Reviews
All kinds of folks love Tales 'n Tunes:
Librarians,
Museum Educators/Artistic Directors,
Teachers,
Parents and Grandparents, and
Kids.
Here's what some of them are saying about Tales 'n Tunes:
"I think Carol and Don did an excellent job keeping a very large audience (with many different age levels) completely entertained."
--- Robin Benoit, Children’s Librarian
Fairport Public Library, Fairport, NY
"I can always count on your quality programs. Your stories and songs are kid and family friendly where everyone can participate and have fun. You have such a nice, gentle way with the kids and gave the families a truly pleasant evening."
--- Alison Francis, Youth Services Librarian, LaGrange Library,
Poughkeepsie, NY
"Thank you so much for doing a wonderful program here at Easton Library--getting our Summer Reading Program off to a delightful start. You always do such a great job--the time you put into designing and preparing is so evident. You have a way of bringing us something new and fresh every time you come!"
--- Helen Brownell, Director, Easton Library, Easton, NY
"I really appreciated the way you involved the kids in your songs and stories. They had lots of fun!"
--- Nancy LaHaye, Youth Programmer, East Rochester Public Library
East Eochester, NY
"You guys did an excellent job!! I really enjoyed the program. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. Thanks so much for coming to Beauchamp and presenting for us and for the CD! Good luck in the future with all of your programs and everything that you do!"
--- Christine Richie, Children’s Librarian, Beauchamp Branch,
Syracuse, NY
"I thought that your performance was very entertaining and especially good for children and adults with young children. Extremely educational."
--- Bernice Castro, Library Staff, Red Jacket Community Library,
Shortsville, NY
"I enjoyed the level of involvement of the audience. The children were thoroughly engaged. Thank you so much for leaving one of your CDs with us for our collection. I appreciate it very much."
--- Joanne Trask, Children’s Librarian, White Branch, Syracuse, NY
"I liked that you mentioned books and characters and the summer theme, as well as the songs and the children participating in the program."
--- Sheila Koeberle, Youth Services Specialist, Palmyra Free Library
Palmyra, NY
"While writing reports and reflecting over the past year, I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for providing a wonderful kickoff event for the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library’s summer reading club. “Buggy About Books” was the the ideal blend of stories, songs and riddles to get kids excited about catching the reading bug. Your lively activities and humor kept children, parents and grandparents involved and smiling throughout the performance. You brought some of the best tales from around the world to our community in a dynamic way. Thanks for creating such a positive, memorable library experience for program participants. We hope to have you back in the future. Best wishes as you continue to delight and inspire families with story and song!"
--- Janet Kreason, Head of Youth Services,
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Clifton Park, NY
"Tales ‘n Tunes was a huge success! Excellent program: Engaging storytelling techniques, wonderful selection of stories and songs, interactive style between each other and the audience draw children into the world of books and reading. Well worth the money."
---Cheryl Ferris,
Children’s Librarian, Marcellus Free Library, Marcellus, NY
"I enjoyed every minute of it! I liked how the kids were included and not only watched , but became part of the entertainment. My favorite part was seeing the children anticipate in a sing-a-long hand gesture story. Tales ‘n Tunes were open, friendly and genuinely captured the children’s interest."
---Lynn Rourda,
Little Falls Public Library, Little Falls, NY
"I was enjoying the songs and stories and the time just flew by! I loved when you involved the kids in the stories. Very enjoyable!"
---Yvonne Hicks, Director,
Clark Memorial Library, Oriskany Falls, NY
"This was a wonderful program to get the summer reading program off to a great start! Great audience participation and variety of music and stories that match the reading theme."
---Rachel Clothier,
Library Assistant, Crandall Library, Glens Falls, NY
"Carol and Don were a great kickoff to this year’s SRP! Their attention to tying both song and stories to the theme-’Bugs" was appreciated! The children seemed to respond well and enjoy all the songs and stories. No ‘ants in the pants" here! : )"
---Karen Ricketson,
Children’s Services Library Assistant,
Plattsburgh Public Library, Plattsburgh, NY
"(I liked) the interaction with the children and adults and the voices of the characters Carol portrayed. audience participation was a huge success. A wonderful, enjoyable performance!"
---Vicki Plude,
Director, Ft. Edward Library, Ft. Edward, NY
"Wonderfully entertaining for all ages. What a great way to enjoy the summer, full of stories and songs."
---Naomi Cronk,
Children’s Librarian, Oxford Memorial Library, Oxford, NY
"You were highly interactive with your young audience. This is what I hoped for. The songs & stories were ‘colorful’ & ‘joyous.’ I noticed the ‘elders’ enjoying the youngsters!"
---Cathy Weinell,
SRP Planner, Sherburne Public Library, Sherburne, NY
"The children were engaged thoroughly and had fun. The performers were great with the crowd and (the program) was highly interactive where kids could actively participate."
---Alison Francis,
Children’s Librarian, LaGrange Library, Poughkeepsie, NY
"Audiences love it when they can be involved in the program. With Tales ‘n Tunes there was lots of audience participation. Their stories and songs were very engaging."
---Margaret Cooper,
Children’s Librarian, George F. Johnson Library, Endicott, NY
"The program was excellent. Very professional act. Loved the singing and guitar playing. The facial expressions and actions added a great deal to the enjoyment. I’m hearing great responses from parents and children. Thanks for sharing your talents in Deposit. You are definitely on our call back list."
---Audrey Babcock,
Manager, Deposit Free Library, Deposit, NY
"I liked your program content which adapted very well to the SRP theme and your rapport with the children was excellent."
---Maria Trinca,
Youth Services Coordinator, Broome County Public Library.
"I loved all the audience participation. The lady bug blanket (for the kids to sit on) and the insect puppets were great. Everyone always has a great time."
---Mary King,
Director, Moore Memorial Library, Greene, NY
"We have had so many positive compliments on your performance for us as part of the Scarecrow Festival here in Fairport. and now we have even had a request for your CDs. Thank you again for the wonderful performance."
---Amy Joslyn,
Children's Librarian, Fairport Public Library, Fairport, New York
"(Tales 'n Tunes' show was) participatory, encouraged movement and rewarded positive behavior. The children seemed eager to be recognized and enjoyed the opportunity to participate. Even the most wiggly ones enjoyed this opportunity. We really enjoyed this program and liked how you incorporated books into song, rhythm and language. It worked for a variety of ages and interest levels. and it was just the right length."
---
Nancy Berkowitz, Director,
Town of Indian Lake Library,
Indian Lake, NY
"Wonderful....terrific how you kept all ages interested!"
--- Claudia Blackler, Director,
Greenwich Free Library, Greenwich, NY
"Your stories are well-tailored for the age group. You are very professional in every aspect: punctual, flexible and very good experienced audience improvisations. Great performance!"
--- Tracy Tseung, Children's Librarian,
Rye Free Library, Rye, NY
"I loved your show and so did those who attended. The music was lively, the songs were the sort that stuck with you long after the show ended and the laughs were worth every penny. The audience also loved being able to be part of the show. You were warm, friendly, great with the audience and just plain fun. Thank you for a fabulous end to our Summer Reading Program."
--- Andrea Wheeler, Children's Librarian,
Penn Yan Public Library, Penn Yan, NY
"The program was interactive, so that it held the children's attention. They sang and laughed. Sound levels were good and audience responsiveness was very good. The staff appreciated that the program was operated so efficiently that it was low maintenance for them so that they could sign kids up and create library cards."
--- Lynn Shepson, Neighborhood Libraries Coordinator,
W. Elmira and Big Flats Libraries,
Elmira and Big Flats, NY
"I enjoyed your performance and have had wonderful comments (from our patrons)."
--- Glenice Molter, Head of Child. Services,
Horseheads Free Library, Horseheads, NY
"I knew the kids were really into the program when they answered every riddle. It tied well into the NYS theme. I also liked the story/song combinations. I felt it was a great show and different from what we usually do because of the songs."
--- Dianne Patchett, Sr. Library Clerk,
West Elmira Library, Elmira, NY
"Thanks for a fun show--I heard all good things about it!"
--- Betsy Bishop, Children's Librarian,
Somers Library, Somers, NY
"I liked that the kids were involved in your show. They really liked participating. You are both very talented and we enjoyed having you here. You were great with the group we had here at Guernsey Memorial Library."
--- Kim Hazen, Children's Librarian,
Guernsey Memorial Library,
Norwich, NY
"Tales 'n Tunes was professional to work with, great with kids, and gave a fun program. There were plenty of opportunities for the kids to participate and they loved it!"
--- Jessica Maisano, Director,
Catskill Public Library, Catskill, NY
"(Tales 'n Tunes) encouraged kids to actively participate and engaged their attention. (We) thoroughly enjoyed the tales and tunes. The stories and songs fit together very well, combining traditional tales with new songs."
--- Karen Deutsch, Director,
Wayland Free Library, Wayland, NY
"I liked the interactive songs and keeping the children involved. The children were totally involved in the program and seemed to like all aspects of it! If they liked it, that gives it a thumbs up!"
--- Diana Radford, Children's Services Coor.,
Groton Public Library, Groton, NY
"It was all terrific!"
--- Tara Stohr, Children's Coordinator,
LaGrange Library, Poughkeepsie, NY
"Loved the music, especially the first "clue" song and the Wide Mouth Frog song. The children enjoyed participating and you did a great job integrating the summer reading theme."
--- Sarah Matthews, Children's Librarian,
Wadsworth Library, Geneseo, NY
"Great combination of music and storytelling. Audience participation was encouraged and well-accepted. Excellent use of props to introduce stories/songs."
--- Nancy Stowell, Youth Services,
Herkimer Public Library, Herkimer, NY
"I like the lyrics of the songs and the interactive nature of the program. The kids really loved answering your 'clues'."
--- Liz Metzger, Director,
Canastota Public Library,
Canastota, NY
"Clever integration of summer reading program theme with your performance. The children and families were engaged in your fun performance!"
--- Barbara Coger, Director,
Hamilton Library, Hamilton, NY
"Before summer is completely over, I must tell you how much I appreciate the time and energy you put into the 'Clues program.' I, the children and parents loved it! Thank you for sharing your gifts with the Chatham Library."
--- Becky Klein, Children's Librarian,
Chatham Public Library, Chatham, NY
"Excellent music guessing game with children's books."
--- Susan Chajes, Head, Children's Svcs.
Mt. Pleasant Library, Pleasantville, NY
"I've been working at the library for sixteen years (nine years as the children' s librarian) and those songs were some of the best we've ever had. The children loved it!"
--- Nathan Hayes, Children's Librarian, Dunkirk Free Library Dunkirk, NY
"Thank you for enriching the lives of our area children. I liked everything...the songs...the tales...the accompanying sounds and movements...just the right pace...the way you both work well together...(your) manner with the audience....flexibility with the situation It's obvious you enjoy your work. What wonderful material tying into Books: A Treasure."
--- Lynn Ann Faber, Library Manager, Sinclairville Free Library, Sinclairville, NY
"I thoroughly enjoyed the songs and stories--they were just long enough for young audiences. The program was musically excellent. The kids leave refreshed not antsy! Loved the juggling, too!"
--- Rose-Emma Calabrese, Library Assistant Greenwood Lake Public Library Greenwood Lake, NY
"You work well together as a team! I liked how the audience is incorporated into your songs, stories. etc. Your program was presented with great enthusiasm, energy and knowledge. We thoroughly enjoyed your CD, too. We would recommend Tales 'n Tunes to area schools as an assembly program."
--- Amy Anedjian, Children's Librarian, Englewood Pubic Library, Englewood, NJ
"Great program dynamics. There was a very nice balance between singing and stories. It was easy for the children to participate. Everyone had a good time."
--- Mary King, Library Director, Moore Memorial Library, Greene, NY
"Thanks for a great performance! We look forward to having you return!"
--- Mary Jo Daly, Director Stephentown Memorial Library Stephentown, NY
"The music and stories were all great! You work very well together. Keep up the good work."
--- Lorie O'Donnell, Children's Librarian Jervis Library Rome, NY
"Great program, very enjoyable. I like the way the songs are woven into the stories. Also (like) the 'interactive' motions and sounds keep the audience involved. The dragon puppet was terrific."
--- Marci Dressler, Children's Librarian Ossining Public Library Ossining, NY
"Captivating stories...Our patrons were very pleased.!!"
--- Jennifer Raynor, Children's Librarian, Brighton Memorial Library, Rochester, NY
"Your show is three months away, but it has created a buzz in East Greenbush. Not only have parents signed up their children, but adults with no children are asking if they may register. This is going to be a great night."
--- Lee Ricci, Youth Services Librarian East Greenbush Community Library East Greenbush, NY
"The tandem telling made it lively and captivated the children. Carol and Don got good audience response from the kids. They provide storytelling with an extra dimension!"
--- Mary Beall, Branch Manager Pittsboro Memorial Library Pittsboro, NC
"The stories and music worked so well together. The performance was skillfully done with segues that moved from one story to another in a flawless manner. The audience was totally engaged in the storytelling experience."
--- Ginny LaJuene, Director Altamont Free Library
"Tales 'n Tunes is very entertaining with songs included in their stories. Carol brings a flair to each story, giving life to the characters and fascinating the listeners."
--- Michael Burnett, Director, Northville Public Library
"I liked the mix of songs and stories and the audience participation. It was a great match with our theme. It was a very well received, fun, cost-effective program that connected well with the audience."
--- Eric Trahan, Director Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery
"Your program was a perfect balance of stories and music which kept our audience enthralled--no small feat, I realize, when there are younger and older children present. Thanks for a wonderful evening."
--- Maria Trinca,YS Coordinator, Broome County Public Library, Binghamton, NY
"We liked the original songs and the variety of stories you shared. We liked how you shared telling stories and how you encouraged the audience to sing during each story. It was great the way you incorporated different sounds, too. We also liked the library riddles and the special songs about the library and reading."
--- Carol Corrigan, Director, New Lebanon Library, New Lebanon, NY
"Engaging the children with the music was excellent. The stories were perfectly tailored to the age group. I also liked the library jokes! The patrons really loved the show. We got lots of positive feedback!"
--- Jessica Zacher, Director, Stillwater Free Library
"Your stage presence with the children was wonderful and your overall performance was a joy to watch. Your program was both entertaining and engaging for the children. It was so wonderful that you were able to change the program to fit the ages present.quot;
--- Rachel Mason, Library Clerk, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY
"How well the story and music were woven together--every time! Carol's voice is so flexible that all her characters are totally separate people. Great entertainment!"
--- Cathy Caiazzo, Director, Schoharie Free Library, Schoharie, NY
"You, and your program, were very upbeat and energetic. I was impressed by how much audience participation you got. We have had entertainers in the past that couldn't get anybody involved. You were terrific!"
--- Patricia Eaton, Children's Librarian, Kellogg Library, Cincinnatus, NY
"(The) audience participation was great. I really liked your connection to the audience and your musical ability."
--- Judy Wildenger, Coordinator of Youth Services, Kirkland Town Library, Clinton, NY
"The stories were great, especially 'Wide Mouth Frog,' and the play between story and song was well done. Very talented and very 'library-focused.' Adults enjoyed (your) program as well as kids."
--- Kathleen Dorr, Director, Western Town Library, Westernville, NY
Museum Educators/Artistic Directors
"It was abolutely delightful! The interaction between performers and boys and girls was great! Everyone had a chance to do something special if they wanted to. I loved it--wish I'd seen them years ago. It was just the kind of act we love for our children’s concerts."
--- Patti Melita, Artistic Director,
Collar City Live Concerts
"You were fabulous! Rhythm, music...I liked how you said 'This story has a song in it and we'll teach it to you when we get there.' That way the audience gets involved quickly. You smile a lot and are very engaging. It was fun for all ages!"
--- Melinda Georgeson, Director of Education Norman Rockwell Museum Stockbridge, MA
"We really loved how interactive Tales 'n Tunes was with the audience.
It was great to see how friendly and engaging Carol and Don were. They
were a great addition to our program. The families really enjoyed
themselves."
---Carrie Schadler, Education Specialist, Berkshire Museum
"Great choice of stories! I liked the interactive nature of the (program). The children were not just watching and listening. They were engaged because they had a role to play. I was happy with the way the whole program ran. You listened to our needs and met them!"
---Suzanne Myers, Learning Services Coordinator, Tamarac Elementary School Brusnwick, NY
"Lively, lots of group involvement. (The) children love your CDs and sing along with the songs they learned."
---Julie Hammer, Librarian,
Otselic Valley Elementary School, Georgetown, NY
"Very reaching into the innocence of our children. Keep up the good work."
--- Ms. Beautiful from Camp Health More,
Audience Member,
Utica Public Library, Utica, NY
"Thank you for doing a K-6 program. These are very challenging and it is difficult to engage all ages. There were many compliments for your program and the Study Guide was great. "
--- Tracy Watson, Third Grade Teacher, Johnsburg Central School
"This was a great way to kick off PARP. You were great at keeping the attention of even our wigglers on a Friday afternoon. The children enjoyed the songs and the all-important message about reading ."
--- Kathy Dzamba, Reading Teacher, Van Schaick Grade School
"Thank you so much for sharing your talent with our class. The children LOVED the songs and stories, and talked about them for hours after you left. We also thank you for the CD you donated to our classroom. We will get hours of enjoymnet out of it over and over. Please let us know when you will visit (North Carolina) again."
--- Mrs. Griffin & Mrs. Glosson, Perry Harrison Elementary School, Pittsboro, NC
"The children were engaged and actively participating. (I liked that the program) develops listening skills. We truly enjoyed the program."
--- Natalie Shaner, Teacher, Perry Harrison Elementary School, Pittsboro, NC
"I loved the fact that the songs were incorpoated into the stories--also that the songs included responses and participation from the audience. The musical componet really works with the age level I work with here."
--Kathleen Dolan, Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, VT
"The kids had a great time!"
--- Eileen Adams, Parent, Fairport Public Library program
"I really enjoyed the show. Very intelligent and the performance was great."
--- Felicia, Adult audience member, White Branch Library show,
Syracuse, NY
"Really good for the kids. Thank you for coming."
--- Adult audience member, Beauchamp Branch, Syracuse, NY
"That was wonderful! We all enjoyed your show. And my little one, who is never quiet, was mesmerized. Thank you!"
--- Parent, LaGrange Library, Poughkeepsie, NY
"Enjoyed reading the wonderful praising comments (in your newsletter) made by attendees at your programs. I agree with them. I bought a couple of your CD's, listened to them and one went across the country to Oregon as it helped entertain my nephew and family with a 5 and 3 year old. They said it was "awesome!
--- Eileen S. Lemley, Scotia, NY
"That was a great show! I wish I could do what you two do."
--- Parent,
D.P. Sutherland School, Nassau, NY
"Great job! We’re going to be singing that song the rest of the day!"
--- Grandparents,
D. P. Sutherland School, Nassau, NY
"Thank you for a delightful presentation. My daughters enjoyed it thoroughly."
--- Mrs. Gutiche, Parent, Manlius Library performance
"Excellent! We loved every minute! Thank you so much for coming!
--- Amber, Madison & Abigail Johnson, audience members, PARP show, D.H. Robbins Elementary School, St. Johnsville, NY
"I really enjyed your music! I liked how you had the kids interact, too!"
--- Traci Laska, parent, PARP show, D.H. Robbins Elementary School, St. Johnsville, NY
"What a wonderful show! I enjoyed it as much as the children!"
--- Julie Yamasaki, Parent,
Horseheads Free Library, Horseheads, NY
"Very entertaining & educational!! Gave me ideas for animating (my two year old's) favorite stories with made up songs. Got my mind going with ideas--thanks."
--- Brenda Lutz, Parent,
West Elmira Library, Elmira, NY
"What a great time! The songs were a lot of fun!!Thank you SO much!!"
--- Elainna, Kiana, Marley &
Uncle David, Audience Members,
Guernsey Memorial Library,
Norwich, NY
"Thanks so much for coming to our library!"
--- Carol Lukas, Audience Member,
New Lebanon Public Library,
New Lebanon, NY
"It was a wonderful performance for kids. Thank you!
--- Xianmin Zeng, Parent,
Pittsford Public Library, Pittsford, NY
"Your program was wonderful! You kept my 'wiggler's' attention for the entire show.!"
--- A Parent,
Chatham Public Library, Chatham, NY
"Thank you for the expressive, fun storytelling. The music and kids' participation are so well balanced with the stories that the kids could listen well with enough break and excitement. The storytelling promotes reading classic tales in book form."
--- Yoko Van Borstal, Mother, Substitute Librarian Spencer Library Spencer, NY
"You were amazing! My son was completely involved in the songs and stories. And, if you knew him, you'd know that he never sits still for anything!"
--- A parent, Beekman Library performance, Poughquag, NY
"That was wonderful! I enjoyed it as much as my kids did. I hope the library has you come back."
---A parent, Peru Free Library performance
"I don't know how you remember all that. It must take a lot of rehearsing to have it come off so seamlessly."
--- Peg, grandparent
"Thank you so much! you were wonderful. You kept my daughter's complete attention for the whole hour."
--A parent at a Berkshire Museum performance
"I liked your show. It was the best show ever!"
--- Mayson, White Branch Library show, Syracuse, NY
"You rock!"
--- Calvin Michery, Palmyra Public Library performance
"You did an awesome job with all the songs!! I loved all the book characters that you sang about in your songs!!"
--- Riley Record, Palmyra Public Library performance
"Very fun!"
--- Jim Troung, White Branch Library show, Syracuse, NY
"The show was awesome and my favorite part was the story of the little bossy hen."
--- Aja and Yemurai Bellemay, Petit Branch Library performance, Syracuse, NY
"It was great! I loved the songs!"
--- Nia Bellemay, Petit Branch Library, Syracuse, NY
"I really liked the show. I hope you come back next year!"
--- Violet Mahler, Petit Branch Library show, Syracuse, NY
"I liked the bossy hen!"
--- Zoe Curewitz, Petit Branch Library show, Syracuse, NY
"I loved that show. It was so good and wonderful!"
--- McKenna (7) and Brayden (5),
Soule Branch Library, Syracuse, NY
"All your stories were great...especially the one about Anansi and the one about the goat and the peppers. I really loved the bee song!"
--- Meera and Nihal, our grandchildren and story critics,
Waterford Public Library, Waterford, NY
"I love your music, too! I liked it when I was on stage!!!!"
--- Brian Laska, student, D.H. Robbins Elementary School,
St. Johnsville, NY
"I loved the show very much! It was the best! I wish (it) was longer!
--- Tia & Alia Yamasaki, Ages 9 & 6,
Horseheads Free Library, Horseheads, NY
"We loved it!!!" Chloe Littell &
--- Mia Taylor, Audience Members,
Greenwich Public Library, Greenwich, NY
"I loved the songs!"
--- Swasti, Audience Member,
Mt. Pleasant Library, Pleasantville, NY
"I'm 15 years old and I absolutely loved your show! It's great for any age!"
--- Keisha Smith, Audience Member,
Herkimer Public Library, Herkimer, NY
"I'm 16 years old and I enjoyed your show very much. The songs were a lot of fun."
--- Caitlin Nasypany, Audience Member,
Herkimer Public Library, Herkimer, NY
"I really liked your show."
--- Kara Knickerbocker, Audience Member,
Herkimer Public Library, Herkimer, NY
"I liked your show. You are cool."
--- Dominick Manuel, Audience Member,
Cady Library, Nichols, NY
"It was a funny presentation, especially the Wide Mouth Frog song."
--- Sarah Benrain, Audience Member, Age 10 ,
Pittsford Public Library, Pittsford, NY
"That was fun!!"
--- Northville second grader
"When are you coming back?"
--- St. Mary's Instiute 2nd grader
"Thanks for coming. Your songs and stories were wonderful!"
--- Germantown 4th grader
"I went home and told my mother the whole story!"
--- School 16 5th grader
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