Presenting "One Seed" in a classroom with all participating.
Performing for children wasn't something I ever expected to be doing. It wasn't planned, it just happened. It all started with a children's festival in Campbell River, then Storytime in front of a library, singing a few songs and reading library books, and a few gigs with Nanaimo's Parks and Recreation
This all eventually evolved into full presentations in schools for classrooms and full school assemblies around the province of British Columbia, and across Canada, for my little book and song "One Seed".
Before I knew it, I was doing a children's storytime for Music in the Park. There were children who came regularly with their families to hear stories and sing some songs.
Teddy Bear's Picnic 2011 Children just love to join in with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
One little boy arrived every week wearing a bow tie. His favourite song was "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and he loved to come and join me to sing it, as did many other children. Before I knew it, there were children running all around the park to "Fly Away Free". Then one evening it poured with rain and Music in the Park was cancelled. Still the little boy with his bow tie came along with his mummy and stood in the pouring rain as he asked me, "Are we having storytime?"
Over the past fifteen years I have been through much of British Columbia with "One Seed", performed in schools and for literary fairs, and even visited some schools in Ontario. I have files full of cards and drawings from children, teachers and families. And of course, the One Seed Kids' Art Gallery. They touch my heart.
Songs for Children
Along with the children's stories there are now songs, quite a few. Grown-ups have been telling me how I am writing songs for children. I guess that's because they are about fun subjects and have great sing-along possibilities. A list of songs can be seen in the Site Menu bar to the left. Just click on the recordings and you will be led to free streams and downloads of many of the songs.
Video of Earth Day 2016
Lisa McCall, then principal of Okanagan Falls Elementary School, invited me to facilitate a whole school activity which took all day. Each grade was invited to write three sentences for the theme story, create drawings, compose a verse for the song, and finally write and draw about their hopes and dreams for Planet Earth. It was an amazing experience here captured on film. Thank you Lisa McCall, and thank you OK Falls Elementary.
Video of the On-Board Launch of The Whales Secret
"The Whales' Secret" was launched in 2011 at the first ever “Storytime at Sea” on whale boats as part of the 25th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival on Vancouver Island in Tofino and Ucluelet, in British Columbia, Canada. On Monday, March 21, from 10 - 11 a.m. I was aboard the Leviathan II docked at Jamie’s Whaling Station in Tofino and on Tuesday, March 22, from 10 - 11 a.m. on board the Lady Selkirk, at Jamie’s Whaling Station in Ucluelet. Hot chocolate was served - and a good time was had by all - more children and grown-ups kept coming until there was standing room only! Thanks go to Jenn at the Festival Office, to assistants Jacquie and Sandra, and to Jamie's Whaling Station.
The YouTube video shows part of the launch and the exciting adventure of being on a whaling boat, in rough seas, surrounded by grey whales. The camera work is a bit choppy, but there are whales... lots of whales...
Booking a Performance
While I don't do much performing now (remember, I'm a writer), I am still open to singing for the occasional event, Earth Day, concert, preferrably if I don't have to travel too far. To book an event please contact me.
