A PERSONAL REFLECTION:

THE TD CANADA CHILDREN’S BOOK TOUR IN MAY 2013

Storytellers of Canada (www.storytellers-conteurs.ca) just published the reports of three SC-CC members who separately toured Canadian schools and libraries during May.

Sponsored by the TD Canada Children’s Book Week Tour in partnership with SC-CC and several other national and provincial arts groups, these accomplished musicians, authors and tellers of tales for young and old, barnstormed around three provinces. Selena Eisenberg of Cote St Luc, QC toured in Alberta. Robert Stelmach aka Max Tell of White Rock, BC performed in Quebec. Cassy Welburn of Calgary, AB visited a number of Ontario schools.

A requirement of each participant on the Tour is that he or she must prepare a detailed report of their travels, performances and impressions. The reports of Cassy, Max and Selena are a fascinating read that provide powerful insights into the incredible power and influence of oral, musical and visual storytelling on children and youth, their teachers and librarians.

All three reports describe the energy, enthusiasm and excitement of the groups who not only came to listen but to also joyfully participate with the teller in many of the stories. The shared anecdotes of Max, Selena and Cassy reminded me how well told stories can so deeply enrich the life experiences of all who hear them, often in the most unexpected but delightful ways! The dedication to the tellers and the project itself of the many host teachers, schools, librarians and libraries moved me deeply. My reaction surprised me.

These days, everywhere in Canada, teachers are under attack for countless perceived failings in educating our young people. The community library as a respected institution in many communities is also falling on hard times financially and librarians themselves seem to be just a few years away from being an endangered species in the cultural and educational fabric of our country. But as our touring tellers discovered, many teachers and librarians are passionate, skillful keepers and advocates of the art of telling for children, youth and their parents.

In the reports of the SC-CC tellers, I am greatly encouraged to hear the art of storytelling and performing is very much alive, diverse and flourishing in many institutions and communities across Canada.

As a modest writer and teller of tales in my local community, I just wanted to thank Cassy, Selena and Max for making me so very proud of how storytelling ignites the souls and imaginations of so many people, of all cultures and aspirations.

To Listen. To Learn. To Tell. What could be better than that!

Author: Don Herald of Peterborough Storytellers