Storytelling Tips to boost Author Events

Storytelling Tips to boost Author events

I LOVE presenting interactive storytelling sessions to children. Watching kids faces light up with delight is the MOST rewarding experience in the world. I’m thrilled to offer engaging storytelling events in schools, pre-schools, libraries, bookshops and festivals.

Meet child empowerment storyteller, Karen Tyrrell (me), author-teacher. I teach kids to live strong, building positive self-esteem and self-belief.

I re-enact my empowering picture books, Bailey Beats the BLAH  and Harry Helps Grandpa Remember with costumes, interaction and fun.

I present imaginative storytelling sessions for my junior novels too. Song Bird Superhero, Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra, Jo-Kin Battles the It and STOP the Bully offer positive messages of bully prevention, teamwork and self-belief.

Storytelling Tips for Authors

1. Send a quote for your storytelling session. Consider ASA rates. Work out payment details in advance. Or consider presenting free events in libraries to get your name out there.

2. Book the session with clear aims on how to make your session captivating and memorable. Request what you need: ample space, a display table, a whiteboard.

3. Advertise your event with flyers for a library or bookshop session. Create a pro-active Facebook event to invite attendees if it’s a public event.

4. Work out your exact spiel including introduction, questions, chants, interaction, action, and humour. Ask kids to predict your story at the beginning and react to your story at the end.

5. Practice speaking, acting and interacting. Dramatize story with voice inflections, whispers, pauses and actions, injecting with enthusiasm and energy. Practice your body language and movements.

6. Pack your bag in advance including bookmarks, books, costumes, puppets, posters, your banner, a sign-up sheet and a bright cover for the display table.

7. Wear bright clothing or a book character costume. Consider an eye-catching T-shirt or theme costume, a wig, a silly hat, and your name tag.

8. Create your own props and ruler puppets to help kids retell the story with key points.

9. Follow up the dramatic storytelling session with discussion and hands on activities which consolidate your story. Allow time for book signing. Download FREE teaching resources and Free KIDS activities HERE

10. Finish on a positive note, by requesting feedback. Discuss the next visit with your next book.

Storytelling Song Bird Superhero with William Stimpson School, Wetherill Park Library.

What do my stories teach children?

Bailey Beats the BLAH boosts self-esteem, emotional awareness and coping skills to overcome anxiety (worry thoughts) depression (sad days). And how to cope with change!

Song Bird Superhero and STOP the Bully teach bully prevention skills, self-belief and the power of humour.

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember boosts kid’s relationships with grandparents and awareness of memory loss. Harry teaches kids memory skills and coping skills for brain health.

STOP the Bully at Beenleigh High school

I share very exciting news with you…

** Special Opportunity**

1. Thank you universe... During 2017, I, Karen Tyrrell,  early childhood Teacher and author will be author-in-residence storyteller at a local pre-school, sharing my picture books Bailey Beats the BLAH and Harry Helps Grandpa Remember to three and four year olds.    I will also read 18 extra picture books by respected Australian children’s authors with appropriate texts and concepts for 3 & 4 year olds.
2. If you want me to read and promote your picture book, please register your name and book for consideration in the comment boxes below. If your book is suitable, I will request you to post or lend it to me. I will submit each book and themes in advance to become part of their student learning program, promote each book, take photos etc. Please stay tuned for photos after each event. Do you have any questions?
3. MORE NEWS … I’m now a team author member of Greenleaf Press, as child empowerment storyteller and speaker at schools.

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember at Mad Hatters Bookshop.

How do YOU present YOUR storytelling sessions?

What storytelling tips would you like to share?

Tell me about your picture book and why it would be suitable for storytelling.

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