About the Author

Storyteller, multi-instrumentalist and author, Rob Parkinson has given around 3,000 lively sessions in more than a quarter of a century as a professional. He works with all ages from nursery through primary and secondary ranges to adults. Rob uses an astonishing array of instruments and draws from a repertoire of well over five hundred stories in performance. He has also evolved many much-praised imaginative techniques for use in workshops for developing oral and written story skills, some of which are published in the Natural Storytellers series (Tall Tale Telling, Imagine On, Yarn Spinning, New Lamps for Old) and has recorded various CDs of stories, songs and verse. His other publications include a fascinating new exploration of the power of stories - Transforming Tales: How stories can change people  (Jessica Kingsley Publishing 2009). Rob also runs the annual Imaginary Journeys story competition for young writers and storytellers under 12.

Rob offers:

Performances

Combining world tales from traditional and original stories with the music of a dozen or more ancient and ethnic instruments, plus expertly played guitar, original fantasy songs and verse, riddles, jokes etc.  Sessions available for all school ages.

Workshops

A variety of themes available to suit all ages, covering  story making,  use of guided imagination in story work ;  storytelling;  how to elaborate and develop story plots in original ways; making new stories from old ones;  using music to make and to tell stories etc.

Family performances/ performances for parents

Late afternoon or evening sessions can be added to days or booked separately and are much praised.

Extended projects 

Tailor made to school requirements

INSET - click here

 

 

 

Testimonials

“The way you told the stories took me to another world.”

“Storytellers normally drone on and bore the audience to death but you were so funny”
Joe & Beth, (Garden Fields Junior School, Herts)

“Excellent... the children were enthralled.”
Birchington Primary School

“We would not hesitate to use his considerable talent again”
Cowley Infant School

 

Publications

Books

The Natural Storytellers series, all published by Imaginary Journeys

 

Tall Tale Telling – 24 fun games for making & telling incredible stories (2004)

Imagine On – 24 fun ways to picture and tell marvellous stories (2005)

Yarn Spinning – 24 fun ways to stretch a tale in the telling (2007)

New Lamps for Old – 24 fun games for making new tales from old plots (2007)

 

Transforming Tales (How stories can change people)  - Jessica Kingsley Publishing 2009)

 

 

Story CDs

 

Fabulous Fables – witty and wise tales from world traditions with Rob Parkinson

(Imaginary Journeys 2008) – 80 minutes

 

Will’s Clogs – Unlikely & fantastical tales with Rob Parkinson

(Imaginary Journeys 1991 & 2004) – 55 minutes

 

Powerful Stories 

(Uncommon Knowledge 2003 – double CD for adult listeners) 160 mins

 

Guided Imagination 

Imagine On – Use the power of imagination to relax and create a clear personal focus (Imaginary Journeys 2005 – CD for adults

 

Booking Information

Home:	Kent
Travels to:	Anywhere
Prices:	£365 full day £240 half day + travel expenses and accommodation expenses as necessary + VAT

Publications by the Author