After two long years, we were finally able to gather with our Community Booksellers for the 2022 Barefoot Retreat!
We had a lot of fun, and we were so grateful to connect with this community in-person again. The weekend was full of engaging activities and sessions, meaningful discussions and lots of community connection. Keep reading to see some of the highlights!
VIP Editorial Meeting
VIP Community Booksellers participated in an editorial meeting where they got a sneak peek at the process behind some upcoming books and gave feedback and ideas for future titles. Here they are looking at proofs of our upcoming Our World board book series.
Representation in Picture Books Workshop
Stefanie Paige Wieder, M.S.Ed. (Director of Education & Content) and Dr. Paula L. Jackson (Director of Global Citizenship) ran a workshop about the importance of diverse and inclusive picture books that sparked meaningful conversations.
Book Fair Team Activity
Groups of Community Booksellers were challenged to set up mock book fairs in 15 minutes with only the supplies and books in the room. They then presented their displays to the group.
Recognitions
Community Booksellers were recognized for lifetime sales achievements, 10 year anniversaries and more. Pictured is Community Bookseller Shirin Shamsi receiving a framed piece of art from co-founder and CEO Nancy Traversy for her 10 year anniversary of joining the program.
Movement Activity with Jamaica
Author and Community Bookseller, Jamaica Stevens, led us in a movement activity based on her book Yoga Adventure!
Author Panel
Some of our authors came to visit and gave us a behind the scenes look of the inspirations behind their books, their writing processes and even new ideas they’re working on.
From left to right: Skye Silver, Carolyn Curtis, Shirin Shamsi, Phaea Crede, Christy Mihaly, Jamaica Stevens, Kate DePalma/Sunny Scribens, and Wafa’ Tarnowska
Shopping and Signings
Community Booksellers shopped from our office shelves (including out of print books!) and got their books signed by the visiting authors.
Are you interested in joining our passionate group of Community Booksellers? Learn more about how you can start your own independent and flexible business, and help bring quality, diverse books to your community.
