Promote Fall titles and crafts!

NOW is the time to promote wonderful Fall titles including the The Gigantic Turnip,  The Barefoot Book of Monsters and Tales of Mystery and Magic.  These three titles make wonderful Halloween gifts or to be read at an event or storytime.  

I recently came upon this easy craft that would be great at a storytime and craft event.   Monster Masks..

Creating monster masks is a creative way to help children understand that something are not as scary as they seem. That monsters are a part of our imagination. Just like the one they are getting ready to make.  You'll need:

• Paper Plates
• Craft Sticks
• Miscellaneous craft supplies

1. Give each child a paper plate. Make sure that if you are going to use eye holes that you cut them out in advance.
2. Offer craft supplies and glue.
3. Encourage the children to decorate their plate to make a monster mask.
4. Tape the craft stick to the back bottom part of the plate.
5. Find some fun monster music and let the children dance with their masks on

Read more about the source of this craft here

Happy Fall

Think outside the box, part 2

Holiday time is right around the corner - make sure you are keeping up with the scattered holiday events in your area.  Churches and other fellowship organizations are great places that host holiday sales and bazaars.  Keep these tips in mind:

• If it's advertised as a "craft fair" it's still worth taking a peek to see if they would allow a Barefoot Books vendor.  The books are special and different.  Also some organizers will allow you to attend if you provide a craft or activity sheets for the little guests.   (Pssst - Busy little ones = more parent shopping time!)
• Think about hosting an online fundraiser, which will only help expand your business and contacts.  Donate a portion of your commission to the organization that you feel passionately about.  Online fundraisers are seldom much work
• Look to hospitals, large hotels that host various events, assisted living facilities, dance studios, yoga studios and other venues that target your desired audience.  These books and products have a wide appeal to people of all ages.  Don't loose sight of that!
• Balance - be sure to maintain a balance during the busy holiday season....don't sign up for every event you see, you'll only end up exhausted and too busy for yourself.  

 Read - share and enjoy this special time of year!