Tell It: The Storytellers Issue
The Editor's Letter
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on January 21st, 2010 in The Storytellers Issue
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Every Friday we gather with a group of friends over drinks and fare. It’s a new family tradition. I find this new tradition the most anticipated event of my week. Part of it is the joy of letting our hair down. Part of it is the food we share. But the biggest part of it I’ve discovered is the storytelling. Friends chat about their past, their dreams for the future and even the more routine day to day happenings.
On the surface, this conversation is just that—conversation. However, once you peel back the layers you see the stories—the exaggerations, the selected tid-bits one shares from an event, the animated way hands and faces lend depth to what is being shared.
And we see it affect the way the kids interact with one another. They giggle, share, play and interact with each other in a way that parallels the grown-ups. The difference? The children’s stories are typically more lively and animated than what we grown-ups share.
Last Friday we were given a treat: a live performance. As the grownups positioned themselves on the front step, the children bellowed, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are proud to present to you the Fairy Tale Theater!”
It was quite a production. There was Rapunzel, some knights, silliness and song. At one point I was dragged in to play the wicked witch. I fear I may be typecast. We all laughed, clapped and cheered. It was a moment of shared experience.
In this issue of Classic Play we celebrate the art of storytelling. We’ll give you ideas for igniting your child’s passion for crafting tales— from developing their alter egos to putting their own touch on the classic characters from Beauty and the Beast. We’ll also hear from three writers who share their experiences with childhood storytelling.
Plus we’ve added a new section to Classic Play that will return each issue—our gift guide. We’ll offer creative gift suggestions that go beyond the typical ho-hum gift and advance you and your child to the top of the thoughtful list.
And now ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls we are proud to present to you, an issue put together with great love and care… Classic Play—The Storytellers Edition.
Happy Reading!
