Tell the tale in a direct, unassuming manner—not as if you are talking down to a group of children, but as if you are one of the number, talking with them. Boys and girls dislike the patronizing story-teller as much as adults dislike the patronizing person, and are quick to detect affectation and insincerity. They will not receive the message a posing raconteur has to give, because his manner of delivering it irritates and estranges them. The successful story-teller must be like the poet, a joy bringer, and he can be that only when his work is marked by sincerity and genuineness as clear as brook water.

Books on Story-Telling

Allison, S. B., and Perdue, H. A.: The Story in Primary Education.

Bailey, Carolyn Sherwin: For the Story-Teller.

Bryant, Sara Cone: How to Tell Stories to Children.

Coe, Fanny E.: First Book of Stories for the Story-Teller; Second Book of Stories for the Story-Teller.

Cowles, Julia D.: The Art of Story-Telling.

Dye, Charity: The Story-Teller’s Art.

Forbush, William B.: Story-Telling in the Home.

Keyes, Angela M.: Stories and Story-Telling.