Peek inside a Barefoot Books family storytime party

As a Barefoot Books Ambassador, I get to share these unique books with children in so many ways: school book fair fundraisers, at community festivals, and when they stop by my house with their parents to do some book shopping. My favorite way, by far, to introduce children to the books, is through storytime parties. It's just so much fun to see a group of kids respond to the music, art, and stories!

Like many other direct sales companies, Barefoot Books offers some amazing host rewards in the form of free and 60% off books and gifts for hosting a party. Unlike most other direct sales companies, we offer fun, family-friendly parties that include crafts and storytelling built around a theme that you choose! On your busy weekends, you don't have to decide if you'll take time away from your children to come take a look at these amazing books. You're encouraged to bring them along!

So what happens at a family storytime party? I'm glad you asked! Parties can be completely customized to incorporate what you think you and your friends would enjoy. Typically, we start off
with a craft activity for the children that's related to our party theme.

For example, these creative girls were making monster masks for a party near Halloween that featured the book The Feathered Ogre from our Monster Stories early reader series. The craft time also gives parents a chance to catch up and mingle with each other before the storytime begins.

Usually I open our storytime by singing one of our sing-a-long books. This is a great way to draw children into our time together. I either teach them the chorus of the song so they can join in on that part, or I give them another way to participate.

The kids in this picture are throwing playsilks up into the air during the chorus of the singalong Up, Up, Up, which imagines what the world looks like from a hot air balloon. (This part of this particular party was a bit wild and so much fun!)

We then read our featured book that fits with the storytime that the host (or her child) has picked out. Sometimes it's a serious book like We All Went on Safari, where the children learn to count to 10 in Swahili. Other times it's a funny book, like the tale The Prince's Bedtime, about a king and queen who go to great lengths to try to get the prince to sleep each night.

After the storytime, kids can choose to keep working on their crafts, get some snacks, or just play with their friends. As they do this, the grownups have a chance to look through sample books I've brought. I share some highlights about some of my favorite books, during which I weave in some reading and literacy tips. Grownups can then ask questions, pore over the catalogs, place orders, and just hang out and have time to catch up with each other.

I make things as easy as possible for my hosts, so you can just enjoy the time with your friends and have fun. All you have to do is get your friends there and provide some simple refreshments. I'll handle the rest!

Here are answers to a couple of questions about hosting a party that I'm often asked:
Q: How many people do I have to invite? I don't have a ton of friends. 
A. I'm going to make sure you and your friends (and your kids) have a great time, whether there's just a few of you, or a houseful. I can also help you brainstorm a list of people to invite - you probably know more people than you might think of right away.

Q: I live in an apartment and don't have a lot of space. Would I still be able to have a party?
A: Yes! One of my best parties was in a small apartment where kids and moms just squished together for the storytime. After that the kids played in the child's room while the grownups checked out the books in the breakfast nook. Another option would be to co-host with a friend who has a bigger space, or head somewhere outdoors.

Q: I'm not sure my toddler will sit through a storytime. Is that a problem?
A. Believe me, whatever your child's activity level is, I've probably seen it before! I am very comfortable continuing with the storytime even if a couple of kids are running around or making some noise.

Ready to have a ton of fun with your kids and your friends, while getting a stack of beautiful books for free? Let's pick a date for your party! I'm also happy to answer your questions if this post hasn't done that. Email me or call me at (901) 212-6309.

If a family party doesn't sound like the best fit for you, I also offer themed parties just for the grownups (Fairytales and Cocktails anyone?), online parties, and other ways for you to earn free books by sharing Barefoot Books with your friends. Contact me to find out more about any of these options.