A woman saw me in the store yesterday and she stopped me to tell me that she used to bring her daughters to my shows. Her daughters are all grown now but she told me that she still remembers my stories and one in particular because of how her and her daughters would say good night.

You see, I have a story with my dog puppets where everytime the black lab pup, Edgar, would settle down to go to sleep he would add a new rhyme to the “Good Night, Sleep Tight” saying.  He would continue the rhyme with “Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” and then “Hope your dreams are alright!” and even “See you in the morning light!”.

Apparently her daughters would mimic that bit when it was time to go to sleep well into their teenage years.  The woman warmed my heart hearing how they used a piece of my show to create a fun tradition at night.  I love hearing from young adults who used to listen to my stories as children telling me how much they’ve enjoyed the shows but this moment was particularly sweet as it made a lasting memory for a family.

Here is the storytelling schedule for this week:

• Monday: The Learning Ladder @ 9:30am
• Monday: Brockton Schools @ 6:30pm
• Wednesday: Greater Quincy Childcare @ 9:30am
• Thursday: Reed Center, Kingston @ 10:30am *Raising A Reader – Week 6
• Friday: Hanover Library @ 10:30am * Raising A Reader – Week 6
• Friday: Middleboro YMCA @ 5:00pm

Please check the Upcoming Shows page for more information on all of these shows. The Library shows are open to the public so please click on the links on the Upcoming Shows page as some of the libraries require registration. Raising a Reader also requires registration as space is limited. Raising a Reader is sponsored by South Shore Family Network an affiliate of South Shore Community Action Council.

Places I will be visiting this week:

1. Hanover
2. Brockton
3. Quincy
4. Kingston
5. Middleboro

Here is the storytelling schedule for this week:

• Monday: Nature Center Preschool @ 10:00am
• Tuesday: Nature Center Preschool @ 10:00am/1:30pm
• Wednesday: Silver Lake Prechool @ 11:30am
• Thursday: Silver Lake Prechool @ 9:30am
• Thursday: Reed Center, Kingston @ 10:30am *Raising A Reader – Week 5
• Friday: Lil’ Munchkins @ 10:00/10:30am

Please check the Upcoming Shows page for more information on all of these shows. The Library shows are open to the public so please click on the links on the Upcoming Shows page as some of the libraries require registration. Raising a Reader also requires registration as space is limited. Raising a Reader is sponsored by South Shore Family Network an affiliate of South Shore Community Action Council.

Places I will be visiting this week:

1. Norwell
2. Kingston
3. Scituate

I have the pleasure of executing my workshop every year at the Middleboro Schools for a special collection of 4th Graders.  One of the teachers in particular has championed for many years for me to perform at her school for her students – thankfully she was able to talk the right people into having me come to the school!  I’ve been so honored to be able to discuss the joys and importance of creative writing with this group of students!  The same teacher whochampioned for me introduced me to an amazing book – a useful tool even – that shares in the importance of writing about your feelings and teaching that there is no wrong way to write in a creative manner!

Here is the storytelling schedule for this week:

• Monday: WORD, Inc. @ 10:00/10:30am
• Tuesday: Early Childhood Center @ 10:00am
• Wednesday: Early Childhood Center @ 10:00am
• Thursday: Reed Center, Kingston @ 10:30am *Raising A Reader – Week 3
• Friday: Hanover Library @ 10:30am *Raising A Reader – Week 4
• Saturday: Early Childhood Fair, Kingston Elementary @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
• Saturday: Attlebeoro Arts Museum @ 2:45pm

Please check the Upcoming Shows page for more information on all of these shows. The Library shows are open to the public so please click on the links on the Upcoming Shows page as some of the libraries require registration. Raising a Reader also requires registration as space is limited. Raising a Reader is sponsored by South Shore Family Network an affiliate of South Shore Community Action Council.

Places I will be visiting this week:

1. Fall River
2. Lynn
3. Kingston
4. Hanover
5. Attleboro

My visit to Nahant this past February vacation was a huge success and I had a blast to boot!  I even had my mini-me helper with me to snap a few photos – thank you Alexandra!  If you’d like to see more go to the Big Ryan’s Tall Tales Facebook page and check them all out!  While you’re there go ahead and “Like” the page!

And a shot of my little girl – who somehow is no longer little.

Come to the Bourne Library tonight to hear some of my favorite, classic tales!  Bring yourself in a pair of PJs – and a new pair for someone in need – and then sit with us to hear a selection of great books!  A treat and laughs will be had by all!  Click the image for more information!

See you there!

The snow may have delayed the start of our Kingston Raising a Reader – but we won’t give up!  Come join us THIS Thursday at the Reed Center at 10:30am

Once in a while there are new wordless picture books that just blow mind.  This is one of those books that did just that.  A great story that keeps you on your toes and at times makes you hold your breath with anticipation of what was going to happen.  Wordless picture books are amazing for children who have a great imagination but they are even better for children with a more concrete way of thinking – making them, almost forcing them, to think outside the box.