Barbara Saltzman is filled with such energy that she is an inspiration to listen to and watch.

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. 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.

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 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.”