Taking cultural folklore stories of the Southwest and resetting them into the written word, the authors are helping to preserve some fine traditional stories while giving them the modern bent today’s readers need. All good story collectors have done this, including well-known collectors such as the Grimm Brothers. Resetting tales to speak to the current generation is the job of the interpreters. Tingle and Moore do that well in this little book. While the authors are specifically setting the tales in Texas, alert connoisseurs of stories will recognize and appreciate that some tales have been adapted from other parts of the world from other points in time. As you read, it is fun to think of classic stories such as ’Mary Culhaine’ with a slight Texas twang to them. -Storyteller.net Reviews.
In this CD of personal tales, Lynn takes her listeners on a fun ride through childhood events remembered innocently and playfully. In each piece, she recreates the many players in a subtle shifting of voice, intonation and enunciation.
Lynn incorporates the tunes of folk musicians as she enters into each story. The music is fun to listen to and we are always glad to see collaborative projects between artists.
The CD is professionally recorded and produced. While the title does feature the word “child” in it, we think these stories are best suited for adults and older teens that may be looking for “remember when you might have acted like this” nostalgia. We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t want to inspire any young children to use Lynn’s stories as a road map for their own adventures. Or perhaps you would- if you love mischief as Lynn does.
In the kit of every storyteller, there needs to be some small time-fillers. In her latest book, A Loop of String: String Stories and String Stunts, Ruth Stotter fills the bag of any performer with fun-to-do string tricks, including a nice and easy "ring" trick that you should share even with the jaded adults in your life. The book is clearly written so that you’ll have no problem quickly picking up the simpler of the 21 stunts included in the book. The more complex figures benefit from the profuse illustrations in the book.
Nearly ever string creation is accompanied by a quick story to involve your fingers, toes and mouth in the fun. If you like to know the backgrounds of the figures and tales, every chapter has an informative background box with more information. If this book whets your desire for more research, the last six pages of the book give resource connections on and off the Internet to help you learn more.
Like Ruth’s other quick-activities book of 101 little fillers, this book should be in your regular travelling kit for every show you might do as a performer- or parent/grandparent who might have kids to entertain.
"Over the years, I’ve enjoyed sharing all kinds of stories with my kids. But when other parents asked me for advice on how they could get started-- I’ve been at a loss-- until now. Sean Buvala has created that first step. His method is simple, direct, and fun, and leads to stronger relationships between parents and children. What parent wouldn’t want that?"-Tim Ereneta
Storyteller Rachel Hedman has created a DVD set that is a fine meal for those looking to dine on the many ways to enjoy storytelling. Going beyond the basic salt and pepper flavors of storytelling, Rachel collaborates with other artists in her stories to give each course a different seasoning and texture. If you are hungry for a diverse and family-friendly buffet of recorded-live storytelling, then the "Family Famine" DVD is for you.
In Rachel’s ground-breaking (more on that in a moment) DVD, she mixes world folktales with her personal family remembrances, throwing in some fun teases and blessings to her family both present at the recording and those who could not be there. Rachel also utilizes the unique skills of other artists, including an electric guitarist who produces sounds you simply need to hear and see performed to appreciate. You will ask yourself, "Did that guitar really just howl?"
