She is a writer and storyteller who has a unique approach to engaging her audiences. According to the New York Times, she believes that there are two kinds of story time: one that puts listeners to sleep and another that sparks audience participation and requests for an encore. Her trusty dynamo, Donaldson, is a persistent figure in her stories.
She describes him as a scoop of fine vanilla ice cream that can be enjoyed on its own, but becomes a hot fudge sundae with extras. Her stories often boast crowd-pleasing features such as simple rhyme schemes and repeating lines that inspire group participation. She has a knack for creating suspenseful stories, as seen in her collaboration with the team who brought us “Room on the Broom”. She explores fantastical worlds, introducing readers to creatures from Caribbean stories known as jumbies.
In her tale… a little girl named Naya sets out to meet some jumbies for herself, crossing paths with a variety of creatures that offer different voice options. She has a playful sense of humor and is not afraid to inject whimsy into her stories. Who wouldn’t want to know what happens when a dragon gets a cold? Her stories are designed to be fun and engaging, “even for young readers who may be tired or struggling to focus.” Her writing style is sparse and easy to follow, “making it accessible to beginning readers.” She often incorporates sound effects and encourages audience participation… making her stories a true spectacle.
Source: Visit website
There are two kinds of story time: the one where listeners’ heads drop sleepily onto your shoulders and the one that feels, refreshingly, like a table read for the theater of the absurd. The former is sweet and cozy. The latter sparks audience participation and requests for an encore. If you’re going for this vibe and in the mood to strut your stuff as a raconteur, start here.
Donaldson’s trusty dynamo is like a scoop of fine vanilla ice cream: enjoyable on its own, but dial up the extras and you have a hot fudge sundae (of sorts). Indeed, “The Gruffalo” boasts a buffet of crowd-pleasing features, including an uncomplicated rhyme scheme (wood/good, mouse/house), repeating lines (the better to inspire group participation) and a wide range of voices (mouse, fox, owl, snake and, yes, gruffalo). Suspense is just an added bonus from the team who brought us “Room on the Broom.”
