Animal Tales for Summer Reading 2021

Holy cow, here we are in January, planning for June, July and August! Since we don’t know what will happen in this strange pandemic world, I’m offering online performances as well as live (if it feels safe for us all).

I’ll be doing The Best (And Worst) of Beasts for the Summer Reading Program theme, a fun mix of stories, puppets, songs and stretches about animals. Why do dogs chase cats? Why do cats eat mice? Should a chicken marry a cockroach? Quack, snort, oink and more!

Here’s a video that is included in the Kansas Library Performers Directory this year, to give you an idea of what I’m offering.

You’ll notice that I also mentioned the program Grimm for Grownups, listed by Humanities Kansas in the Speakers Bureau. Of course that program and any other on my program list page are certainly available.

Send me an email to book now!

A Galaxy of Giggles for next summer

How do you get an astronaut baby to sleep?

You rocket!

Baby is getting ready for our show A Galaxy of Giggles for next year’s Summer Reading Programs, which has the theme A Universe of Stories. Baby even has a jetpack!

Photo by Heather Harlan, Oct. 2018

It’s true. A couple of months ago, on my way to the Missouri Library Association performers showcase, I found myself at a Build-a-Bear shop in the mall. There I found the perfect pink jetpack, exactly the right size for my baby puppet. I ran to the car and got her so she could try it on. It fit! The pink even matched her leggings.

This is part of my process for creating a summer reading program. I think about what I already have that would fit the theme, I do research for new material, and I keep my eyes out for accessories for my puppets. For months now, I’ve been gathering space-related stories, songs, fingerplays and puppet hilarity. I’ve got a special puppet for the show and am working on possible voices and miscellany.

I also name the show and write a blurb. I keep it general enough that I can add ideas, but close to the prescribed theme. Here’s next year’s show description:

A Galaxy of Giggles

Hop on board this story shuttle for an out-of-this-world mix of stories, songs, stretches, puppets and general silliness with storyteller Priscilla Howe. Warning: there may be aliens!

Have suggestions? Let me know in the comments or by e-mail!