Barefoot Books is a celebrated, independent children’s book publisher renowned for its visually captivating, culturally diverse, and deeply inclusive titles. With a steadfast mission to open children’s hearts, minds, and worlds, the publisher creates high-quality books that celebrate art, storytelling, and global awareness. Since its inception, Barefoot Books has stood at the forefront of the movement to bring multiculturalism, environmental sustainability, and social-emotional learning into children's literature. Their core philosophy ensures that young readers can both see themselves reflected in stories and learn about cultures remarkably different from their own.
The history of Barefoot Books began in September 1992 in England, born from the shared vision of two young mothers, Nancy Traversy and Tessa Strickland. Frustrated by the lack of visually inspiring and globally minded books available for their own children, they decided to launch a fledgling publishing company directly from their homes. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to produce beautifully illustrated books that sparked curiosity, nurtured imagination, and promoted tolerance. From these modest beginnings as a home-based business, the company quickly grew as their distinctive, art-forward books found an eager audience among discerning parents, librarians, and educators.
As the company expanded its catalog and cultural influence, its geographical footprint also evolved. While maintaining a strong presence in the United Kingdom—eventually opening a beloved flagship studio space in Oxford—Barefoot Books set its sights on the North American market. In 1998, co-founder Nancy Traversy opened the company’s first United States office in Brooklyn, New York. By 2001, to better accommodate her family and the rapidly growing business, Traversy relocated the US headquarters to the Boston area. Today, the global publishing operations are run from a vibrant, creative space in Concord, Massachusetts, a historic town that perfectly complements the publisher's artistic and community-focused ethos.
Because its emphasis on multicultural and diverse themes initially placed it on the fringes of traditional, mainstream publishing in the 1990s, Barefoot Books had to think outside the box to reach its audience. Rather than relying solely on traditional bookstore distribution, the company pioneered an innovative, grassroots business model. They established a successful "Community Book Seller" program, empowering individuals to sell Barefoot products at home parties, school book fairs, and community gatherings. Furthermore, the publisher successfully embraced the digital transition. They developed the highly acclaimed Barefoot World Atlas app, partnered with major brands for educational subscription boxes, and built a massive online following through a wildly popular YouTube channel that features animated versions of their beloved singalong stories.
Today, with more than three decades of experience in the publishing industry, Barefoot Books has published over a thousand titles and placed more than 30 million books into the hands of children worldwide. The publisher's enduring commitment to excellence was recognized in 2017 when Forbes named them one of the 25 Best Small Companies in America. Beyond commercial success, Barefoot Books maintains a strong philanthropic focus, frequently partnering with non-profit organizations like Books for Africa and Reach Out and Read to expand access to high-quality literature in underserved communities. Through decades of changing industry landscapes, Barefoot Books has remained an fiercely independent and innovative force, proving that stories truly have the power to shape the next generation of compassionate global citizens.
