Michael Parent

Library Programs

Since 1977, Michael Parent has been  performing stories and songs throughout the United States. Library programs have been and continue to be one of his specialties. 

Michael Parent's "Bug Stories" was tailored to the summer reading theme in 2008 and was well-received at various libraries around Maine.

Michael's presentations include folktales, original stories that address issues related to growing  up, and "singalongable songs." Stories are sometimes aimed at a  particular age group. But if the audience consists of a mixture of parents  and children of various ages, Michael enjoys telling stories that cross  age barriers. 

WORKSHOPS  OF SPECIAL
INTEREST TO LIBRARIANS

"BE CREATIVE, EXPRESS YOURSELF, TELL A STORY"

In 2009, Michael is offering a program that fits into this summer's themes – "Be Creative at Your Library" and "Express Yourself at Your Library."

"Be Creative, Express Yourself, Tell a Story" is a two and a half hour program combining a workshop for children and a performance by the children (and Michael).

Link here to details about this program.  

"STORY-ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH CHILDREN" 

Michael offers this workshop for librarians, teachers, or other grownups interested in imaginatively engaging children. It features simple, low-tech, low-overhead story-related activities, which are especially useful for teachers and librarians but can be used in various settings (daycare centers, homes, etc.) Suggested activities involve children in stories in various ways and do not require special training or cash outlays on the part of grownups.

"GRAB THE SPACE!" / "STORYTELLING BASICS"

A straightforward  approach for beginning storytellers, from children to librarians and  teachers interested in developing or enhancing their storytelling skills.  Through the use of exercises and "challenges" which range from the incredibly simple to the mildly difficult, aspiring storytellers get a sense of  how to approach the choosing, the learning, and the telling of a story.