REVIEWS

 

What Others Have Said about
Angela Davis, the Yarnspinner

Teachers Say... "Your storytelling abilities were above and beyond what I expected! You kept a very active audience entranced and entertained while teaching some wonderful aspects of Character Education. You made quite an impression. We so enjoyed your program and thank you for providing us with laughter on a Monday morning and sharing your wonderful talent with us!" Suzanne Austin, Parkdale Elementary School, E Aurora, NY "This was a marvellous performance! The way you keep the attention of the pupils is unsurpassed. Even at our school, where the children have difficulty with learning English. They were able to understand the story, even when they did not catch the meaning of every word. Especially the experience that you can make out what other people mean to tell you is very helpful. It gives our pupils more confidence that they, too, will be able to speak English one day. " Gerard de Rijke, The Netherlands "We are very much impressed by the way you handle such large groups. You keep the attention of the pupils till the very last minute. Even of the lower grade pupils. What you do is fun for everyone. The pupils are actively listening and taking part in the story. " Hans Janssen, Prins Maurits School, Holland "Yours is a remarkable achievement, especially as the pupils of our school are not native speakers. They experience English as a difficult subject. Nevertheless they visibly enjoyed your story. The first session one of our colleagues acted as an interpreter, but this seemed to be unnecessary. The second session the interpreter was left out. This worked wonderfully well, as the story was not slowed down by the translation, and all the pupils were still able to understand the story. " Ron Groen, Middel Harnis, Netherlands "Angela, what an impression made at both Parkdale and the Main Street Schools! Between all the positive emails from teachers and wonderful comments from students, I would say the assembly was a huge success! I also received numerous requests for your study materials from teachers and noticed many students enjoying their crawfish. Thanks you again for a terrific performance."" Donna M. Nason, East Aurora Free School District, NY "What struck me most was hearing the students talk about her after the show, on the playground, on my way to the cafeteria. Not only the younger ones, who where still very much awed, but also some older ones, who seemed to think she was “cool”, and enjoyed her performance. Didn’t expect that from pre-teens about a storyteller… " Davide Ghianndoni, Middle School Assistant, International School of Geneva "I brought my 11th grade students to see you. We were impressed by your incredible skill as a story teller and the way in which you captivated the entire audience, young and old alike. Your energy was like gold, and your vocal power and range was top notch. Thanks so much for bringing your stories to us! " Leah Thornton, International American School, Rotterdam "Blair was host to storyteller, Angela Davis, this morning. Impressive, indeed. I had my doubts about how one person was going to tell stories to a gym packed with kids and make it a worthwhile experience. Angela did it with ease. Highly recommended! " Jane Keillor, Blair Elem, Richmond, BC "Just want to thank you for your stories yesterday. Your selection and energy kept the children's rapt attention for 40+ minutes. Going international makes your stories even more special. As an American, it is hard for me to pinpoint my culture's essence. Your dialects, your character names, and your intertwining of relationships is universal enough for any child to relate to, but also very specific to the New Orleans region in our own country. Synchronistically you showed up during our International Week! So rarely do we Americans have anything as substantial as your presentation was! Your willingness to do an extra session for the families was really wonderful. Have heard nothing but rave reviews today. " Wendy Schearer, International School Bangkok "I can't begin to tell you how many positive comments we have received on your Critter Tales visit. You've even gotten second hand compliments from folks who didn't go, but had family who did. They've come in to the library and said how much the program was enjoyed. Great job! We can't wait to have you back!" Janet Perez, St. Bernard Parish Library

Librarians Say... "She's wonderful...performed for about an hour to an audience ranging from Pre-K through high school. Had them all from the moment she started storytelling. Her range of voices is amazing and she gets the audience involved. We can't wait to get her back. Highly, Highly recommended... " John Fagan, International School Rotterdam, Netherlands "Students and teachers were completely entranced, enchanted and energized by storyteller Angela Davis this past month. The recent rave reviews given by other ECIS schools who have hosted her are not exaggerations! Angela's theatrical prowess, involvement of and sensitivity to her audience as well as her variety of quality tales were magical to behold. Our students have been on her website to thank her and to share their stories. Her motivational technique of giving an authentic New Orlean's souvenir for books read works like a charm! I am sure Angela will be a regular visitor to international schools for years to come!" Eileen Ferreira, American School in the Hague, Netherlands "Angela visited Colin Powell Elementary during Children's Book Week. Her fun & spicy tales held each group's attention for 50+ minutes. These interactive tales from the swamp had the audience under her trance. I highly recommend her. The teachers and children have sent rave reviews." Nancy Warder, Grand Prairie, TX "We just had Ms.Angela Davis visiting our school. She was absolutely fabulous,our students continue to talk about her storytelling sessions/ performances that were so lively, colourful, such lot a fun!!!!! In my opinion, the stories also support the PYP and MYP student profile. Highly, highly recommended." Inga Britt Jaske, International School of Finland "Angela performed for our 12 year-olds and then to a large group of 10-11 year-olds. She was so impressive! She caught everyone’s attention from the very start, involving all in her stories in a variety of ways, some slightly unexpected! What an entertainer too, with her mimics, her various voices, her engulfing songs! Her performances are lively and full of fun, but she keeps full control of the entire audience, however large, and the teachers are enthralled too! It was an inspiring morning with much laughter. Highly, highly recommended! She is back in Europe in the fall, so get in touch! We have our reservation already! " Marie-Claire Billington, International School of Geneva, Switzerland "I can't begin to tell you how many positive comments we have received on your Critter Tales visit. You've even gotten second hand compliments from folks who didn't go, but had family who did. They've come in to the library and said how much the program was enjoyed. Great job! We can't wait to have you back!" Janet Perez, St. Bernard Parish Library

Administrators Say... "I've seen lots of storytelling, but Angela's the best I've ever seen...loads of fun and laughter! Great for kids! 'HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.'" Principal Janis Compton, Slack Elem., Lufkin, TX "Angela's storytelling is funny, outrageous, and involves the audience. She teaches you to how to be open to the experience, to listen without judgment, and to be connected to your whole body and everyone else. Treat yourself to this wonderful, spontaneous expression of love and learn how to express your own magic more fully." Dean Rev. Lynn Connolly, Religious Studies, Denver, CO "Angela Davis's gusto and sense of humor combine to create an extraordinarily energizing storytelling experience for audiences of all ages. Louisiana's children are lucky to have a storyteller with such tremendous talent. I had sooo much fun at the dragon flaming! Thank you. They (and I) loved you!!! Thank you for a terrific time." Youth Services Consultant, Gale Criswell, State Library of Louisiana "Without a doubt, you are the best storyteller we have had at East since I've been principal. You kept the teachers and students involved throughout and your emphasis on reading was perfect!" Principal Marcella Jordan, East Elem. Jefferson City, MO "Your wonderful presentation inspired and energized us for the rest of the conference! Attendees really were treated to a 'taste' of New Orleans through your vivid, descriptive, lively and creative stories! Because of your marvelous voices, both vocal and rhythmic, we felt immersed in the culture, lifestyle and folklore of the people in New Orleans! Conference-goers who were attending programs in surrounding rooms told me they wished they had been in our program!" Molly S. Kinney, American Librarian Association "Her storytelling captivated our students and was truly inspiring. Our students were able to connect with each of her stories in very meaningful ways. Her involvement of the faculty, myself included, helped to captivate the children's interest. Each story had a moral, reinforcing the Character Education Program at our school. I cannot say enough positive things about this performance and in fact is one of the very best I've seen in my 13 years as administrator." Daniel Lewis, Principal, Windermere Blvd. Elem. School, Amherst, NY "Your visit to Comanche Elementary School mesmerized our students--and staff too!!! Your animation enhanced the stories and made it come alive to our children. The rich vocabulary and vocal expression made our students feel like they were indeed part of the story. Thanks for leaving the incentives with us; the children are reading like crazy in order to receive one of those little plastic crabs. Please come again--you are welcome any time. " Susan Carruth, Assistant Principal, Comanche Elementary School, Comanche, Texas

The Media Say... "Angela is a fabulous storyteller! She is really good! Her presentation blew me away-it was even better than I anticipated. The show sounds absolutely great! It is the best holiday show we have ever done! " Susan Shepherd, National Public Radio- Living on Earth www.loe.org "Everyone has a friend or two who can tell a story. But Angela Davis, the Yarnspinner knows how to pull you in and hold you transfixed. You are powerless in her storytelling spell and find yourself laughing hysterically. Angela is captivating!" Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA "...One hundred mesmerized children sat on the edge of their seats as they listened and acted out stories told by master storyteller, Angela, the Yarnspinner. It is with entertainment like this that Terrebonne Parish is attracting children to the library this summer. After her performance, a stampede was made on the bookshelves!" The Houma Courier, LA "Listed as one of the top ten gems that set the Crescent City apart!" Times Picayune, New Orleans, LA