New York, NY (July 31, 2009)—As one of life’s richest traditions, storytelling remains an essential part of children’s programming and serves as a vital link between the past and present, connects different cultures, fosters vital communication skills and enhances imaginations. Telling Tales: A Guidebook & DVD, to be published by Neal-Schuman on September 30, 2009, weaves together step-by-step written guidance with inspiring visual demonstrations to provide librarians and educators with a dynamic, hands-on introduction to selecting, developing and performing stories that will enliven and engage young audiences.

Author and experienced educator Emily S. Chasse’s comprehensive guide to storytelling is for tellers of all experience levels and learning styles. Following a preface from Spencer G. Shaw, renowned for his storytelling artistry and knowledge, the book is divided into thirteen chapters and begins by examining the background, benefits and fundamentals of storytelling. Chasse outlines the steps for finding and choosing the right tales and offers advice for enhancing performance skills and engaging audiences. The following section focuses on a variety of major storytelling genres and themes including classical mythology, family tales and oral history, legends and epics, ballads, folklore and fairytales. Chasse then covers a broad range of unique and emerging storytelling methods, like incorporating new technologies through digital storytelling, tandem telling, plays and puppetry. There is also logistical guidance for handling copyright considerations, finding additional online resources, working with special needs, business and senior audiences and developing effective marketing strategies. Each chapter includes a useful summary, suggestions for related resources and a complete bibliography.

The accompanying DVD is an integral tool that affords readers the unique opportunity to visualize the book’s written guidance through an array of exemplary storytellers in action. Sample tales span the gamut of structures and genres and demonstrate vital storytelling elements like voice modification, gestures, movement and audience involvement, along with effective practices for using stories to connect audiences with different cultures.

Telling Tales: A Guidebook & DVD shares the essential tips and strategies to help both novice and experienced storytellers educate and excite their young users through this important tradition.

Telling Tales: A Guidebook & DVD
ISBN: 978-1-55570-645-6.
2009. 6×9. 200pp. $65.00.

About the Author
Emily S. Chasse is a librarian, teacher, and storyteller from West Hartford, Connecticut. She works as a librarian and teacher at Central Connecticut State University, has taught storytelling courses in the English and Reading Departments at Central Connecticut State University for over 20 years, and is sought-after by young people and adults for her storytelling. Emily hopes that this book will encourage others to try telling stories and to enjoy sharing tales with others of all ages.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers
Neal-Schuman Publishers is a leading publisher of professional books for librarians, archivists and knowledge managers. Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City, with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
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sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
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212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com