In the spirit of the seasons, we want to extend wonderful holiday wishes to all of you. We are grateful that you continue to come along with us on our journey.

Bur Bur and Friends was created to inspire kids to discover their talents and self-esteem through true life experiences we like to refer to as “real moments.” This time of year can be a reminder for us to count our blessings as we see the magic through the eyes of a child.

At Farmer’s Hat Productions, we are thankful for your ongoing support and look forward to sharing many more of those real moments together with you and your families.

Happy Holidays,

-JoAnne and Kakie

P.S. Please consider becoming a fan of our characters on facebook@ http://tinyurl.com/ybpagn6

Award winning authors JoAnne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons get mention in a Minneapolis Star Tribune Article. Pastel and Fitzsimmons are co-creators of Bur Bur and Friends, a cast of characters who help kids cultivate their self-esteem by educating them about sports, outdoor exploration and active play. Bur Bur and Friends characters are multicultural and are based off of real children.

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Recently, we have collaborated with some Minnesota author friends to open a retail store over the holiday season that featured our products. The story ran on the front page of the St. Paul Pioneer Press this past Saturday and was written by MaryAnn Grossman. The store was the brain child of our friend, Kelly Lucente, author of “Bye Bye Monster.” We are honored and humbled that Kelly calls us her friends and mentors. Don’t let the headline fool you, the point of the story was opening the store was something that had to be put together quickly.  (more…)

As families, we all want our kids to feel good about themselves. How often do we have those moments when we step away and say, "How should I start, when does it begin?" According to the National Mental Health Center, children with high self-esteem: (more…)

It is such a gift when we see reflections of ourselves in children. Remember those days when we thought we knew what the words to a song were? Even now, if we are not so sure, we still manage to sing through it. This talented young toddler has quite a knack for playing the ukelele and a great singing voice as well. It brought us back to a time when life seemed so much simpler. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! (more…)

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Eden Prairie) – The outlook may not be so rosy for retailers – the National Retail Federation is projecting 2009 holiday sales to be one percent lower than 2008 – but some local entrepreneurs have high hopes for the holiday season.

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Gaviidae Market was created as an effort to respond to consumers who have shared they are looking for practical gifts this year. It was inspired by local farmers markets and wants to attract consumers by featuring local businesses. They anticipate the Holidazzle Parade will bring people in as well.

 When: Fridays between now and December 18th 10:00AM – 8:00PM
 What: Gaviidae Market on Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis

 

Our award winning products are fun and educational for children ages 2-7. We will be signing our books and selling Bur Bur and Friends products that include books, dolls, puzzles, apparel and more. Please stop by, bring friends, send friends to meet the authors and see what we have to offer. Are you on Facebook? Please consider being a fan of our characters on facebook. http://tinyurl.com/yzcc7wa

 Thank you for your ongoing support. Please don’t keep us a secret!

Book Covers and other products from the award winning Bur Bur and Friend’s children’s book series: Bur Bur and Friends is a cast of multicultural characters who help kids cultivate their self-esteem and talents by teaching them about sports, outdoor exploration and active play though their experiences. Bur Bur and Friends characters are based off of real life kids like yours!