Hola and Bon Jour!

I'm one of many Americans who speaks only English.  I feel a little sheepish about this, especially when I speak to people from other countries who know their native language, English, and sometimes several other languages, as well.  Although I can't teach my daughter to speak or read other languages fluently, I'm doing my best to expose her to them, with the hope that she'll develop both a small foundation and an interest in learning more as she grows.

Barefoot Books has a broad selection of Spanish, French, and bilingual books, which are great for exposing young children to these languages.  Some of my favorites are below.  The full selection of Barefoot Books Spanish, French, and bilingual titles can be found at http://www.amym.barefootbooks.com/.

For babies and toddlers:

For children:

Singalongs:

August Nonprofit of the Month

I'm very excited to announce that Friends of Camp Little Notch is my August nonprofit of the month. 

In 1939, the Girl Scouts of America purchased 2,800 acres of forest at the foot of the Adirondacks—a picturesque 80-acre lake, expansive and serene woods, and miles of mountain streams. For 70 years generations of young women were transformed by this place called Camp Little Notch and treasured it as their classroom, their playground, and their refuge. In the past two years—after word of the impending sale of the property—energetic young women leaders came together out of their belief in the potential of Little Notch to start a non-profit called The Friends of Camp Little Notch (The Friends). To date, The Friends have successfully conserved the property through a relationship with the Open Space Institute (OSI), and are in the process of purchasing a portion of this extraordinary land from OSI.

In the summer of 2012, The Friends will re-open Little Notch as a national outdoor education and retreat center. Whether visitors want to practice sustainable living, challenge themselves to learn about their own capabilities, or retreat in a wilderness setting, the Little Notch property offers limitless possibilities. With your help, The Friends have an incredible opportunity to bring to life their vision for the future of this exquisite place.

I'm donating 20% of my August online sales to this wonderful organization.