Barbara Saltzman

Background

About Barbara Saltzman

The mother of author-illustrator David Saltzman has worked tirelessly to bring her son's book to children and adults across the country — first publishing the book and now telling the world about it. The guiding light behind The Jester & Pharley Phund, The Jester's Mom travels the country inspiring children and helping youngsters realize that"It's up to them to make a difference, it's up to them to care," as The Jester proclaims. An honor graduate of the University of Southern California School of Journalism, Barbara was an editor at the Los Angeles Times before publishing her son’s book and overseeing the creation of The Phund and the development of its award-winning literacy and medical programs. In schools and hospitals, auditoriums and libraries, bookstores and business conference rooms Barbara is a sought-after inspirational speaker. It doesn't matter if she's reading "The Jester" to students or to children undergoing chemo or to teachers looking for new ways to motivate students. Barbara delivers The Jester's message with such passion and enthusiasm that anyone who listens to her becomes a true believer in the power of laughter and the joy of life. “It’s thrilling for me to hear back from children, parents, teachers and health-care professionals,” she says. “They tell me how much' The Jester' inspired them 15, 20, even 25 years ago and that they are now introducing 'The Jester' to a new generation. Nothing makes me happier than to see how David’s story touches and transforms lives.” Barbara is now raising funds to print the 25th Anniversary Edition. Some copies of "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" are in print. Over books and Jester & Pharley Dolls have been donated to ill children, literacy and children in need across the country. In over 230 funded literacy and outreach programs, 138,253 Title I elementary students have been empowered to read over 44 million pages to give hospitalized children the joy of reading, charity and kindness. “The book has such a positive impact on everyone and it is a perfect fit to our early literacy program, says one hospital executive. Your support of early literacy has our greatest respect.” “We really love the RMD program,” says Principal Patricia Ferguson of Vermont Elementary School, where The Phund has brought seven programs funded by the USC Good Neighbors Campaign. “It is beautifully interrelated with our curriculum for reading and social-emotional development.”