Through the Looking Glass Book Reviews: Podcasts

Welcome!

Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Barefoot Books Hosts Story Times With Free Podcast

Barefoot Books Hosts Story Times With Free Podcast

Join Us at www.barefootbooks.com/podcast to Explore Timeless Tales

Today, Barefoot Books, the award-winning independent children’s book publisher, launched The Barefoot Books Podcast at www.barefootbooks.com/podcast, offering families, teachers, and librarians free story times from its collection of books. The weekly podcast features a diverse selection of award-winning children's stories and songs by Barefoot authors and performers. Playfully narrated by celebrated actors, with songs by well-known children’s musicians, the podcasts provide a way for adults and children to listen to stories during family time, before naps, in the classroom, on trips, and whenever a good story is needed.

The Barefoot Books Podcast kicks off with the legendary springtime tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, narrated by Richard Hope and available starting today. Upcoming podcasts will become available each Wednesday and include:

· The Real Princess, A Mathemagical Tale: Practice your math skills while enjoying this quirky take on "The Princess and the Pea.” Read by actress Juliet Stevenson.

· The Prince's Bedtime: Meet a young prince who refuses to go to sleep! The entire kingdom comes out to lend a hand in this rhyming bedtime adventure. Narrated by actor Jim Broadbent.

· The Animal Boogie: Can you boogie? Down in the Indian jungle, the children and animals are learning to leap, stomp, shake and flap while meeting different jungle creatures. Sung by Fred Penner, this podcast will be available in both audio and video formats.

“We are excited to provide a new opportunity for families, teachers, and librarians to share favorite Barefoot Books stories with children through the podcasts,” said Barefoot Books Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, Tessa Strickland. “The podcasts offer an easy and fun way for people to enjoy some of the most popular stories on the Barefoot program, while stimulating their curiosity and opening their minds to the world.”

How to Tune In

All that is needed to tune in to The Barefoot Books Podcast is a computer with Internet access and a speaker, or an MP3 or MP4 player. The podcasts are available on iTunes and at www.barefootbooks.com/podcast. Families can choose from new or archived selections, as well as subscribe through iTunes to be sure to catch each week’s episode. Reviews will be available on the Barefoot Books Facebook Fan page.

About Barefoot Books

Barefoot Books is an independent publisher, with offices in Cambridge,

USA

and Bath,

, that specializes in carefully crafted books, gifts and digital content that help children on their journey to becoming happy, engaged members of the global community. Since 1992, Barefoot Books has published more than 400 titles that use timeless stories and captivating illustrations to tap into the wisdom of many cultures, while never forgetting that childhood is a time for fun. Barefoot Books are available online, through booksellers, and its community of Ambassadors. For more information, visit www.barefootbooks.com.