BONNYVILLE – As summer draws to an end, the Bonnyville Municipal Library welcomed storyteller Mary Ann Lippiatt, a member of Storytellers of Canada, to share her tales originating from across the globe with local families on Aug. 23.
Lippiatt’s stories, which have roots from places like England and Peru, brought the creativity and fun of storytelling to the 50 youth and parents in the audience.
The event took storytelling to a new level of interaction and engagement through Lippiatt’s use of colourful props, songs, dancing and music.
Attendees heard stories of history and people’s ways of life from around the world, which included teaching kids how to count in German, Cree and Sign Language.
“This is a nice way to celebrate the end of summer and a great way to encourage literacy as children learn to talk before they can read,” said Kat Eliason, the program manager for the Bonnyville library.
A total of six stories were performed for the audience, each story different than the one before. Some tales were told through song while others by movement and characters.
“I come from a family of storytellers,” Lippiatt said, after her performance.
“Every story I tell, has an element of truth and then I just add my own,” she said. “I always try to add something new.”
During the pandemic and cancellation of in-person events, Lippiatt took a break from her full-time storytelling career, which was a difficult decision to make.
“I just stayed home, and I wasn't doing any public telling. I rely on my audience and if you are doing things on Zoom and virtually you miss that contact and connection,” she said, adding that she is happy to be back in front of audiences.
The Bonnyville library will be releasing its fall brochure soon, which will include numerous after-school activities and much more.
