We recently connected with Barb Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.

Barb, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I created Barb’s Book Buddies as a YouTube channel to give parents a positive option in the digital age and independent authors an opportunity to share their stories. I recognized that many talented children’s book authors who published independently or through small publishing houses struggled to get their books in kids’ hands. Over the past two years, Barb’s Book Buddies has grown into a platform for children’s book advocacy that has allowed me to speak, present, and make YouTube videos about children’s literature. I was an avid reader as a child and surrounded my own children with literature. As a teacher, I often use children’s literature as part of my lessons. I realized I wanted to reach an audience beyond my classroom walls. My “eureka moment” came, when I was grocery shopping and saw a child holding their parents phone watching a YouTube video. I came up with the idea to connect independent author’s books with children via YouTube. I hired a local video production company to ensure high quality, invited families with young children to attend and filmed my first videos. It was a blast, the kids and parents loved it, and I was in my glory!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Are you a Book Buddy? I am! A Book Buddy is someone who believes in the power of children’s literature. Barb’s Book Buddies is a multimedia platform for bringing the best of children’s literature to today’s young readers. I often ask friends, authors and sometimes strangers, “What is or was your favorite children’s book?” Their reactions always energize me. Seeing the spark in their eyes, the wonder and joy that comes from asking such a simple question motivates me to continue sharing the magic of children’s literature. We are all Book Buddies, from childhood to old age, and isn’t that wonderful?

My primary goal in creating Barb’s Book Buddies is to connect independent children’s book authors with readers (aka Book Buddies!) I combine children’s book readings and engaging activities to bring books to life! I invite authors to join me in creating interactive experiences for the whole family.

I provide the perfect kick-off for book releases, grand openings or new exhibits at indoor and outdoor venues. I create thematic, interactive reading experiences to enhance my client’s programming and introduce or expand on family-focused events and activities. New this summer is Book Buddies Campout, where an atmosphere of exploration and discovery is created as Book Buddies and authors gather outside my teardrop camper by an (inflatable) campfire. Book Buddies are seated on their sit-upons, a purposeful, portable place to get lost in a story. In addition to Book Buddies sit-upons, I offer t-shirts, BB (Book Buddy) Bears and other merchandise as gentle prompts to remind us of the importance of reading.

I also offer author consultations prior to publishing their book. I believe their story is their creation, they will need to guide it, discipline it, nurture it and let it grow, but most importantly, of course, love it! Working side by side with an author and watching their idea transform into a book is so rewarding.

I believe that books not only create an opportunity to look at ourselves, but allow us to reflect, empathize and appreciate other people and their stories. There is no denying the benefits of literacy, the joy of lifelong reading and the healing power of meaningful stories.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of Barb’s Book Buddies is discovering creative ways of sharing my passion for children’s literature. I initially thought Barb’s Book Buddies would be a YouTube channel, then I had requests to do live events, then aspiring authors sought consultations, and now it has expanded to live outdoor events. Having control of the content I share and exploring new pathways for realizing my vision for children’s literature in today’s world is exhilarating. My ultimate goal is to encourage authors to submit their stories for “Book Buddy Approval”, then travel to where those authors are located and help them share their books. I am fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of ALL the people who support and encourage “Book Buddies”! Additionally, the opportunity to connect with so many people, not only authors, but business owners, board members, philanthropists, the media, librarians, videographers, photographers, independent book sellers, etc., and, of course, my Book Buddies has been truly inspiring.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I prioritize relationships! I have impressed upon my students the need to “treat others the way you would like to be treated” and I try to practice what I teach. When I connect with an author, an organization or a Book Buddy, I want to make sure they know that I honor and value them. I try to inspire people to be “their best selves”, to find their passion and persevere. By nature, I am a positive person, I try to share that energy with the people whom I have an opportunity to work with. A follow-up text, a motivational phone call, or simply a smile can encourage someone to grow. It is as simple as acknowledging another human and the gifts they have to offer!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.barbsbookbuddies.com
• Instagram: barbsbookbuddies
• Facebook: BarbsBookBuddies
• Linkedin: Barbara (Denk) Sanchez
• Youtube: @BarbsBookBuddies
• Other: Tik Tok- @barbsbookbuddies

Image Credits: 

headshot by Stephen Gabris @ https://www.gabrisphoto.com/.