I have been reading to Mason since we came home from the hospital. I remember it so clearly. Warm Spring days...sitting in Mason's room...baby and books on my lap, reading and reading and reading. There is not a whole lot to do with wiggly newborns, so we read..ALOT!!!! I can honestly and truly say that this has paid off in dividends. Mason's bookcase in his room is filled, or I should say overfilled. Every night we read several books as part of his bedtime routine, as it has always been. Mason would have me reading all night long if he could. And, I love to walk by his room and see him rummaging through the bookcase shelves, pulling out books that he will sit and look at the pictures or read aloud, making up his own story as he goes along.
Recently, I was contacted to check out some amazing books published from Barefoot Books. With Mason's love of reading books, I had to check it out. In each of Barefoot Books, it explains how they "celebrate art and story that opens the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life, focusing on themes that encourage independence of spirit, enthusiasm, for learning and respect for the world's diversity". I am loving this so far!
First off, the site is amazing to use. All of the books are clearly pictured, labeled as board book, CD, paperback, etc. and priced for ease of use. There is a nice offering of multicultural books, as well. What I really love is how you can click on just about any book and it will open up to provide a glimpse inside the book. I hate nothing more than shopping online for books, finding one that look interesting, and not being able to take a look inside. How are you supposed to know what the book is really offering?
Here is a sampling of books that I reviewed:
Bear's Birthday: This book was one of Mason's favorites. The story is adorable and the pictures are fun to look at. Each page offers something different that Mason could count. For example, he counted the pieces of birthday cake, presents, balloons. He especially loved to count all the bears on each page.
Who's in the Farmyard?: Equally adorable, this peek-a-boo book will keep any child's interest. It includes all kinds of animals found on the farm, in colorful and inviting scenes. Mason loved imitating the animal sounds, while learning the proper names for adult animals and their babies.
Thesaurus Rex: This book will be a hit with any child who is a fan of dinosaurs. In this book, you get to follow through the day with Thesaurus Rex from the start of the day to bedtime at night and everything in between. It is the perfect book for reading at the end of the day with your child.
The Shape Song Swingalong: We have fallen in love with Stevesongs, as seen on PBS Kids. Mason happily dances along to his short songs that teach different concepts, such as colors. The Shape Song Swingalong is one of Stevesongs that come alive in a book to which you can easily follow along. Mason and I sat down and followed along with the CD, enjoying the colorful pictures that help to explain the song. An extra added, awesome bonus with this CD is that you can pop it into your computer and watch an animated version of the song, you can learn the song with the lyrics, or you can "be your own star" and sing the song yourself with lyrics and without the vocals. You simply can't go wrong with this selection.
Off We Go To Mexico!: I love multi-cultural books that introduce Mason to traditions and celebrations of other parts of the world. In Off We Go To Mexico!, not only can you learn some history and facts of Mexico, you will also be introduced to first Spanish words and phrases on each page. Again, the artwork is beautifully done and clearly shows the traditional clothing and aspects of the Mexican culture.
Up and Down the Andes: This is another great multi-cultural book that is "A Peruvian Festival Tale. This story celebrates Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun, which celebrates the Sun God. Again, there are factual historical aspects with a brief history of Peru presented in a way children will understand.
I also reviewed the CD, Rock & Roll Playground. This CD is perfect for the active child who loves to get up and dance. Mason recognized songs like Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Oh, Susanna. He also loved to listen to some new songs like, Jump Up, The Starfish Stomp, and Let's Shake. Mason had a blast dancing and asking me to dance along with him.
If you are looking for some new books that are sure to please the youngest of readers, head on over to check out these amazing books for yourself. While you are there, if you place an order, use the code WELCOME to receive an extra 20% off your order! Awesome!
Thanks to Patricia Cogan for providing the items in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.