Sharing stories signed and spoken, Jill is a storyteller, American Sign Language interpreter and vegetable farmer. Focusing on original and nature/folk-based stories, tales take on a whole new dimension in her hands.

Like storytellers and bards of old, Fred shares stories of the divine, the human, and the world in which we live; of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, faith and folly. Fred is a retired clergy and the past president of the Chicagoland Puppetry Guild. He frequently uses puppets in his storytelling.

Certified Bullying Prevention Trainer
Clemson University Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life
http://www.sue-black.com/bullyprevention.html
http://www.clemson.edu/olweus/
http://www.clemson.edu/olweus/trainers.html

You and Me ... Bully Free!
An educational, fun, and interactive storytelling assembly that gets the whole school talking. Based on the latest research and best practice, Sue's program is designed to raise awareness, shape attitudes, change behaviors, create memorable learning, and communicate a shared vocabulary.

It Takes a Village
Bullying prevention workshops for teachers and parents working with the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Learn what to do, what not to do, and strategies that make a difference. Create a culture of inclusion in our classrooms, homes, and communities for lasting bullying prevention.

Storyteller/Teaching Artist
Creative! Engaging! Fun! Listeners of all ages are captivated by Sue's enthusiastic storytelling. Whether Sue is telling original or traditional tales, don't be surprised if you want to move, chant, sing, think, imagine and dream.

Recipient of the Prairie Area Reading Council Literacy Award, contributing author to Literacy Development in the Storytelling Classroom - a 2010 Storytelling World Resource Award winner, Sue combines her passion for storytelling with her delight in teaching students and their teachers to tell and write stories. It's an awesome combination!
Sue has been accepted on both the Illinois Arts Council and Arts-in-Education rosters.

Jean Bolley loves stories and it shows in her presentations. Her warm, casual style draws listeners in, letting the stories work their magic. Jean has a master's degree in storytelling and 15 years of experience with schools, libraries, and community groups.

Camille enjoys telling multicultural tales to all ages; original historical stories about the Underground Railroad, WWII, and other US history eras suitable for middle school students and adults; personal stories for adults.

Kathe specializes in humorous stories "with a twist." She loves telling for all ages, especially adults. Her family concerts include string stories, riddles and multicultural tales.

Julie's enthusiastic and upbeat storytelling is relished by audiences of all ages. Personal chronicles of growing up on the farm, revised fairy tales, Biblical/spiritual/moral stories are some of her favorite presentations.

Teller of tales for all ages, with a special love of that fearsome age group - middle schoolers! Founder and advisor to the Longfellow Storyweavers and Southern Bluffs Storytellers, middle school and elementary school tellers troupes in LaCrosse.

Karen grew up among a large, extended Irish family in Massachusetts, surrounded by stories and storytellers all of her life. She is a teaching artist, workshop leader, producer and author. Karen is the founder and director of a student storytelling troupe, producing their Storytelling Festival each year since 2002. Karen writes a regular column, Stor e Telling, for Storytelling Magazine, and is a contributing author to National Storytelling Network's publications, A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling and Telling Stories to Children.

With both song and story, Lynne brings a freshness and vitality to her tales of wonder and fantasy. Her programs are suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Recognizes the gifts stories bring to individuals and communities. Enjoys folktales and personal stories that invoke life transitions.

From 'Love, American Style' in Hot Rod Magazine to 'He Has a Boat...' in Patrick's Bar to 'Reflections and Revelations' on an icy drive home, she tells stories familiar to many hearts. Love, laughter and sometimes tears from one whose heart belongs to the Midwest.

Beverly is a multidisciplinary performance artist using the oral tradition of storytelling as a foundation for creative expression. She presents tales from the African Diaspora using music and dance while inviting audience members to participate in the telling.

As a storyteller, singer, songwriter and musician, Karen Czarnik's unique performances combine music and tale to engage, encourage and tickle the funny bone. Linking her musical and theatrical work with the traditions of Storytelling, Karen's collaboration of character and story stirs the imagination. Accompanying herself on autoharp, she creates an energetic experience of song & story. From stage to elementary classrooms, campfires to coffee houses, Karen's music, voice and stories inspire audiences of all ages.

Storytelling for all ages, specializing in Celtic and Scottish, Healing storytelling with at-risk youth and communities in crisis. Positivity Coach.

Stories for all ages and workshops, too! Shows include "Stories from Granny's Attic," "Around the World with Stories," "Musical Jam Sandwich with Granny Rutabaga and her Guitar," using using audience participation, music and puppetry.

Janice M. Del Negro, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Her first picture book, Lucy Dove (1998) won the Anne Izard Storytelling Award; her second picture book, Willa and the Wind (2005), was an ALA Notable Book and an Honor Book for the Irma Simonton Black and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Del Negro's collection of supernatural tales for young adults entitled Passion and Poison, was released in 2007 to starred reviews. She has recently collaborated with Ellin Greene on the fourth edition of the classic storytelling textbook Storytelling: Art & Technique, released in January, 2010. Del Negro has been a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival, the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, the Illinois Storytelling Festival, the Fox Valley Folk Festival, and many others. She has conducted workshops on various aspects of storytelling and narrative for librarians, teachers, parents, storytellers, and other educators in a variety of settings, including the National Storytelling Network Annual Conference, the Illinois School Library Media conference, the University of Illinois, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of San Diego. Her most recent recording, Fortune's Daughters: Ghost Tales and Folktales, was released in October, 2010.

Donna Dettman has been wowing audiences since 1990 with her tales of life, love and laughter. Her zany folk songs and haunting ballads add a touch of the old-time troubadour. Her program 'After After: a Storyteller's Journey through Breast Cancer,' takes audiences on an emotional roller coaster ride down her road of discovery, apprehension, and her ultimate determination to survive. Her keynotes have been presented for women's programs, hospitals, oncology nurses and the American Cancer Society. Dare to find joy in your life!

Bringing STORYLORE to life with animated, participatory storytelling for any age, group size or setting, Jean-Andrew creates designed-for-you programs for schools, libraries, festivals, conferences, special events and more.

Jeff tells wild, funny and scary tales that keep his listeners on the edge of their seats. He developed his love of storytelling from sharing tales around the campfire. Jeff is active in the Ann Arbor and Lansing, Michigan guilds and created the Scary Story Festival in Howell, Michigan.

Stories For Living - Bill's stories for all ages can empower people to live their lives in love and respect for themselves, others and the world. Bill, a retired pastor, offers a variety of programs and workshops for schools, churches, and the community.

Professional Storyteller and World Traveler specializing ins ancient tales for adults.

Storyteller Jerry, born, raised and educated in Wisconsin. Performs for children, adults and teachers by telling fairytales, fables, folktales and other stories. Workshops for children and adults. Prices can be negotiable.

Don's personal stories and personable style have gained him high praise as a storyteller. His coaching workshops and private coaching have allowed many others to improve their own telling.
Visit my other website: www.blessedbythespokenword.com

Judy tells to all ages - from "Mother Goose" for the preschool set to adult conferences, banquets and lounges. Stories are fast-paced and humorous from folk and literary traditions as well as original work. Available for programs, schools, festivals and workshops.

Fourth-generation storyteller, author, and Ohio teaching artist Lyn Ford shares her 'Home-Fried Tales' to honor her family's multicultural Afrilachian oral traditions. An NSN Oracle Award winner and Reynoldsburg (Ohio) Friend of Education Award winner, Lyn shares programs, workshops, and keynotes that offer interactions, rhythm and rhyme, humor, history, and heart at festivals, conferences, libraries, school residencies, and other venues from coast to coast and beyond.

Anita has a background in literature, writing, and theater, has acted in several states and has taught theatre. Her storytelling performances offer opportunities for audience members to get involved in a fun-filled hour. Her presentations cover educational, inspirational, and entertaining topics. Her stories, folk and fairy tales are comical, spooky, cross-cultural, and include animals and magical creatures, which through the aid of puppetry, come alive for the audience.

Beverly Frett is in her 22nd year as the library media center director of the Robert Clow Elementary School in Naperville, IL.

Gail captures the listener\'s imagination through folktales, personal and traditional stories that reflect her desire to foster peace and justice in the world. Love of story shines through tales filled with humor and pathos, foolishness and wisdom, the ordinary and the extraordinary. Personal tales draw adults into their own life stories. Programs for Advent and Lent engage the spirit and touch the heart.

Simple storytelling straight from the heart. Thematic presentations geared to any age, preschoolers through senior citizens. Folktales, history, myths and legends, modern sources, personal experience, special interest in storytelling for environmental education. Workshops as well as programs.

Meg's performances of folktales full of humor and wisdom, and personal tales both funny and poignant, have been called spellbinding and provocative. She warmly engages listeners, and opens wide the doors to imagination. Stories about smart girls and strong women, the wisdom of elders, and being yourself, delight and inspire as well as challenge beliefs and promote understanding. Her workshops on storytelling and the creative process are a powerful source of inspiration. She offers performances and workshops for all ages

Linda's stories are fun, full of energy, and often include the audience. She tells folktales, fairy tales, inspirational stories, fables, 'RESPECT' stories, hero stories, and, of course spooky stories. She also has a series of programs that depict the stories of heroes such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine.

Bilingual storyteller Marcia Gutierrez combines her love for storytelling and her knowledge of folklore, character development, and intercultural experiences to create folktales, stories and personal tales that are full of wisdom, courage, life and just good old fashion fun for all ages.

Lorraine believes in the power of the spoken word to enlighten and educate. An award-winning writer, she crafts original stories and original retellings of folk and fairy tales. She often combines art and story in hands-on workshops for children and adults. She recently received a member grant from NSN for Reach for the Stars: Developing a Culture of Storytelling with Early Childhood Educators.

Weird Irish legends, rollicking kids' tales, provocative adult fare, and inspiring yet practical workshops: all this and more are available from one of the Midwest's favorite storytellers. See and hear stories at my website.

Judith Heineman is an Illinois Humanities Council "Road Scholar," performing regularly with musician Dan Marcotte. Their new CD: Grimm's Grimmest:The Darker Side of Fairy Tales won a NAPPA (National Parenting Publications) Honors Award. These lurid tales are beautifully told by Judith and evocatively sung by Daniel while he accompanies on Renaissance lute. Recommended for ages 10 and up. They performed the Welsh myth of Taliesin on Millennium stage in the Chicago Celtic Festival, toured 60 Chicago Public Libraries with 'The Magic Carpet: Songs and Stories from Ancient Egypt' and 'A Taste of Chicago in Song and Story.' 'Grimm's Grimmest: The Darker Side of Fairy Tales' is another popular interactive show much in demand near Halloween.

Judith received an IL Governor's Grant to go on a Storytelling Delegation to China, April 2008, where she told at a Beijing school. and was given the City of Chicago's SAGE Award for promoting The international art of storytelling. Judith is also an Illinois Arts Council Roster Artist, Residency Artist, producer of Tellabration in Chicago, founder of the Chicago Storytelling Guild, the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival, The Mohegan Colony Storytelling and Music Festival, NY.

She teaches an Adult Storytelling Workshop for the University of Chicago's Graham School, coaches privately, and was a co-chair of the National Storytelling 2003 Conference. Judith's beautiful use of her voice draws audiences into her lively, humorous and interactive world tales. Numerous museums have commissioned original programs including the Oriental Institute, The Chicago Historical Society and the Museum of Science and Industry. She has appeared at the Illinois Storytelling Festival, Chinquapin, Sterling, Clearwater in NY, Central Park, NY, colleges, schools, on radio, TV, and in theatres in NY and LA.

Bev is a high school teacher in Davenport, and holds a Master's Degree in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. She tell all kinds of stories from animal to scary, from motivational to hands-on participation. She is a member of NOBS (Network of Biblical Storytellers) and has been a presenter at many of their annual Festival Gatherings.

Virginia is a walking storyteller, sharing the history of Bayfield, Wisconsin. Her stories range from historical tales and biographies from the North country to ghost stories. She also performs in libraries, schools, private parties, homes and senior centers

Writing much of her own material, Phyllis entertains her audiences with fairy tales and fables that she turns into rap, country, or ja' songs. She also tells a variety of traditional tales. Which tales are her favorites? Stories about life's lessons gained from marriage and raising three daughters in the Midwest. Phyllis and Marilyn Kinsella are co-authors for Libraries Unlimited

MaryJo is a nationally known Keynote speaker, storyteller, author, song writer and Early Childhood Educator. Her workshops are motivational, educational and inspirational. She encourages her audience to be creative and comfortable telling stories and using puppets with children.

Mary Jo is well known for her humorous, fast-paced delivery. She has presented at numerous national, state, regional and local conferences and has 35 years experience. Mary Jo is the author of seven publications, four CDs and two DVDs.

Visiting schools and presenting at family night is always a special event that connects children with new ideas that challenges their imagination. When the story comes to "The End" it does not have to be the end of the story. Instead everyone should continue the learning with activities and experiences that promote conversation and inquiry with Story Play.

Storytelling is educational brain food. Each story shared is a stepping stone from the past to the future. For me storytelling lights a fire in a child's imagination!

Nancy is a Children's librarian at the Oshkosh Public Library. Her storytelling has been confined to in-house or school presentations as part of her job or an occasional outside group such as a scout group, or church group. Retirement in a year or two may change this.

For fifteen years, Joe Jekot has been fully engaged in the craft of loving, learning and healing all that is human in the lives of young people and adults. In his vocation as a teacher, youth minister, addictions counselor, and certified parent effectiveness trainer, Joe has discovered the profound educational and healing power of storytelling.

Kathy Jessup is a seasoned storyteller, regularly touring and performing at schools, libraries, concerts and major festivals across Canada. Her positive energy and interactive storytelling style keep listeners of all ages enthused and engaged. Kathy enjoys sharing original stories as well as world folktales and is especially drawn to stories that make people laugh. Her work has been published in various literary venues and her family cd "LISTEN UP! Tellable Tales for Hungry Ears" is recommended as a top choice by the Canadian Children’s Book Center. Kathy also leads workshops on presentation skills, microphone technique and sessions for young writers.

Carol's stories are full of energy and engage the audience to participate through chants and movement. She sparks the imagination, teaches values, expands vocabulary and helps us all be "smart from the heart." Carol enjoys telling folk and personal tales that express truth dressed in humor.

Lois tells stories from around the world and back through time. Thirty-five years combining storytelling with librianship, plus theatre training, puppetry, sign language, music, and dance create programs from historical reenactments including Michigan's Underground Railroad, Civil War homefront, and 100 years ago to a wide variety of topics for all ages.

Tim Kehl is a captivating and funny storyteller who takes his audiences on an unforgettable journey around the world with his extensive repertoire of multicultural folktales. His performances open our eyes to other cultures and and give us a richer understanding or our own.

As a performing artist, keynote speaker, and workshop presenter, Tim has been entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences for over twenty years. He has been called "a man of wisdom, humor and heart." His storytelling performances are consistently described as "enlightening," "witty," "heart-warming," "thought-provoking," and "uplifting."

Tim's fascinating tales, engaging humor, and warm stage presence delight and enthrall audiences of all ages. He is a popular performer at corporate conferences, association meetings, festivals, theaters, colleges, schools and churches. He customizes his programs to meet the needs and objectives of each organization and audience. You can be sure that Tim Kehl will transform your next meeting into an entertaining, inspiring and memorable event.

When Tim is not on the storytelling stage or speaking platform, he is a senior corporate chaplain and work-life balance specialist/trainer. He holds a B.A. degree from Elmhurst College and a Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."
Karen shares carefully chosen stories which refresh, inspire, and challenge. She has successfully served many pre-school, elder, and intergenerational audiences. Kamishibai offered.

This tall Texan bring folktales, fairy tales and legends to school students and adult groups. She is on the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Artist Roster and is a member of Mid America Arts Alliance as well as the Tejas Storytelling Association and the National Storytelling Network. Most recently, she has co-founded with Megan Hicks "The Fairy Tale Lobby," an NSN Discussion Group to advocate this sometimes forgotten genre among storytellers and story listeners everywhere. Mary Grace is from San Antonio, Texas, and she's proud to be an honorary Iowan! More at www.talesandlegends.net

Resident of Story County, Iowa, for over 30 years, and officially telling stories for over 25 years, mostly with "Family of Fools", a storytelling, drama, clowning troupe. Adopted by Story City, serves on STORY! board planning "STORY! Celebrating the Art of Storytelling" Festival. Member of STORY!telling Guild and Two Rivers Story Spinners.

Taleypo the Storyteller tells from nursery schools to nursing home. She tells with a lively style and creative word imaging. She travels where stories lead her. She has been telling since 1981. For a listing of programs plus the schools, festivals, and special events featuring Taleypo, please visit her web page.

Tricia tells stories and sings songs to kids of all ages. She has presented workshops for teachers, librarians, and church groups. Her interactive presentations are entertaining and fun.

I write, adapt, and tell stories of all kinds to all ages. I use pantomime, sign, language, and puppets. I do many multi-cultural programs and many times wear costume. My favorite stories are those that have a value or moral. I also do lots of audience participation tales.

Mike Lockett is a teller of traditional tales in a non-traditional manner. He has told stories in 25 of the 50 states in the USA and tells tales internationally as far away as Taiwan. Mike is known for his high energy audience participation stories and for his work as a children's author. To date, Mike is the author of six bilingual children's picture books for ages 3 - 8. He has won 11 awards for his books. He also has received recognition for his audio storytelling CDs. Mike gives programs for schools, libraries, festivals, community groups,and churches. He tells folktales, Appalachian stories, ghost stories, Civil War Stories, Bible stories and many other types of tales. Contact Mike at Mike@mikelockett.com

I have been doing storytelling programs for children since 1990. My favorite stories are folktales from around the world. My programs include audience participation, songs and ventriloquism.

Retired Navy officer, now working part time in local park districts with public programs. Storytelling is an increasing part of those activities.

An Emmy award winning storyteller and author, Jim believes in storytelling as an art form ideal not only for entertainment but for the grounding and healing needed in complex, modern times.

Telling stories of courage, persistence, and tolerance.

Nan loves stories based on history and geography and how both affect our life. She enjoys sharing great yarns, especially Celtic tales, ghost stories, and excerpts from the chronicles of French Voyageurs. Nan has performed at a number of fairs and festivals - the Irish Fair, the Minneapolis Mosaic Festival, Northeast Minneapolis's Art-a-Whirl, Shakopee Rendezvous, and the Stone Arch Bridge Festival - as well as in theater settings such as Bryant Lake Bowl, Jungle Theater and Southern Theatre. Tales have also been spun at numerous and more intimate venues, including bookstores, coffee shops, and pubs, the ordering of which is strictly alphabetical. As a member of the Minneapolis based Storm Fools, Nan has created and told stories based on art works in local gallery shows. Last winter she appeared on KFAI radio as the voice of Christmas Present in an adaptation of Dickens's classic tale.

Weaving tribal teachings, ancient legends, drumming, Native Flute and song into an entertaining and educational cultural presentation, Debra speaks to audiences across the country about Native American culture. Engaging her audiences with an interactive format, Debra uses an Indian story basket, hand-drums and rattles in all of her lively presentations. Available for schools, universities, Tribal colleges, keynotes, community celebrations, festivals, nature centers, museums, libraries and more!

As a founding member of the Sauk Valley Story Spinners, I have been active in the Sterling,Dixon, Rock Falls IL area promoting the magic and delight of storytelling. I tell locally to small groups and organizations and prepare programs according to requests of the audience using traditional tales as well as classic literature and original stories.

Elaine Muray integrates movement and narration to deliver highly theatrical tales from around the world as well as personal stories. She has performed at the Australian Storytelling Festival and in 2008 was chosen by her peers to perform at the National Storytelling Conference All Regions concert representing the Pacific Region. She is currently on the Board of the National Storytelling Network serving as the Pacific Regional Director. For more information and program offerings, please visit her website at www.embodiedvoicestoryarts.com.

Paula writes and tells stories about epiphany moments in ordinary time. Her stories move from playful to profound, reflecting the texture and complexity of family life, its blessings and betrayals. She follows this thread through personal and historical narrative, as well as myth, folk and fairy tale.

Rachel Nelson is a storyteller, songwriter, and musician whose passion is live performance. She sparks her stories with physical acting techniques, and often acts as her own "theater musician." Her upcoming CD will feature a mix of character songs, stories, and accompanied poems featured in her BardLive theatrical shows, including numbers from Living the Questions and The Urban Hermit. More at www.bardlive.com

Darlene Neumann is a storyteller and library media specialist. With her clear, pleasing voice and her engaging facial expressions, she paints compelling pictures, inviting children and adults to laugh and cry and revel in the joy of stories. Darlene tells world folktales and shares bittersweet stories about growing up on a Southern Illinois farm. She has told at festivals, international schools, public libraries, and has conducted storytelling workshops at library conferences, educational conferences, and universities. She coordinated an annual storytelling festival at her school in which each 4th and 5th grader, and some younger students, tells a story. Darlene helps the students choose, learn and tell their stories. She is an adjunct professor in storytelling at National-Louis University in Evanston, IL. Darlene and her husband Larry tell in tandem as 'Two Voices.'

Larry Neumann is a retired teacher of gifted students at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge, Illinois. He has worked extensively on stories about the Wright brothers and works with storytelling in the middle school classrooms. He has written several musicals, and produced an annual musical at his school. He conducts storytelling workshops, and performs at festivals, schools, and a variety of other venues. Larry and his wife Darlene tell in tandem as "Two Voices."

ACE* Storyteller my motto is: Telling Stories~Teaching Ideas
I design all of my presentations with the particular audience in mind. Many of my programs are adaptable to residencies as well as to one time presentations.
I focus my programs on nature, in the broadest sense. Insects and sounds; worms and what we eat; corn as life; Native American workshops, Korean Workshops, Three Amazing Iowa Women of the Prairie are just a few of the presentations I have performed in the past 3 months. I also do Storytelling and Yoga for all ages and work with groups on voice and projection.

I also tell stories from my family history, including Life in Plimouth Plantation--a young person's view of the New World; Philippine Folktales from my time in the Philippines as well as Korean folktales and Tae Kwan Do from my time living in Korea when it was ONE country (1947!)

I am a member of Two Rivers Story Spinners, Des Moines, IA; Northstar Storytelling, MN; Nebraska Storytellers; National Storytelling Network. I am a writer, creativity coach and owned by the WORLD's most beautiful English Springer Spaniel (at least she thinks so!) and a life long gardener.
I hold a MA in Theology and the Arts; BS in Speech Therapy, Voice Therapy, and Audiology; as well as a number of other certifications.

*ACE=Adaptable, Creative and EnTHEAstic!

Teller of original and traditional stories to audiences of all ages. Teaching a wide array of technical and skill building workshops - coaching - business/organizational consulting.

Elizabeth Nordell believes that story is the heart of humanness. She tells stories...BILINGUAL, GLOBAL and CLASSIC...in a variety of settings...SCHOOLS, CONFERENCES, ORCHESTRAS, WEDDINGS, CHOIRS, FUNDRAISERS, TENTS and PLACES OF WORSHIP...and teaches storytelling...PARENT, TEACHER and STUDENT WORKSHOPS...and produces such events as... TELLABRATION,COURAGEOUS STORIES AND TENDER TALES, the FOOD AND FARMING STORY TENT and WIT, WISDOM and WHATEVER. Elizabeth enjoys crafting programs to the theme of your choosing.

Robin Nott combines storytelling and folk singing to awaken audiences of all ages to their authentic personal imaginative worlds. Robin has been telling and singing since 1983 in libraries, festivals, conferences, schools, community events, state and national parks.

Patty Nunn has been creating and telling stories for almost 25 years. For the past decade she has been helping children and adults create and tell their own stories.

Storytelling performances offer a variety of methods to encourage a lifelong love of stories and books. String, paper folding, song, and traditional storytelling are combined to delight audiences of all ages.

Storytelling workshops for youth and adults including family and community history.

In addition to being the North Central Regional Director of NSN for 2011-2013, I founded August House Publishers in 1979, lead it into story telling in the '90s, sold it in '05, and was its president until Halloween '06 (for 27 years until that date). My new company is Parkhurst Brothers, Inc., Publishers. The company invites your emailed storytelling book proposal. We publish about ten books a year.

Karen Pillsworth is the Storyteller Laureate for the city of Kingston, NY. She has been sharing stories for almost 30 years with old and young alike, at schools, festivals, historic sites and anywhere anyone will listen. She holds an MS in early childhood education and believes if all schools had resident storytellers we wouldn’t have to worry about anyone learning to read or write, it would happen as naturally as speaking.

Jo lives in Maine and tells historical, family, and personal stories from the Northeast. A folklorist and oral historian, she presents workshops on the art of interviewing, collecting, and presenting stories.

Bill Ratner is one of America's premier voiceover artists, narrating movie trailers, documentaries, games, and the voice of 'Flin' on Family Guy, G.I. Joe, and Robot Chicken. He is a seven-time winner of The Moth Story Slams in Los Angeles and tells his stories in nightclubs, schools, theaters & festivals. He is a published short story writer and essayist. His stories can be found at billratner.com.

Marie's creativity, energy and wonderful sense of playfulness draw her audience into the magical realm of the imagination. Each performance is designed to entertain and educate her listeners with her humorous, participatory style with stories geared to unlock the imagination and celebrate the love of story!

Tina is an award winning storyteller and co-owner of WonderWeavers - Storytelling. She performs as a solo teller or as part of a tandem team. WonderWeavers specialize in bringing stories to life and storytelling into peoples lives. Performances, workshops, keynotes and residencies are offered for all ages.

Dr. Ben Rosenfield (aka Dr. Frog), also known throughout the Midwest as "The Frog Guy," shares tales from his childhood growing up in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, as well as stories of his own creation. A veteran educator with over 30 years in elementary and middle schools, both as a teacher and principal, Ben's stories celebrate life as well as educate. He helped write and clarify the Language Arts Standards for Excellence in Illinois schools. "Storytelling enhances imagination, creativity, literacy and comprehension like nothing else can. Imagine it, write it, tell it, and you'll learn it!" Featured at festivals, on TV, and radio, Ben tells original stories, ghost stories, family and folk tales, multi-cultural stories, country yarns and more. Ben is the creator and artistic director of the highly popular and well-known Halloween extravaganza, "Scare on the Square", in Woodstock, Illinois, and has long hosted the Liar's Contest at the Illinois Storytelling Festival in Spring Grove. Ben's literacy workshops in Reading, Writing and Storytelling enhance student performance and school achievement. Registered Illinois CPDU provider.

Richard is an unusually gifted storyteller who combines an engaging delivery with a unique collection of personal and original tales. His extensive experience enables him to work comfortably in a wide variety of settings. Rousseau delivers powerful stories that tend to linger long after the performance is done.

International, Interactive, and Entertaining

Playing Dress Up I believe the stories of our lives are connected to the clothing of our lives. I blend history and personal accounts to tell my grandmother's, mother's and my own stories. Through articles of clothing, we can remember moments of our lives.

Gutsy girls, wise women, tricksters and string come to life as Barbara weaves string stories and folktales, sings ballads and shares the history and legends of Michigan. Her comfortable, spontaneous style, rich voice and flawless pacing conjure images from the depth of your imagination. She performs for audiences of all ages across the United States. Her recordings have won 2 Parents' Choice Gold Awards, an ALA Notable Award, and 2 Storytelling World Award Honors.

A licensed elementary school teacher, Pam enjoys bringing the power and joy of storytelling to the classroom. She focuses on stories which build community and respect, with a few trickster and tall tales on the side. As a board member of the Northstar Storytelling League she hosts a monthly family venue called P.J. Stories.

Colleen has delighted her audiences with lively stories for nearly two decades. She loves telling stories that bring laughter to her listeners. Colleen incorporates a variety of voices and invites audience participation in her telling. She is trained as an early childhood educator, is enthusiastically focused on early literacy, and she loves teaching the art of storytelling to others. Colleen is often part of a tandem team with Tina Rohde, telling stories to families throughout the upper midwest as WonderWeavers Storytellers. She also does solo performances and in partnership with Cygnus Storytelling, offers workshops, residencies and keynotes that are educational, dynamic and inspiring.

Kim Sheahan has been a central Illinois educator since 1991, incorporating oral traditions into her multicultural programs at the University of Illinois' Spurlock Museum. She added freelance storytelling about ten years later and has performed at storytelling festivals, school assemblies, city-wide celebrations, personal parties, and gatherings of all kinds ever since. Her enthusiasm is both unmistakable and contagious. Let her share the joy and power of the tale with you at your next special event.

Anne Shimojima has delighted youth and adult audiences of all sizes with her graceful and spirited tellings of folktales from her Asian heritage and around the world. In 2001 she performed in the Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival. A school library media specialist for over thirty years, Anne gives workshops on the use of storytelling in the classroom and media center. Her workshop on creating a family history project received a standing ovation at the 2008 NSN Storytelling Conference. She has taught storytelling for National-Louis University and for six years served on the Board of Directors of the Wild Onion Storytelling Celebration.

Award winning Storyteller, Author, and Teaching Artist, Judy Sima's warm, engaging performances bubble over with humor, song, and loads of audience participation. Judy has been inspiring readers, writers and listeners across the nation with her highly interactive, practical workshops. With over 20 years experience coaching students and adults, she has helped many others become storytellers. Author of highly acclaimed: "Raising Voices: Creating Youth Storytelling Groups and Troupes". Judy's enthusiasm is contagious!

Sara Slayton is a professional storyteller and an emeritus faculty member from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse. She tells stories to people of all ages and teaches storytelling classes. She is the co-founder of the Bluff Country Tale Spinners storytelling guild, is a member of the steering committee for the LaCrosse Storytelling Festival, and is the state liaison for the National Storytelling Network.

Stories told related to Scandinavian folklore and mythology, stories with historical settings, stories about "the purse" and its history.

Hal Southern was born and raised in the piedmont area of North Carolina. He started telling stories in 2009 and loves the journey that stories take him on. He tells a variety of tales and has told stories at the Champaign-Urbana Folk and Roots Festival, the annual Halloween Ghost Story Concert at the Spurlock Museum in Urbana, Tellabration, and the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, IL. Every month he co-hosts Speak!, an open mike of stories and other spoken word pieces, in Urbana, IL.