I started reading to my son the day I found out I was pregnant. Yes, that was me. (Ok, so it was a relief actually, I'm such a dork, I was always reading to myself anyway, being pregnant, just made it sweet rather than strange.) So, whether it was an actual children's book, my latest novel, or the instructions on the side of a box, I was always reciting something to my growing bump. And when that little human inside my belly decided to make his grand entrance 12 weeks early and we spent all our time sitting beside him in the NICU, there wasn't much we could do but stare at him, and so we read to him (and stared) and read some more.
So whether it's in his genes or our not so subtle grooming, at nearly two the kid loves to read. Unfortunately, we've been less than enthused with the state of children's literature. Sure there are some great books out there if you look hard enough, the classics are always promising, but most new books are full of television characters or just seem to be trying to hard.
Barefoot Books is on a mission to change all that. Created in 1993, moms Nancy Traversy and Tessa Strickland left the corporate world and set out to reinvent the children's book. I am happy to report their sweet succees. With a focus on introducing other cultures and language to even the youngest of kids, every book available from Barefoot is full of beautiful artwork that brings the enchanting tales and messages to life. These books are fun and have substance. And their selection of bilingual and foreign language books is amazing.
With one of current favorites, We All Went On Safari- A Counting Journey Through Tanzania [$16], you'll find yourself on an adventure with the Massai characters walking through grasslands encountering lions and monkeys and wildebeest. As you count from one to ten with your little one in English and Swahili you might just forget your sitting on a sofa somewhere in America. 
Many of Barefoot's books also feature cd's or online activities and you'll often find that a portion of the proceeds go to a cause related to the title. So head on over, kick of your shoes, and get reading.
Oh, and if you and yours are as crazy about books as we are, you might want to pick up a tee from Havins Originals that says it all. Their Hardcore Reader tees and sweatshirts will make the perfect statement for any budding bookworm.
Win it!
How would you like your very own copy of We All Went on Safari and a Hardcore Reader tee? Tell us the title of your favorite children's book, by emailing reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 28.
