By Kakie Fitzsimmons, Vice President and founding partner, Farmer’s Hat Productions, award winning co-author, Bur Bur and Friends children’s book series that teaches kids about sports and outdoor exploration.

There are times I find myself off in my own personal “never never” land. It’s when I am so distracted, I am not paying attention to what someone around me is saying. Usually it is because I am deep in thought.

This happened to me the other day in a way that was different. I was driving down the road and suddenly realized that my son was in the back seat talking away to me about all kinds of things. Games he played in gym and how fun it was. At first, I had no idea what he was telling me because I was not paying attention.
(more…)

By Kakie Fitzsimmons, Vice President and founding partner, Farmer’s Hat Productions

“How was your day?” I say to my son when I pick him up. “Good.” Then I follow up with a “What did you do or learn about today?” and he replies, ” “Nothing” or “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember” or “I don’t want to talk about it right now”” (the usual responses.) WHAT?? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, RIGHT? (I am thinking, I want more conversation than that - DETAILS, BABY, DETAILS!.) Is it just me? Do we all feel this way sometimes? (more…)

By Kakie Fitzsimmons, Vice President and founding partner, Farmer’s Hat Productions

Since we began writing the popular new book series for children, Bur Bur and Friends, people would often ask us how we came up with our company name, so we thought we would put it out here on our blog.

The name of our company, Farmer’s Hat Productions, came about as a result of JoAnne’s son William, who always wore a bucket hat. Every time he would have one on it was so darling because all you could see below the brim of his hat was from his nose down.

One day, JoAnne and I were talking about that cute little hat and she told me, “He calls it a farmer’s hat and we have no idea why.” At the time we were working on our first book, Bur Bur’s Boating ABC’s and, as we often do in our writing process, were feverently e-mailing revisions back and forth. As I had visions in my head of that charming hat of William’s I thought about how it was a striking ’signature’ that could be parlayed into a great logo. On a whim, I typed into the header of the document, “Farmer’s Hat Productions, LLC.”

JoAnne called me when she got it and said, “You know, I like that. It sounds like a great suggestion.” To which I responded; “Then what do you think if we go with that?” Hence, the company name was born. To this day all of the friends and their children in our social circles now refer to bucket hats as ‘farmer’s hats.’

We thought the idea of a farmer’s hat was perfect because farmers plant seeds that in turn provide us food and nourishment. That is what we hope to do with children, inspire growth through nurturing and recognizing that diversity means a lot of things to a lot of people. For us, we wanted diversity to encompass all things beyond ethnicity. We all think and learn differently and it was important that was a piece of our brand. We also saw a need to encourage kids to be active from an early age — that’s why our book series focuses on introducing young kids to different sports and outdoor exploration.

This is how we came up with the tagline for our company, “Growing kids through diverse learning experiences”. Our goal is that our book series, Bur Bur and Friends, will promote positive self-esteem, diversity and active lifestyles for children all over the world.

Seed Newsvine

This Saturday, Sept. 29, kids around the world are encouraged to participate in a “Worldwide Day of Play.”

Sponsored by Nickelodeon, the Worldwide Day of Play recognizes the need for kids and families to turn off the TV and get active.

These are exactly the values that the Bur Bur and Friends book series is based on — opening up the world of sports, activity, outdoor exploration and diversity for young children.

What are you going to plan for your Worldwide Day of Play?

U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, Barack Obama, recently gave credit to the founders of Farmer’s Hat Productions™ for our efforts to promote diversity through our Bur Bur and Friends™ children’s book series.

Read the letter!

Seed Newsvine

By Luke Hermann

Recently, Bur Bur and I were fishing from the dock on the lake where his family lives. We probably
caught over 50 Sunfish - Bur Bur catching most of them because I was always baiting his hook!

He did get one monster bite and the fish was taking a lot of line. Bur Bur was very excited and finally reeled the fish in. It was a Largemouth Bass, probably weighing in at around three pounds. We took a picture and released the fish….we’ll let him grow and hopefully catch him in a few years!

I’ve always thought that fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It teaches a lot of important life lessons including patience, persistence and character. It was fun to see Bur Bur learn that he had to watch his bobber, wait a few seconds when the fish took it under water, and then set the hook and reel in.

Many times, the fish would get off but he kept trying. The smile on his face when he caught the big bass was priceless.

Seed Newsvine

By Kakie Fitzsimmons, Vice President and founding partner, Farmer’s Hat Productions. Co-author, Bur Bur and Friends, a children’s book series that uses a cast of multicultural characters who educate kids about sports and outdoor exploration

When we started writing the Bur Bur and Friends book series, I don’t think we thought about the little victories that would come along the way. This past Saturday we had a book reading at the Minneapolis Library. Seeing our books on display at the library with the catalog numbers on the spine was quite exhilarating.

But the real reward came as we read the books to the children and witnessed their participation and enjoyment. Since our books educate kids about sports and outdoor exploration, when we have a reading we perform acts of the sport like rowing, pulling in a fish from the line, swimming, swinging a bat, etc. It is then quite natural for the kids to join in and do the same. –>

By Kristin Dunlap, mom of 3

I just read an article in which entertainer Bill Cosby makes some interesting points about parenting. Basically, he says that many of today’s kids are growing up without a strong foundation – one of love, education, respect and responsibility.

And that we are entrusting our kids to learn life lessons through DVDs, video games and the like. He uses the words, “lack of parenting.”

Cosby’s comments made me feel even more passionate about the mission and vision of Farmer’s Hat Productions and the Bur Bur and Friends™ book series. Encouraging kids to be active, explore their world. Promoting literacy and diversity. And learning about good sportsmanship, citizenship and friendships. –>

The Bur Bur and Friends book series is entered in two leading industry award programs, including the Moonbeam Awards and the “Teacher’s Choice” Awards through Learning Magazine .

The Moonbeam Awards are designed to honor the year’s best children’s books, authors and illustrators, and to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators. Their goal is to support children’s book publishing and to promote childhood literacy and life-long reading. Exactly what we are striving for with Bur Bur and Friends™!

The Moonbeam Awards organization is teaming up with two notable partners to assist with judging, announcing and promoting the Awards:

The Delores Kohl Foundation supports childhood learning and literacy in many ways, including the StoryBus, a 37-foot Winnebago that’s been transformed into a children’s literacy museum on wheels and offering an arts-based pre-k and kindergarten curriculum. The Foundation also presents the The Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards , recognizing dedicated, innovative teachers and childcare workers in the Chicago area.

The Children’s Humanties Festival continues a tradition of bringing the very best theater, dance, music and more. Inspired by the theme, “When I Grow Up,” the Festival’s goal is for all who attept to imagine the world they want to live in and how their current choices can help make that dream a reality.

The Teacher’s Choice “For the Family” Awards honors products that bring education into the home. This awards program is sponsored by Learning Magazine , the leading buyers’ resource guide for elementary teachers.

We will keep you posted as to future progress and awards status!

Seed Newsvine

By JoAnne Pastel, President and founder, Farmer’s Hat Productions co-author Bur Bur and Friends children’s book series

Bur Bur has discovered his drawing talent - and suddenly we had pictures taped up on walls everywhere! If we took any down, he would immediately notice and call us on it!

I wanted him to enjoy the pride of his latest artistic creations, but it was getting out of control.

A friend suggested putting up a large bulletin board in a place where he could manage what was on there. That way he gets to select what stays and what goes. It empowers him and since we put it up in his room, it has worked wonders.

He now has his special area and can make the choices of what to put up and take down. Sometimes we just sit back and talk about them and I feel the pride and excitement as he shares what he was thinking about as he was creating.

Tell us how you manage these kinds of situations and what are your tricks to stay organized?

Seed Newsvine

By Kakie Fitzsimmons, Vice President and founding partner, Farmer’s Hat Productions co-author Bur Bur and Friends children’s book series

Yesterday was the first day of first grade and my son got to be the official door opener/holder. It made him feel really important and he proudly told me and his grandma; “I’m in first grade now and I am learning how to be a gentleman.” Awww.

What a great way to start a new school year!! It doesn’t get any better than that for sure.

Tell us a memory or story about a first day of school in your house!

Seed Newsvine

By Kristin Dunlap, mom of 3

When I first started having children, the trend was “attachment parenting.” And I quickly learned about the supposed “tension” between stay-at-home moms and those who worked. Of course, I stressed about all of it!

After 10 years of parenting, I am a little more laid back and can better go with the flow compared to the early years. (Let’s see how I’m doing when my kids hit the teen years!).

So I was interested to see the recent Internet interest in British celebrity nanny, Claire Verity’s, interview on the Web.

The interview states: “In America, especially, parents are overcautious. They’re slightly nervous about a newborn and lack confidence. The U.K. parents are more go-with-the-flow. The Americans are slightly more nervous about what they should and shouldn’t do — whether it be sleeping or breast feeding, there’s a huge amount of pressure… At the end of the day, it’s really not important if you do get it right. So what if you can’t breastfeed? Is it really that important? What’s important is that your baby is fed, not what your neighbor three doors down thinks about whether you breastfeed or don’t breastfeed. I think American moms worry too much about what other people think.”

I think I agree with Claire Verity on that point — I am constantly judging and comparing myself to other mom’s and worrying about what others think. Today, I am deciding that it’s my kids’ opinions that matter the most!

It’s not about me as a mom — it’s about how I can help them develop great life skills and facilitate a happy, healthy and positive life approach.

Let us know what you think about which parenting skills and lessons learned have worked the best in your home!

Seed Newsvine

By JoAnne Pastel, President and founder, Farmer’s Hat Productions co-author Bur Bur and Friends book series

We’ve reached another milestone in my son’s life: his first few days of pre-school! It made me realize how incredibly resilient children are.

He went off to a new place, with new people and a new schedule to learn. And he came home excited, enthusiastic and ready to go back the next day!

At my son’s school, at orientation earlier in the summer, the children planted seeds in the garden. On the first day, they revisited the garden to find corn and carrots and other vegetables.

The kids were jubilant to discover and explore the rewards of their planting efforts. And of course Bur Bur was excited saying, “Let’s eat the corn and carrots!”

The first two days of pre-school underscored exactly what Farmer’s Hat Productions is all about: Inspiring young kids to be active, embrace a diverse group of friends and explore their world.

We’d love to hear anecdotes from others who are transitioning back-to-school.

What new “wisdom” did your child share after the first day? Were they anxious or excited to meet new friends? What did the teacher do to make them feel welcome at their new classroom? Did you encounter any challenges?

Seed Newsvine

By Kristin, mom of 3

Back-to-school is always a time of mixed emotion for me. Some relief because we will be back into a routine schedule. But mostly, anxiety because I don’t like change much and my kids are growing up so quickly!

It’s usually pretty stressful, too, with ensuring that my kids are well-equipped with all the supplies they need — not to mention shoes that actually fit after another season of growth!

This year, we got organized way ahead of time and it has made a huge difference.

We are spending these last few days before the first day of school hanging out as a family. Going hiking, biking, looking for cool rocks and exploring together at the park are all part of the game plan.

I’m slowly learning that when I relax and am truly “in the moment” with my kids, rather than rushing around and worrying about what’s next — whether it be what’s for lunch, activities or where we need to be — it is much more rewarding for me and my kids.

Anyone else have suggestions or tips for easing the transition of back-to-school?

Seed Newsvine

By Kakie Fitzsimmons, Vice President and founding partner, Farmer’s Hat Productions co-author Bur Bur and Friends book series

Obesity in kids is a national epidemic. I was a heavy as a child and know the emotional scars that come from it lasts a lifetime. In elementary school, I remember dreading gym class because when the teacher let the kids pick who would be on their own teams; I was always one of the last two or three. I knew it was because of my weight and this is just one memory of many.

Looking back on my situation, there was a combination of factors that led to this. My mom was a single mom with very limited resources. She had to work and there were times when we were on our own between school and the time she got home. It was easy to spend that time in front of the TV, playing video games and eating to pacify myself or to cure boredom.

A new study recently came out for the first time that tracks childhood obesity by state. That study came from the website of The Trust for America’s Health, which is the organization that published the study. I first read about this in an article titled “Americans are tipping the scales” in the Minneapolis Tribune. . –>