May 28th at 8pm central.

Toddler Gift - Great for Airplane Lovers

This board book is full of vivid illustrations and has a definite transportation theme.  It is a little different than the usual book that enforces that kids can be anything they want to be.  Instead, this book runs through myriad transportation methods and how the reader wants to be the operator of each .  For instance, they want to be a pilot, a train engineer and a race car driver.  Lots of fun on each page!

Why a Job Selling Children's Books is Hard

In a complete departure from what is normally on this blog, I'd like to talk about the difficulty in selling children's books.  When I began selling children's books, I thought that passion and good business sense would take me a long way.  It's far harder than I ever expected, to be honest. This post is an attempt to examine why.

• 
  
  

  It is a Media Driven World

   There are so many different types of media clamoring for a child's attention.  There are movies, TV, computer games, console game systems, the internet and now iPod's and iPads... oh and books.  Books don't talk loudly, or force a child to interact with it.  They don't come with a 6 month commercial lead-up.  And reading takes more effort than enjoying the other sources listed.

• 
  
  

  Some Parents are Lazy and/or Busy

  Reading to your child also takes more effort than sitting them in front of a TV screen.  Parents who work long hours and have other stuff that need their attention.  Yes, they love their children.  But they may be too tired, or stretched too thin to take that extra step.

• 
  
  

  Parents Don't Know How to Judge a Book

  Books have changed over the past few decades.  The most popular books at traditional school book fairs tend to be TV or movie character driven, instead of the more classical stories you grew up with.  How do you know what to buy?  A lot of times, the answer comes down to the cost of the book instead of the quality of the books.

• 
  
  

  Quantity Does Not Equal Quality

  Because some parents aren't judging the quality of the books they buy, their children end up with a bookshelf full of books with no substance.  How many times does a child want to read a SpongeBob book with a predictable storyline?  So, the parent might surmise that their child won't read an additional books they buy because they aren't reading the ones already purchased.

• 
  
  

  Parents Buy from Amazon.com 

  Parents that do buy books would rather purchase from Amazon.  Free shipping, the ability to read reviews, and an almost infinite catalog of titles is hard to argue with.

• 
  
  

  The X Factor

  I'm sure there are other factors I haven't even considered.

What do you think?  Why is it hard for independent booksellers to sell in this economy?

Author Introduction - Zarle Williams

I had the pleasure of meeting a fantastic author over the weekend while I was exhibiting at the North Texas Book Festival.  This author, Zarle Williams, has written a large number of books.  But what surprised me is how her books cross many different age levels.

Her award winning books span from the pre-reader to young adult, and I found all of them quite engaging.  I really enjoyed her young adult historical fiction.  Take a look at her publishing house and her books.  You won't regret it!

Zarle Williams is published by Petite Plume Press.

April Newsletter

Visit us at

GreatBooks4Children.com

We’re always available!

Greatbooks4children@gmail.com

(817) 576-1117

Introducing Book Packages—Just in Time for Summer!


The days are getting longer and the children are restless. Both are sure signs that summer is upon us. Don’t let your kids waste their summer away by vegging out in front of the television. I’ve handpicked books and other products to inspire your child’s imagination this summer. All of our summer packages are grouped by age, and some ages are broken out by gender. Is there a road trip in your future? Check out the “Elementary Travel Package”. These are exclusive to Great Books for Children and are only available here

Blog Post : The Benefits of Reading to Children

Whether as a parent or teacher, you are the key to a child's success in learning to read. When you read, talk or play with a child, you are stimulating the growth of the brain and constructing the connections that will become the building blocks for reading. Brain development research shows that reading aloud to your child every day increases his brain's capacity for language and literacy skills and is the most important thing you can do to prepare him for learning to read.

Read More

Barefoot Books Podcasts
Barefoot Books, one of our favorite publishers, has been releasing podcasts of full length books.  What a great way to spend a few minutes with your kids!You can listen to them here 

Great Titles on Sale from Barefoot Books are Available Here

The Benefits of Reading to Children

Whether as a parent or teacher, you are the key to a child's success in learning to read. When you read, talk or play with a child, you are stimulating the growth of the brain and constructing the connections that will become the building blocks for reading. Brain development research shows that reading aloud to your child every day increases his brain's capacity for language and literacy skills and is the most important thing you can do to prepare him for learning to read.

Reading to Children Helps Them Prepare to Read Themselves

Aside from preparing the child’s overall readiness for their formal reading lessons in school, there are also a number of other benefits that reading to children brings about. Children who hear adults read aloud learn the inflections, phrasing and expressions that they will also need to practice in order to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas with others.

Reading to Children Helps Their Attention Span

When stories are read to children their listening and focusing skills are improved. If a child is able to focus and listen to a story then learning in other arenas like a lecture in class will be less taxing and more information can be absorbed and processed.

Reading to Children Helps Inspire Their Imagination

Another benefit of reading to a child is that his or her imagination is developed. Improved imagination and visualization will not only facilitate learning in language and communication but mathematics, science, problem solving and other facets of learning are advanced.

Reading to Children Helps to Motivate and Challenge Them

Reading books to children can also serve as motivators. If you choose a book that is just a bit higher in reading level than the child, it can encourage him or her to exert more effort on their reading so they will be able to read the book themselves. One should be careful however to choose a book that is not too hard to read and that its reading level is achievable to the child. Choosing a very difficult book to read may frustrate the child and in so doing discourage him from reading.

Reading to Children Helps Them Learn to Communicate

Finally, reading to a child can generate constructive discussions that helps a child progress in his prediction and character analysis skills to name a few.

Read to your children. Not only will you both enjoy it, but your child will get immense benefits from the activity.

Great Read Aloud Books: 

Babies and Toddlers : Who's in the Garden and Hidden Hippo

Preschoolers: The Story Tree and Storytime 
Kindergarten and Early Elementary: The Barefoot Books of Fairy Tales, Emily's Tiger and The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories

Month of the Young Child

April is the "Month of the Young Child".  As Great Books for Children caters to young children and the adults in their lives, I thought it would be fitting to post a few thoughts I like to keep in mind as I raise my young children (ages 1 and 3).

"You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable.  And, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they're loved and capable of loving" - Fred Rogers (who was definitely an expert on the young child)

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." - Angela Schwindt

"A child seldom needs a good talking to as a good listening to." - Robert Braul

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with hostility, 

they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule, 

they learn to be shy.

If children live with tolerance,

they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,

they learn confidence.

If children live with praise,

they learn to appreciate.

If children live with fairness,

they learn justice.

If children live with security,

they learn faith.

If children live with approval,

they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance, and friendship,

they learn to find love in the world.

-Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

Coming Soon

Great Books for Children is expanding the books and products that they offer.   While still offering award winning books from Barefoot Books, GBfC is going to offer hundreds of other fine products for your children.  When you shop with GBfC, you'll always find the quality you expect for your home or classroom!

A new website is forthcoming and will be showcasing all our products.  Until then, feel free to place orders via email or phone!

New Animal Boogie Animation!

Great Children's Picture Books for Spring

Spring is Here!

Celebrating Spring? Looking for a Better Easter Gift?

Who's in the Garden?

Ages 1 - 4 (Just Released!)

In this delightful peek-a-boo book, children are invited to look through the holes on every other page to answer the repeating refrain, “Who’s coming to see how my garden grows?” The energetic, rhyming text introduces all sorts of creatures that are busy in the garden. 

Format : Large Board Book  Buy Now!

 

Kids' Garden - 40 fun outdoor activities and games
Ages 6 and up  (Just Released!)
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.
Format : Card Deck   Buy Now!

What's This? A Seed's Story

Ages 3 - 7  (On Sale!)

Learn the basics of how plants grow in this bubbly, springtime story. When a young girl plants a seed, she learns she must be patient to achieve results. She is rewarded by a beautiful sunflower, and brings her flower to school to share the seeds with her entire class. Includes notes about roots, shoots, flowers and seeds.

Format : Paperback Buy Now!

Looking for something else? Click to Shop: 
The Sale!
Books with Singalong CDs
Books for Bedtime
Gift Collections

What's This? A Great Book for Spring!

What's This? A Seed's Story - Paperback
Ages 3 - 7

What's This? A Seed's Story is a fantastic book to teach your young child about the growth cycle of a plant.  The cute drawings accentuate the plot.  When I read it to my little girl, she immediately wanted to go outside to plant seeds.  While this book is great all year long, spring is the perfect time to introduce this story to your little one.
ON SALE! Buy Now

Sweeter Than Candy!

And it lasts longer too!  Consider giving a book to your little Valentine instead of sugary candy.

Winner of January's Giveaway!

The winner of "If You're Happy and You Know It" Book and Singalong CD was #10 on the email list piccbodin@#####.###.  Congrats! Stay tuned, there will be another giveaway shortly!  Thanks for all that entered, and don't forget that books make excellent Valentine's presents.  They are way healthier than candy.

Last Two Days for the Winter Sale!

Last reminder on the Winter Sale.  Don't miss out on fantastic savings!  Ends 1-31-10.

The Animal Boogie - Paperback with CD

The Animal Boogie - with Singalong CD


Ages 3  - 7


Can you boogie? Down in the Indian jungle, the children and animals are learning about actions like leaping, stomping, shaking and flapping while meeting different jungle creatures.  Kids love this award winning book!

Off We Go to Mexico

Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY or take advantage of the WINTER SALE

Off We Go to Mexico!

Ages 4 - 10 

Travel to Mexico and discover its many wonders, from the amazing monarch butterflies in the Highlands to a mariachi show in the village square. The rhyme and lyricism of the text is complemented by endnotes about the history of the country, national fiestas, and a glossary of simple Spanish vocabulary.  Also comes in Spanish!

Paperback or Hardcover

Mother Goose Remembers

Mother Goose Remembers - with Singalong CD

Ages Birth - 5

Enjoy the rhythms and cozy warmth of the forty-six nursery rhymes in this nostalgic collection. This treasured gift book features a feather from the plumage of Mother Goose hidden on every page, waiting to be found by youngsters.

Great baby shower book!  Will be a treasured friend for years to come.

Hardcover with Singalong CD

Giveaway : "If You're Happy and You Know It!" Hardcover Book and Music CD

Win a hardcover copy of "If You're Happy and You Know It!" and it's sing-along CD.  This book and CD is a great choice for kids 3 - 7!

Here's the publisher's writeup:

Clap your hands and sing along to this fresh take on a traditional singalong. The multicultural children in this colorful early learner encourage action and imagination, and two full spreads at the end teach "hello" in thirty-six languages, and the names of the children and their countries of origin. Book with CD edition includes song sung by Susan Reed.

Mandatory Entry - You must be signed up for my email list. No need to comment on the blog, everyone on the list will be entered.

Extra Entries - Add a comment for each entry.
1. Follow this blog. (+2 entries)
2. Blog about this giveaway (+5 entries)
3. Follow @book4kids on twitter and tweet about this giveaway.
Only open to US addresses.  Giveaway ends 2/1/2010 at 8:00 pm Central.

Driving My Tractor - Storybook and Music CD

Driving My Tractor
Ages 2 to 5

Drive along with a farmer on his tractor in this charming animal adventure.  While the seasons change, the farmer encounters fifteen animals as he chugs along.  What is a farmer to do, but pick them up?  Everything is great until his trailer hits a stone.  Oh the chaos!

A vivid picture book with repetition, rhythm, humor and lots of simple counting.

Comes with a sing - along CD containing a song sung by acclaimed children's performer SteveSongs!

Announcing the Winter Sale!

Barefoot Books has lowered prices by up to 80% on many of it's books!  This discount also includes some of the very bestselling books they offer.  
This sale runs until January 31, 2010.

Here are just a few of the many books on sale :

The Prince's Bedtime 

Ages 3 - 7
Meet a young prince who refuses to go to sleep! The entire kingdom comes out to lend a hand in this rhyming bedtime adventure. There is a hullabaloo of activity—jugglers juggling, magicians hypnotizing, dancers dancing—but it is the wonder of a good story that finally does the trick.
Hardcover.  Regularly $16.99 - NOW $9.99

Storytime - First Tales for Sharing

Ages 3 - 7

Share a traditional tale and provide a stepping stone into the land of art and story. The seven folk tales in this colorful collection are well known and well loved, and each imparts an important lesson using humor, action, adventure and classic characters.

Paperback.  Regularly $12.99 - NOW $6.99

Kid's Kitchen - 40 Fun Recipes (Card Deck)

Ages 8 and up

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.

Card Deck.  Regularly $19.99 - NOW $14.99

The Big Book of Princesses - Storybook and CD

The Barefoot Book of Princesses

Ages 4 - 9
Is there a girl in your life that loves everything related to princesses?  This book will give her everything she needs, while giving her strong and valuable lessons.  This story collection will introduce your girl to seven princess from around the world.  The stories show each princess triumphing over adversity through bravery, hard work, empathy and compassion.
Comes in Hardcover and Paperback - with CD.