Everyone knows about master storyteller, Mother Goose. Her nursery rhymes extends through generations. Jack and Jill, Little Miss Muffet, Old Mother Hubbard, Mother Goose's character friends enter our hearts and remain.
As Mother Goose shared her short verses, I watched readers light up, often saying, "I know that one!" Readers loved her happy smile, her energized voice, and the joy in her expression as she shared her beloved tales. Then, kind Mother Goose invited me to share some of my stories!
Isn't storytelling marvelous? The art of the tale has been around forever. I marvel when I think about the many ways stories are told. Pictures have been found in caves from ancient civilizations as story. The Hula is a dance in Hawaii that tells a story using the hands in graceful, meaningful movements, while the dancer sways to music. Newspaper comic strips were short stories drawn to make us laugh. Before television, people listened to stories broadcasted over a radio.
Many fun stories can be heard from moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. Family. I once heard a story about how my Grandfather found a baby raccoon. It's mother was no where near. My grandfather brought the raccoon home for his children to raise. They named him JoJo. Can you just imagine how much trouble a raccoon could get into iliving in your house?
Like Mother Goose, and my grandfather, I feel great joy telling stories. As a writer, I've met many students that love telling stories, too. I love meeting these storytellers and hearing about their creations. Creative minds make magic. If you're a story teller, keep creating and share those characters and tales. The world will never tire of a good story, and it is never to early or too late to start.
Summer is a great time to explore your library and summer reading programs. Some tales we tell ourselves, but many others are just waiting to be discovered.
Happy reading! Have a great summer.