Amy Bowllan, a writer from the School Library Journal continues her interview with authors of Bur Bur and Friends. The School Library Journal is the worlds largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teenagers.

A.B. JoAnne, at what point did your son’s imaginary friend, Bur Bur, come alive to you? I know as parents and teachers, stories unfold around us, all the time, yet you capitalized on yours. Please share when that moment came to you, and what advice can you give aspiring authors?

When William came home one day from daycare and started calling his imaginary friend Bur Bur, I loved the way it sounded. (more…)

Amy Bowllan, a writer of the famous Bowllans Blog for the School Library Jounal, conducts an interview with JoAnne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons, co-founders of Farmer's Hat Productions. Pastel and Fitzsimmons are also co-authors of award the winning children's book series, Bur Bur and Friends. (more…)

MINNEAPOLIS – Naturally active kids aren't born as couch potatoes – it's a mindset cultivated over time. And by cracking open a story that inspires adventure, parents have the power to turn that couch into a healthy lifestyle portal instead of a TV-centric prison. Four stories aimed at nurturing a fun, active life have been released by two mothers who share this exact concern. Featuring a nature hike, baseball, fishing and boating, The Bur Bur and Friends series by JoAnne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons provide young children with their first exposure to sports and the outdoors, stimulating a life-long passion for active fitness and participation. (more…)

Awareness of our Bur Bur and Friends book series continues to grow exponentially — most recently with notice for Bur Bur’s Boating ABC’s in the New Jersey Union County Family parenting magazine.

Check out the review by clicking on this link!
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Book industry attendees at all of these venues include authors and publishers, booksellers and librarians, art dealers and illustrators, agents and journalists, information brokers and readers Bur Bur and Friends books will be on display at the upcoming book fairs in 2007: (more…)

For a limited time, you can win a copy of a Bur Bur and Friends book from “She Knows – Points and Prizes.”

She Knows – Points and Prizes allows you to earn points by doing everyday Internet surfing, such as visiting websites, subscribing to and reading e-mail newsletters and entering contests. In this way, you can earn points and then claim prizes from the Points and Prizes collection of items.

Prize examples include books, DVD’s, CD’s, clothes, gift cards, calendars and more.

Bur Bur and Friends books available through this offer include, “Bur Bur’s Boating ABC’s,” “Bur Bur Throws Out the First Pitch,” and “Bur Bur’s Fishing Adventure.”
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Bur Bur and Friends is pleased to announce a partnership with Cosi restaurants in Eden Prairie and Wayzata, Minn. (more…)

Check out the Bur Bur and FriendsTM products that are now available for sale on this website! Kids love the colorful, educational picture books and the unique T-shirts and hats!

Bur Bur and Friends was created by two moms who identified a need in the marketplace for books representing multi-cultural children and families. What makes this product line unique is that the Bur Bur and Friends books educate children about sports, outdoor exploration and active play. The book series also highlights greater principals like teamwork, sportsmanship, practice, following directions, etc. Typically, the characters in the books are going through a first time experience or adventure. (more…)

Farmer’s Hat Productions’ founder, JoAnne Pastel, recently appeared on ABC 7 News This Morning in Chicago to highlight the Bur Bur and Friends book series.

ABC 7 News This Morning is the #1 rated morning news show in Chicago and is hosted by Judy Tsu and Hosea Sanders. The interview was part of their “Connect with Kids” segment. The show airs Monday through Friday mornings from 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. CDT.

Book Covers from the award winning Bur Bur and Friend’s children’s book series: Bur Bur and Friends is a cast of multicultural characters who educate kids about self-esteem, sports, outdoor exploration and active play though their experiences.

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Read the latest great review of Bur Bur's Boating ABC's at New Jersey Family Magazine! Since 1991, New Jersey Family Magazine has developed a strong editorial presence that has won more than 100 national and state awards from the National Federation of Press Women, the Parenting Publications of America, the Parents Choice Foundation and New Jersey Press Women. The magazine is widely recognized for practical parenting information on children's health and development, in-depth features on education and social issues, a kid-friendly calendar of events, and annual surveys of schools and summer programs.

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Farmer's Hat Productions and the Bur Bur and Friends book series have been garnering more and more media attention since our official product launch this summer, including recent stories, interviews and segments on: – WCVB-TV Boston ABC affiliate – WCCO 830 AM Radio in Minneapolis – FM-107 Radio in Minneapolis – Parents Magazine – KARE-11 TV in Minneapolis, including KARE-11 "On Live", "Sunrise", "News on Saturdays", and "Showcase Minnesota – WCCO-TV Minneapolis ABC affiliate – ABC-7 Chicago ABC affilliate – KBEM FM Minneapolis 90.3 If you know of any kids who are enjoying the Bur Bur and Friends book series, let us know! We'd love to get your feedback.

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We just got another positive review of the Bur Bur and Friends book series from Minnesota Parent Magazine! Check out the review: "Books for and about real kids," by Tricia Cornell. And stop in and check out our product offerings that are available on this website.

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As mentioned in a previous post, Bur Bur and Friends hosted a national product launch event at the Mall of America in late July. We continue to get more photos from this event at our offices, and would like to highlight a few more (see below).

It really was a celebration of kids, families and diversity as many joined us at the Mall to explore a variety of activities. The Teddy Bear Band was there to provide musical entertainment. As one young girl exclaimed after one of their sets, “Bur Bur and Friends rocks!”

We invite you to check out our products and our business venture!

Kids enjoyed the fishing and boating experiential displays

Minnesota Timberwolves mascot, Crunch, and Minnesota Twins mascot, TC Bear, with a great Bur Bur friend

Bur Bur and Anna characters helped to entertain the crowd

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Bur Bur and Friends was just featured in the "Relationships Diversity" section of Daily Life Saturday, in the August 18th issue of the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper. The article, "Mom's write books for multiracial kids," was written by reporter Maja Beckstrom. We encourage visitor's to this site to check out the Bur Bur and Friends book series!

Book Covers and other products from the award winning Bur Bur and Friend's children's book series promote diversity: Bur Bur and Friends is a cast of multiracial kids who help children cultivate their self-esteem and talents by teaching them about sports, outdoor exploration and active play though diverse learning experiences. Bur Bur and Friends characters are based off of real life kids like yours!  Teachers, Toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and all early readers think they are the best children’s books and our awards back that up!

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The weekend of July 21, Bur Bur and Friends celebrated the national launch of our product line at a special event at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. It was awesome to see all of the kids and families enjoying various activities, including story time, entertainment from the Teddy Bear Band, a fishing clinic and a pitching contest. Kids could also color and get to know the Bur and Friends characters. And there was a special visit from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins team mascots. A great time was had by all! Take a look at some of the photos posted below! And be sure to check back on the Farmer's Hat Productions Web site for future events, book signings and appearances for Bur Bur and Friends.

  A diverse crowd gathers for story time. Thanks to Joe Schmidt, former sports anchor from Minneapolis ABC affiliate KSTP-TV for coming out to read the books. Aso doing the readings (not pictured) Jearlyn Steele. Jearlyn is a broadcaster on Minneapolis WCCO-AM talk radio and part of the famous Steele Family Singers.

 The kick-off event included fun and activities for kids of all ages Here we have the famous 'CRUNCH', mascot for the Minnesota Timberwolves joining in the coloring contest.

Story time is a hit!

  Minnow races captivated the youngsters throughout the weekend. Thanks to Minneapolis NBC affiliate Kare-11's Minnesota Bound for facilitating those. Minnesota Bound is a television show that shares stories about people who enjoy the great outdoors in Minnesota.  

Bur Bur and Friends merchandise was available at a prominent Mall of America kiosk

Photos by Tony Nelson, 2007 www.tonynelsonphoto.com Seed Newsvine