I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday!  This is a picture of me with my nephew Nicholas (who is wearing 2 different socks) on Christmas morning.  I had been lacking in the blogs area this December – sorry about that – it has been awfully busy and I’ve been trying to line up an exciting and fun-filled 2008 for all of my fans out there!  Keep an eye on the Upcoming Shows page – it is filling up fast! 

If you are to check out my Heroes blog (on the side there) you will see a blog about one of my favorite storytellers – Bill Harley.  And below is a comment from Nathan, a 7 year old who likes my stories - and likes Bill Harley’s as well.  And then he adds that Bill Harley’s website is better (it’s okay, I like his better too!) because you can listen to stuff on his.  While I don’t have sound clips available yet – I do have quick videos for people to check out on the Videos Page – with more on the way!  Take some time and enjoy them!

2008 will be bringing some exciting developments I’m working on a Big Ryan’s Tall Tales DVD and a new CD due out some time at the end of the year!  Also, Big Ryan will be hosting a children’s workshop called “Building Stories” this summer.  Please email me at ryanstalltales@hotmail.com if you are interested in finding out about this amazing workshop.  See you real soon!

– Big Ryan

Plymouth has to be some of the biggest, most well attended shows, with great crowds and excited children form all over.  I enjoy coming to tell my stories at the Plymouth Library so much, and it brings me much pleasure to tell you that the Librarian contacted me to ask if I could perform my winter tales at the Library on February 19th at 10:30am!!!  Make sure you mark this date on your calendar and I can’t wait to see everyone there! 

– Big Ryan

Winter is here!  I love the winter season.  I love the bitter cold, I love the snow, I love warm feeling you get when inside your house near a warm fire.  But most of all I love winter themed books.  This book, by the wonderful Denise Fleming, shows all of the forest animals letting each other know that the winter is on its way.  Each animal tells another until the little lady bug tells the bear, who is already aware and already going to sleep.  Denise’s images are amazing to say the least.  Her warm, inviting water colors mixed with her ability to create the cutest forest animals makes this a winter book every person should have to read to their little ones. 

As always, click on the image or any of the titles/links above to get more information.

– Big Ryan