My Story

If I am going to lead you on a journey through Barefoot Books, it is only fair that you should know a little about me. Books have been an essential part of my life since my first grade teacher taught me to decipher the code of the written word. As a child I spent hours in the green house children’s section of the New Orleans public library Latter Mansion branch.  So no surprise that when I grew up I became a librarian of course!  I am the proud mother of 2 avid bookworms, who from the youngest age preferred to go to a bookstore rather than a toy store. They helped me realize that my passion was for children's books.

Over the years I have been involved in a multitude of book fairs. I have also volunteered at Reading is Fundamental for over a dozen years. During these years I have participated in book distributions at preschools and numerous elementary schools throughout Austin. At these distributions I enjoy sharing a book with the students and participating in the related story time activity.  For the past eight years I have been a children's librarian at a private school library grades K-8. As one of the principals of my school once said, I have "...a love affair with books" - especially children's books.  

When I discovered the Barefoot Books website, I was immediately captivated and knew I must get these books into the hands of as many children as possible. Since May 2007 I have been a stallholder for Barefoot Books and have been working with the company in different capacities to spread the word about these high quality, multicultural books filled with beautiful artwork, rich language, and universal messages of global community.

I hope you will utilize my expertise, experience and knowledge as a children’s librarian and children’s literature advocate to help you navigate the wondrous world of Barefoot Books, selecting for the children in your lives, book treasures from around the globe and beyond!

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian

Barefoot Books are published by a small independent children’s book publisher based in Cambridge, MA, begun by two working mothers 15 years ago. Barefoot Books brings authors and illustrators together to produce high quality children's literature which feature rich language and beautiful art that engage a child's imagination. Multicultural stories introduce children to cultures around the world, create a sense of global community, and convey universal messages.