Jackie Tales: Magic of H

by Jackie Torrence

Book Overview

One of America's best-known and best-loved storytellers shares some of her most often requested tales and her proven techniques for enchanting young listeners in this collection of 16 Jackie Tales. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380975823
• ISBN13: 9780380975822
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 9.1" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Greatest stories ever

Ever since I was about three (I'm [age] now) I've listened to almost all her stories... my parents recorded them off the radio for me, and i usually listened to them when I went to bed. I still have "jack was born a lazy baby" going through my head. For the longest time, I had memorized the entire story "jack in the army", haints and all... This is probably the most influential part of my childhood, and when I get kids, I'll give them the same tapes I used to have.

Storytelling gem in words and photographs

Jackie Torrrence has rightly earned a reputation as the "First Lady of Storytelling." She has elevated the art of "porch style telling" to new heights, with her expressive facial and hand gestures, beautiful diction and direct approach to her listeners. Unfortunately, because of medical concerns she is not able to perform any longer, though she continues to work with apprentices in the art. How fortunate, then, that we have this book of her favorite stories, with wonderful photographs on every page that come very close to capturing the essence of a "Jackie telling." Sprinkled liberally throughout are Jackie's tips for telling these stories, as well as her personal philosophy about the various types of stories included. Most inspiring, though, is her sharing of her personal story, of her positive outlook on life and the will to accept and work with whatever burdens we might face. This volume is highly recommended for lovers of story everywhere.

THANK YOU JACKIE!

Until a week ago I was ignorant of Jackie Torrence's existence. "I don't know how effective this book will be for someone who is unfamiliar with this wonderful lady" states an earlier review. After hearing just a snippet on NPR about the book, I rushed to get it, and have truly enjoyed it. Jackie has made me a storyteller! Parents, aunts, uncles, educators, sages, grandparents, and anyone who enjoys entertaining should open this book. Jackie provides traditional stories with cues and suggestions on how to bring the words alive. The book works. I'll never be Jackie, but my nephews love my new-found talent. The photographs are heartwarming.

This book is a gift from the fairy godmother of storytelling

Jackie Torrence is truly one of the greatest living storytellers and has been at the very heart of the Storytelling Renaissance. To hear her is the best, and audio--even video--tapes cannot help but lack the fire and energy of Jackie herself. This book is sheer delight for someone who has heard and seen Jackie--I could hear her as if she were sitting beside me again. I don't know how effective this book will be for someone who is unfamiliar with this wonderful lady, but it does offer many specific, powerful techniques for storytelling performance that are effective even for the beginner. For those of us who know and love Jackie, it is a treat to sit down and hear and see her in these exquisite photographs which truly, as well as still photography can, capture the magic of Jackie Torrence's quicksilver expressions and dancing hands. If you can't have Jackie, have this book. But do what you must to hear and see Jackie in person too!