Monica Miller-Smith, Community Bookseller

I fell in love with Barefoot Books ten years ago! My oldest daughter was gifted a set of books from a friend. The books are so different from any other books that my children have ever received. The stories are authentic, the artwork is beautiful, and the books celebrate diversity and different cultures. I especially enjoy the additional information that is included after the stories; there is always extra information about a country, culture, language and other topics that are connected to the story. The books are not only educational, but they encourage readers to ask questions and encourage families to discuss topics from the stories. To this day, my daughters' favorite Barefooot Book is Mama Panya's Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya. 

I am a Professor in Human Development and Family Sciences, so I know the developmental importance of exposing children to books that celebrate diversity and different cultures. It is rare to find books that do this, but with Barefoot Books you have access to an entire collection of books that celebrate diversity and inclusion. I am so excited to become a Community Bookseller for Barefoot Books and look forward to getting others to become avid readers of Barefoot Books!