Why me? Why should I be YOUR storyteller? I want to make sure I am the right guy for you, so here's a little about me. My background is varied, and experience wide. I began telling tales for free but people told me I was good and I should charge, so I did. And now this is how I make my living and support my family.

If you want someone upbeat, someone flexible to work with, someone who can easily identify with kids and adults, then we are off to a good start. I have always written, and some of my work has been published. I have a book coming coming out in early 2018 called "Under the Oaken Bough," published by Parkhurst Brothers. I studied photography at college and that was my career for a long time. I ran budget accommodation and meals establishments working for the Youth Hostel Association (a kind of b&b with evening meals for students and families). And I have worked for corporate America. I have recorded four storytelling CDs, an audio of Gilgamesh, and over six audio books. If you want someone who brings a lot to the table, then I am your man!

I have been likened to a traveling one-man show with my humour (I'm British!), physical antics, comedy and pathos. I work hard on my craft, on the voices and sound effects I use to the point where you will lose yourself in the story as you might in a great movie - no matter your age.

Where:
I will travel anywhere you need and at most times, when I am available. I cover the whole of New England and have been to other states, such as Arizona, Indiana and Missouri, to perform and teach my craft.

Looking for something special like a package, or have a budget to work with? Please call about pricing. Each performance is unique in its time, place and requirements and I would like to accommodate you. Below are some guidelines.

*Rural libraries and schools with tight budgets, please call for special rates.

Because each and every performance is unique, each venue is different, and your needs differ to others, please call to discuss what you want, so I can make a personal quotation for you.
My rates vary from $350 - $1,500 depending on your needs and time I am with you.

Program Length:
Single performances can be between 40-60 minutes in length.
Want a full day? In any environment, I can present performances and/or workshops.
Looking for full week or month-long residences? I have you covered.
I provide workshops and residencies for any organization.
Additional evening performances are often added.

Program Themes (a selection):
I have a large and always growing repertoire of tales to pull from. Sometimes it is nice to gather a number of stories together, like friends, for a program that might follow a theme. The following are only suggestions that work. As I said, I can create a program For You. Here are some ideas you might wish to use or be inspired by:

A World of Tales: Great stories from all over the world including the often requested How Ananzi Gave Us Stories. Tales of love, long journeys, shape shifting girls battling dragons are often included. Great family entertainment for the home, library, camp, or school. All ages.

Nature: These tales come from American, African, European and other World sources. They include the story of beaver's race with turtle (with permission from Joseph Bruchac), how Raven brought light to humans, why the salmon swim out to sea, why bear's tail is short, tales of trees, and more. All ages.

Fright Night: These tales are stories that will chill listeners to the bone. But don't worry - I provide age specific programs! A Fright Night can be suitable for children aged 4 and up, but works REALLY well for older listeners (11 plus). Programs can be family friendly, or broken into 'acts' or parts: I do half a presentation for younger kids and then half a presentation for older kids. This allows me to cater to both younger children and older children, and by having a break where the younger ones leave (snacks, games etc) and can I continue telling more chilling tales to the remaining adults and older children, or move to a different location. I also do programs for adults with longer, way more chilling, and in some cases slightly disturbing stories (like Poe's Black Cat). Let me know what your chill factor is!
For a list of stories I tell, visit my blog post Halloween

Winter Tales: stories from all over the world that celebrate winter and the coming of spring. Great for the winter holidays.

Treasure: Stories of treasure found in unlikely places, pirates, and a Greek myth can all found in this entertaining program for those 4 years old and up.

Celtic Tales: Stories from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, told by a Briton! It doesn't get much more authentic than that!

Loves Labors, Loves Lost: It's not Shakespeare! Sometimes the happy ever after takes hard work, sometimes it comes naturally, and sadly, sometimes it is lost. In these tales, a princess needs to get married but cannot choose to whom (or what!); Henry has to overcome a great test to marry his true love; a burly Scot falls in love with and marries one of the fay (one of the good people); and we will hear of a misunderstanding between a happy couple and how they reconcile.

Where the Ravens Feed: Ravens are smart, are sometimes seen as creatures that forebode dark times, but ravens also like to play. All this is brought to the table with intimate telling of the 1st Century Anglo-Scandinavian story of Weyland Smith, bawdy tales, funny stories and darn good yarns that might leave you yearning for more. From ancient ballads told in story form to dark tales I learned in my youth, I will share stories you'll never forget.

A program of adult tales. This program is not for children. High school and older recommended.

Above are examples of programs I offer. Sometimes you might want a performance filled with ghost tales; you might want a series of creation stories, or tales from Scandinavia, Greek myths, or British tales of King Arthur. You may want water stories, animal tales, or just a number of ripping yarns for a given audience. Whatever your needs are, please let me know, but remember, the more notice I get, the better program I can offer. If there is something you definitely have in mind that is not in the above list of ideas, please talk to me in advance so I can work with you to create your own personal program at no additional cost.

*Fees for NH rural libraries can be obtained from New Hampshire State Library performers list (special reduced rates apply).

For a list of some of my past clients, and to find available grants, please visit my Creative Ground page: http://www.creativeground.org/profile/simon-brooks-0

And the NEFA website: http://www.nefa.org/

Grants through the New Hampshire Council on the Arts

I am on the New Hampshire Artists Roster as part of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts which allows schools and other institutes to apply for grants to have me perform or do residencies. For more details, please visit: New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.

Grants through New England Foundation of the Arts (NEFA)

New England States Touring (NEST) provides support to nonprofit organizations based in New England for community-related activities by select New England performing artists from outside of the presenter's state. Any nonprofit, school, or government entity based in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) is eligible to apply for a NEST grant.

The nonprofit organization does not need to be an arts organization. An organization that does not have a federal tax identification number (such as a national historic park) may apply as long as it is part of an official government agency (such as the National Park Service).

Nonprofit organizations who are interested in bringing cultural arts programming to its community may apply for NEST funding. Examples of eligible applicants include: libraries, schools, theaters, service agencies, and arts organizations. Applicants may only receive NEST support for presenting select NEST artists.

Contact program staff with questions regarding eligibility.
http://www.nefa.org/grants_services/new_england_states_touring_nest
presentingtouring@nefa.org
617.951.0010 x533
* First-time applicants are encouraged to call NEFA.

Programs are tailored for YOUR needs and wishes! Addition mileage and/or travel expenses may occur.

Call for details and to discuss what I can do for you.
603-877-0033
Or shoot me an email: simon at diamondscree dot com

For a list of some of my past clients, and to find available grants, please visit my Creative Ground page: http://www.creativeground.org/profile/simon-brooks-0

And the NEFA website: http://www.nefa.org/

Some, but not all, clients:

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston MA

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston MA

Timberland Clothing, NH

Connecticut Storytelling Festival, New London, CT

Sharing the Fire (the Northeastern Storytelling Conference), Nashua NH, & Albany, NY

Appalachian Mountain Club, Highland Center at Crawford Notch, NH

Dartmouth College (Family Hop Stop, and Dartmouth Alumn), Hanover NH

NH Association of Education Office Professionals, Keene, NH

The Three Apples Storytelling Festival, Bedford, MA

The Big Splash Festival, Wilder VT

Mount Washington Hotel & Resort, Bretton Woods NH

Some, but not all press featuring Simon:

Concord Monitor

Kearsarge Magazine

Upper Valley Life

Here In Hanover

Connecticut Upper Valley Spectator

Valley News

Hudson-Litchfield News

Upper Valley Parents’ News

SeaCoastOnLine (Exeter News-letter)

and other local press and news outlets

Simon's performances have been liken to a cross between an intimate conversation and solo theatre production, complete with sound effects, and character voices which will leave you astonished that came from just one person. Here you will find some videos (one from 2009, others a lot more recent) and photographs taken of Simon performing in the last couple of years.

Other videos can be found on Simon's YouTube account:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmugRW-V4nqesolERq-0QA/ or you can click on the link at the bottom of the page - the tv screen!

For audio files of full stories to listen to free of charge, please click here to go to Simon's SoundCloud account, or click on the icon at the bottom of the page (the cloud). Please like what you listen to, if you do like it. Shoot Simon an email if there is a story you want to hear here. He has been known to record requested stories!

Click Here for Links to other helpful things

Please use the photos here and on the Press Page for advertising and promotion!

BEGINNERS BOOK LIST FOR STORYTELLING (folk, fairy tales, myths, legends and 'how-to')

About "Gilgamesh, a retelling." My authentic retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh written for middle school students, children aged 11 and up, and others.

To become a fan, please CLICK HERE where you will be taken to Nimbit - my fan folks!

When I first read the Epic of Gilgamesh it did not grab me. When my two children began studying it at school as part of Ancient Civilization in middle school, and Mythology in high school and read what they were reading, I saw characters and parts missing, and in what my daughter was studying, parts added which were in no version I knew.

I felt an authentic and accessible version for young people was needed. A telling that introduces readers to the story, engages them, and encourages the students and readers to seek out other versions, and other epics such as Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Vulsungs, etc.. Because I believe that all parts of a story are important and are there for a reason, I wanted to give parents, teachers and young people a full telling of the tale with nothing removed.

In doing so, teachers need a version that won't get them fired, or have kids asking parents questions they may not be ready to answer. My version is that story. Where possible I used changed wording to make it acceptable, or used euphemisms. The story is told using modern vernacular and style to draw readers in, to get them interested and wanting to hear or read more.

The CD/audio of 'The Epic of Gilgamesh, a retelling' by Simon Brooks can be purchased from my distributor CDBaby:
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/simonbrooks5

The book form comes with a character list explaining who everyone is and their relationship with one another. There is a vocabulary list, or lexicon of one hundred words, eight distinct activities which are language arts and social studies based, and a list of seven titles in the bibliography for additional source material.

The activities have students research, and compile material, and create materials in a way that will bring the story into their world.

Following the introduction, the CD (and book) breaks the story into three sections: the introduction of the tyrant king and his meeting with Enkidu; the journey to the Cedar Forest and the battle with Humbaba, the forest protector, their valiant return, and Gilgamesh's denial of Ishtar, and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. The third part is Gilgamesh's journey into the wilderness in search of solace and immortality, and his return to his city of Uruk. With the introduction and credits, the recording lasts about an hour, the first two sections being close to 20 minutes long, part three running at close to 26 minutes.

The CD is available directly from Simon (email: simon at diamondscree dot com, or ask him at a performance) and can be purchased from CDBaby, Simon's distributor:  https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/simonbrooks5

Why did I do this? Mainly to create an authentic retelling in modern vernacular for the middle school children studying it, and for the teachers, so they have an authentic telling that the kids will enjoy, and be engaged with.

I began to re-read the story a few years ago and find other versions and translations of it, and fell in love with this oldest of recorded stories. Put onto clay tablets in 3,500 B.C.E., at this point in time there is no other story recorded earlier. Of course many other stories are at least this old, and older, but these have been passed down through the oral tradition, not recorded on clay tablets, or on velum. This makes Gilgamesh very exciting to me.

What is also fascinating to me is the rediscovery of another clay tablet in 2011. There is an article about it here:

http://etc.ancient.eu/exhibitions/giglamesh-enkidu-humbaba-cedar-forest-newest-discovered-tablet-v-epic/

A paper was written by F. N. H. Al-Rawi and A. R. George (published by the American Schools of Oriental Research) discussing how the translations we took for granted were, in fact, telling the story in the incorrect order. This tablet, Tablet V , T. 1447 = SB Gilg. V MS ff, proved to academics that an orderof the story put forth by George Smith and Paul Haupt in the late 1800's was indeed correct. The first scholar to publish a transliteration of the whole poem of Gilgamesh in 1900 disagreed with Haupt and Smith, and his word was used as the standard until this find in 2011.

The 'book' I have written and the accompanying audio recording are based on four renditions: a prose version by N. K. Sandars (The Epic of Gilgamesh, Penguin Books, 1960), a free verse poetry version by Stephen Mitchell (Gilgamesh, Atria Paperback, 2004), a translation from the Sin-Leqi-Unninni by John Gardner and John Maier (Gilgamesh, Vintage Books, 1985), and Andrew George's very complete translations (The Epic of Gilgamesh, Penguin Books, 1999) which include the Babylonian poem, and other texts in Akkadian and Sumerian.

I hope my version is something you also find needed and proves, in teaching about Gilgamesh, to be helpful. My other wish is that students will really get into the story and want to discover other sagas and myths.

My collection of folk and fairy tales is out! Under the Oaken Bough contains 17 stories I tell, some well-known, others not-so-much! All written as close as I could to the style I tell my stories in. Odds Bodkin called it "Witty, funny and full of tenderness, Brooks’ slightly irreverent, post-modern versions of world tales are marked by his ability to bring his characters to life..." Buy it from your local bookstore, or from me at a performance and get it signed! (Or from Amazon). Published by Parkhurst Brothers, Inc, Publishers. Under the Oaken Bough is a little gem every teacher, librarian, parent, grandparent and young person will enjoy reading!

Here you will find links to buying my CDs from CDBaby, my distributor.

Let me take you way back in time, where you will find relevance in these tales still today.

Second-hand Tales was released in 2006, and the story The Three Feathers, from Austria, was awarded Honors by Storytelling World

More Second-hand Tales was released in 2008, and was awarded Silver Honors by Parent's Choice

A Tangle of Tales was released in 2011, and was giving the Gold Award by Parent's Choice

Moonlit Stories was released in 2015 and feathers original music by Simon Brooks

The Epic of Gilgamesh, a retelling was released in 2017 and is a 2018 winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award.

People always ask me who did the artwork for my CDs. It has always been done by the remarkable Rob Brookes. He is a very good friend of mine and Rob and I have known each other since the 1980's. Rob is an incredible artist and I am truly honored to have been able to work with him (something we have always wanted to do), and have his artwork adorning my recordings. Rob and I hope to be working on other projects in the not too distant future!

Enjoy!

To become a fan, please CLICK HERE where you will be taken to Nimbit - my fan folks!

Short Bio:

British storyteller, Simon Brooks was raised on stories and taken to the places where these stories began. Ancient hills, standing stones, and castles were Simon's upbringing. As an acclaimed storyteller Simon Brooks has engaged and transfixed with his powerful performances all over New England. As a master storyteller, Simon has taught and performed at libraries, schools, collages, festivals, camps and at museums!  With his bodhrán and stories, Simon combines the intensity of a solo performance with the intimacy of a face-to-face conversation whether on CD or live. People all over New England seek Simon for his storytelling. He is popular with kids, being so kid-like himself, and the twinkle in his eye has adults laughing, too. Like a one man show, comedian, storyteller, raconteur Simon is one of the most popular storytellers the Northeast has.

Long bio:

Simon’s been entrancing audiences for over 10 years. His tales, both live and on his award winning recordings, combine the intensity of solo performance with the intimacy of face-to-face conversations, delighting all. Simon is like a traveling one-man show with his wit, his physical antics, comedy and pathos. Simon's voices and sound effects are perfected to the point where you become lost in the tale as you might a movie, no matter your age.

Simon Brooks began storytelling to groups and family audiences in 1991 in England, becoming a professional teller in 2003 in American.  Born in England and making many trips in and out of Wales, Simon was raised on traditional tales. The love of his work is as inherent as his love of stories.  After you have finished your journey into Simon’s stories, you will wonder how so many memorable characters and voices came out of one man. Audiences, even the most sceptical, leave Simon's presentations fully understanding the magic inherent in a story powerfully told.

Simon performs and teaches at hundreds of venues including schools, colleges, libraries, businesses, museums, camps, private venues and festivals.

Contact:
E: simon at diamondscree dot com
T: 603-877-0033
M: 603-359-3341

For audio and movies click here!
 

To become a fan, please CLICK HERE where you will be taken to Nimbit - my fan folks!

I recorded my first audio book in 2012. It was called Hapenny Magick, written by Jennifer Carson. Since then I have recorded multiple books which are all, at the moment, on Audible.com.

Dear Mr. Brooks,
You recently recorded a my Kindle Single, "A Faithful Man" for Audible.com, and I just wanted to tell you how fine a job I think you did on my book. I've listened to the recording, and you matched, almost perfectly, the voices I heard in my head as I wrote the piece. Thank you very much for your excellent work, and I do hope we get an opportunity to collaborate again at at some future date.
- Robert (Bobby) Elkin

I have an ACX profile where you can hear samples of my audio work.
https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A1UNORK1IE8JT9

Or you can go to https://www.acx.com/ go to search, and pop in my name!

Other titles include:

Star Wartz

Furies: War in Europe, 1450-1700

Richard the Lionheart and Henry VIII (Just the Facts series)

The Adventure of the Field-Theorems (a Sherlock Holmes adventure)

By Night Under the Stone Bridge (a wonderful love story - Simon)

A Faithful Man (another great tale, this one written in prose, poetry and play form)

Crik (a very original piece of fantasy where the author Karl Beer, created a fabulous world)

The books cover styles such as 'art' fiction, adult fantasy, kid fantasy, fiction, sci-fi to history.

I use Studio One with a Scarlett interface, and an sE 2200 microphone in a sound booth.

Storytelling Aides:

Beginners Booklist for storytelling

List of books with the Selkies

Sacred Texts has one of the largest collection of on-line folklore

The British Society for Storytelling has a remarkable number of resources for both storytellers and organizers of storytelling events.

Karen Chace, a fellow LANES member (see below) has an AMAZING set of storytelling resources at: http://www.storybug.net/

Folklore, Myth And Legend This website has many links to many story collections. Stories from many parts of the world are included here.

Famous American stories can be found at FolkLore.net

Electronic texts of many folk tales and their AT tale type can be found here: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html This collection continues to grow.

What used to be a power house for myth and folk is still pretty strong on the web: Pantheon.org

English storyteller and guru, Ben Heggarty, also the Crick Crack Club

English storyteller Tim Shepard

Facts and Fiction, the UK's premier storytelling magazine

The storytelling resource center

Northeast Storytelling (formally the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling - https://nestorytelling.org/

National Storytelling Network (NSN). The major national storytelling membership organization, based in Kansas City, MO

Free Book Notes is a website which not only has of free study notes, guides and summaries for thousands of books, but it also has a whole storytelling section on Storytelling Resources. They claim it is the ultimate guide to storytelling which I highly doubt, as it lacks many links found in other places (including here!) but it is good and has some sources I am missing!

Friends, Colleagues and Countrymen:

One of the greatest organizations I support is not life saving, but it is soul saving and promotes literacy for children. CLiF, the Children's Literacy Foundation, is set up to GIVE books to kids who live in rural areas where they might not have access to books. They give books to rural libraries who face great difficulties in today's economy. The provide author and artist visits to schools and libraries, and work in prisons bringing families closer through literature and hopefully breaking negative cycles in the lives of both the inmates and their children. Go and have a look at their website to see all the wonderful work they do.

Marek Bennett, a comic book artist, writer, musician, friend and colleague. Marek also performs with Cold River Ranters, a rather remarkable Gonzo Folk Band, well worth checking out, especially live! Marek has written a number of comics which bring to life history of New England in a fresh and original way, taking documents, and diaries from historical societies and bringing them to life within the comic book format, making it engaging for young people.

Kristina Stykos can be found at: www.kristinastykos.com Why? Because she is a great musician and fab sound engineer. She recorded my storytelling CD, Second-hand Tales. You can buy all of my CDs at CDBaby.com

Great Photographer and friend of mine, Michael Romanos

There is one story often told about the Selkie. I heard it first in Scotland, but there are other versions of the tale from other countries and cultures. It is the story called Woman of the Sea or The Seal Skin. But there are many more tales about the Seal People. Here are some of my own sources which also include this wonderful and often told tale and other books I have come across.

Books containing stories about the Seal People

Northern Lights - Kevin Crossley-Holland, Faber & Faber, 1987

World Folktales - Atelis Clarkson & Gilbert B Cross, Scribners, 1980

Irish Fairy Tales - Jeremiah Curtain, Barnes & Noble, 1993

Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales - Sir George Douglas, Walter Scott Publishing, 1892

More Ready-to-Tell Tales - David Holt & Bill Mooney, August House, 2000

Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales - May & Hallburg Hallmunddsson, Iceland Review, 1987

People of the Sea - David Thomson - Turnstile Press, 1954

Tales of the Seal People, Scottish Folktales - Duncan Williamson - Interlink, 2005

A Thorn in the King's Foot - Duncan and Linda Williamson - Penguin, 1987

The Folk Keeper - Franny Billingsley, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2001

Faery Tales and Nightmares - Melissa Marr, HarperCollins, 2012

The Selkie Girl - Susan Cooper, Margaret K. McElderry, 1986 (picture book)

The Lunenburg Werewolf and other Stories of the Supernatural - Steve Vernon, Nimbus Publishing, 2011

If you have other sources for stories of the Selkie, please let me know and I will add them to the list.

The following were provided by Claire Miller:

Land of the Seal People – Duncan Williamson, Birlinn, 2010 (overlaps with other Duncan W collections, but includes some stories published here for the first time)

The Mermaid Bride and Other Orkney Folk Tales – Tom Muir, The Orcadian Ltd (Kirkwall Press), 1998

Orkney Folk Tales – Tom Muir, The History Press, 2014

The Seal Mother – Mordicai Gerstein, Dial, 1986 (picture book)

Greyling: a picture story from the Islands of Shetland – Jane Yolen, World Publishing, 1968 (picture book)

Other resources can be found here on my links page.

http://www.diamondscree.com/page-index/#/links-and-resources/

This book list is just a beginning collection. There could be so many more books I could add, but this is a good place to start.

About Teaching Storytelling:

The Way of the Storyteller - Ruth Sawyer, Penguin 1942

Our Stories Remember - Joseph Bruchac, Fulcrum Publishing, 2003

Tell Me A Tale - Joseph Bruchac, Harcourt & Brace, 1997

Children Tell Stories - Martha Hamilton & Mitch Weiss, Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc, 1990

Improving Your Storytelling - Doug Lipman, August House, 1999

An Elementary Odyssey - David H. Millstone, Heineman, 1995

Folklore and Fairy Tale Books

Indian Fairy Tales - Joseph Jacobs, Dover, 1969

English Fairy Tales - Joseph Jacobs, Dover, 1967

Celtic Fairy Tales - Joseph Jacobs, Senate, 1994

Irish Fairy and Folk Tales - William Butler Yeats, The Modern Library, 2003

Myths and Folk-Lore of Ireland - Jeremiah Curtin, Little, Brown & Co., 1890

Tales of the Seal People - Duncan Williamson, Interlink, 2005

'Coloured' Fairy Book Series (Blue, Green, Brown etc), Dover, 1965

Favorite Folktales from Around the World - Jane Yolen, Pantheon, 1986

American Indian Myths and Legends - Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz, Pantheon, 1984

The Norse Myths - Kevin Crossley-Holland, Pantheon, 1980

Norwegian Folktales - Peter Christian Asbjornsen and Jorgen Moe, Pantheon, 1982

Best-loved Folktales - Joanna Cole, Anchor Books, 1982

Favorite African Folktales - Nelson Mandela, Norton, 2002

Tatterhood and Other Tales - Ethel Johnston Phelps, The Feminist Press, 1978

Beowulf - Michael Morpurgo, Candlewick Press, 2006

The Complete Brothers Grimm

Bullfinch's Mythology

Jane Yolen has also written a book called Touch Magic, which is about literacy, and is a wonderful book to read.
Duncan Williamson is a legend of Scottish stories. Any book of his is worth getting. Unfortunately many are out of print. Not the one (at this point) above!
Kevin Crossley-Holland is another prolific folklorist. He has a children's version of the Norse Myths, but it is an edited version of the one mentioned above. All things by Crossley-Holland are definitely worth a look at, the same goes for Joseph Bruchac - both the books mentioned above and his story books.
The Beowulf version I have listed is for juvenile readers and is very accessible although there are many different translations. James Rumford has another juvenile version using only Anglo-Saxon words!

Need a poster for your Halloween event? Need some ghostly images, or images to set the imagination alight? Here are a selection of images I have or can use to create a digital poster for you to print out for your event.

Let me know which your preferred image is, what text you want on the poster, and I will create something for you - all part of the service!

Monday consisted of more than four hours of storytelling for Brooks, with the day broken into a few different sessions with different age groups.
Some of the stories received gasps, others "ews', and most laughs, but all seemed to delight
- Nashua Telegraph

Some quotes from clients of the Children's Literacy Foundation from over the summer:
"Simon told awesome stories. We had a diverse group of children from preschool through 8th grade and all (including parents) were engaged and enjoying the stories."

"The stories Simon tells are connected to stories we have heard but with his very funny and engaging twists!"

"We had a young autistic girl in the crowd that wanted to sit up by Simon, and had trouble keeping still. Simon did a great job engaging her, yet keeping her from interrupting the program."

"Preparing the space/set-up-Simon was amazing and included the children who came to help. He was very 'valuing' and gave them responsibilities which made them feel trusted and empowered."

"Simon was masterful--he really connected with the kids, drawing them in with humor and spontaneity.  This is particularly valuable or this audience of children/youth."

Simon is like a traveling one-man show with his wit, his physical antics, comedy and pathos. Simon’s voices and sound effects are perfected to the point where you become lost in the tale as you might a movie, no matter your age.
- Caladonian Record

Magic in Our Midst. "He becomes his story." Watch Simon Brooks work his magic in front of dozons of children and parents and you'll know...
- Kearsarge Magazine

Simon Brooks. His talent? Storytelling. With words, mouth sounds, gestures and abundant passion for his craft, he captivated the families of the Upper Valley and left a sea of charmed smiles in his wake.
- Upper Valley Life

Thank you for, yet again, a wonderful event. I greatly appreciate your inclusion of our 'helpers'. You made some very special children feel very worthy today. For those kiddos, this will be a day they will always remember - perhaps a day that changed something in them forever.
You are amazing at what you do and who you are only makes it better!
Hopefully we will get to see you again in the future.
Take good care & enjoy every day.
- Jennifer Berkowitz

 Thank you once again for today.  The children, parents, and staff were all amazed at your performance.  When the children returned to their classes they could not wait to begin reading!  You truly made a positive difference in many of their lives and helped to create a wonderful memory.
- Michele Martineau, para and special educator

I 'd like to send our heartfelt thanks to you for entertaining us with your wonderful tales and stories. You have an unique and wonderful talent!
- Becky Bjerklie, Wentworth Elementary School

Simon,
It was a wonderful residency. I share an office space with our District Literacy Coach and was just telling her how much learning occurred during your residency.  Our students learned more in those four days about the elements of a story that I ever would have imagined.
I hope I mentioned this to you, but if I did not, please feel free to use my name as a reference for other school residencies.
 - Patti Osgood, Community Outreach Coordinator

Dear Mr. Brooks,
You recently recorded a my Kindle Single, "A Faithful Man" for Audible.com, and I just wanted to tell you how fine a job I think you did on my book. I've listened to the recording, and you matched, almost perfectly, the voices I heard in my head as I wrote the piece. Thank you very much for your excellent work, and I do hope we get an opportunity to collaborate again at at some future date.
- Robert (Bobby) Elkin

All I can say is WOW! You are simply amazing. I've never seen kids (and adults) so engaged in a storytelling session. Thank you so very much for being so easy to work with, completely understanding the event and what was needed, and doing extra sets...
I will certainly pass your information along to everyone I know and I will recommend you to all internal departments for any kids programming we have here at the Museum. You are incredibly gifted.
- Kim Rzemien, Director of Special Events - Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston.

Don and me and our engineer (and I’m sure our listeners) were mesmerized as you told  “One Wish.”  It was magical!
- Brigham University Radio Morning Show, Provo, Utah.

Thank you for an awesome workshop today!  The kids and teachers enjoyed it very much...the 5th graders did a great job re-telling those stories.  They felt so good about their performances afterward and the 3rd graders were so proud of their stories...it was a great day!  My 3rd and 5th graders came home so excited.  My first grader was mad that he did not get to see you this year that he kept saying "I did not listen to any Simon Brooks stories...it's not fair!"  the entire ride home from school...he is so funny, so we told him he'll get his chance next year.
- Patty Trant, teacher, West Elementary School, Andover MA

Hi Simon, I just want you to know that the feed back from Friday was wonderful.  Evening performance was great. PTA moms want to do an all school assembly/ perhaps Artist in Residence if funding allows. Thanks for coming.  I will try to gather the written responses from the teachers for the afternoon workshop. Definitely needed more time for that one.
Thanks again.
- Ann Silverstein, Enfield Village School, Enfield, NH

Simon came into our school for five days and worked with 5-8th grade students.  Typically these students are a hard sell on most “assemblies”, but were even more so when they found out that it was a “story teller” that was coming.  Simon absolutely mesmerized them.   Students were leaning forward in their seat; they wanted to hear more.  As the week progressed, Simon had the students draw from their own life experiences and develop a story of their own. Simon worked cooperatively with the students and teaching staff to help develop the stories. He showed them that a “normal” life experience could become a richly told story when given details and tone.
Simon is able to establish relationships with students that are based on mutual respect.  For this reason, students quickly bond with him and feel safe within the classroom.  He fostered a sense of security and managed the classroom with a calm manner which enabled the students to take a risk in front of their peers to present their stories.  Many of my more timid students got up in front of their peers and not just presented their stories, but in fact performed them!  It was amazing the growth that was seen in just one week’s time.
- Kate Lester, Blue Mountain Union School, Wells River, VT.

Hi Simon,
I just wanted to thank you again for performing at our Camporee. I keep hearing from more and more people about how amazing you were -- and I agree. Way beyond my expectations! Honestly, I wasn't expecting you to be so captivating that a bunch of extremely tired campers would be spellbound -- but they were. I hope to get to enjoy your storytelling again sometime when I'm not running around trying to keep a Camporee running!
Thanks again.
- Rhonda O'Keefe- Girl Scout's Leader, Hudson, NH (Camporee contained kids aged 6 - 16 years!)

Simon - I wish I could send you all of the praises for you and your stories, but I can give you my utmost appreciation for making Anne's day even more special. A room is a room until you fill it with wonderful people and spirit - you did both. Thank you again.
- Ruth M. - birthday party for 'grown-ups'

Simon - My drama classes and I heard your tales at Nashua North High School today. We were all very impressed and had a lot of fun discussing storytelling and drama afterwards.
Thank you for the excellent stories and for helping to keep storytelling alive.
Take care.
- Walt Freeman, Dept. of English, Nashua North High School

Simon:
What a wonderful day the students had with you! Thank you for all the valuable information you shared about storytelling, as well as, the entertaining stories you told. I'm so glad that you were able to spend the day here, and not just perform in the evening. It gave ALL the children the opportunity to meet you. I'm sure all the teachers will appreciate the information you have shared. Thanks again, Simon, for enriching our lives with your storytelling. It's a wonderful art that you have mastered!
- Pam Beck - Madison Elementary School, NH

Hi Simon, Just wanted to say thank you for being up here at Trapp's over the holidays!
The feedback from guests was really good, everyone enjoyed the show. I liked how you tied morals into the stories so there was a deeper purpose beyond the entertainment side of it. That's great for everyone, especially the kids!
- Jeff O'Neil, Activities Manager, Trapp Family Lodge

Simon, It was great to have you join us. I know the kids and parents who attended your stories kept saying, "that was really good" and "Did you jump, too, when...?" It was a lot of fun and a great experience they'll carry with them. So thank you from all of us!
Till next time
- Katie Johnson, One Planet, Sharon, VT

Hi Simon. My wife and my two children, Bethany and Jordan, are big fans. My kids go everywhere we can find you to hear you. My daughter Bethany is especially a big fan. And yes, I'm a big fan too! We've been on a long drive from the Upper Valley down to Maryland, and your CD has been an absolute Godsend. Several different times Bethany said, "Can we listen to Mister Simon now?" The long one about Jessee and the 9-headed dragon [Shape-shifting Girl] is a particular favorite. Storytelling is now just a big part of what we all do as a family and has been a great addition to our usual regimen of books, art, and music. Really wonderful. The kids now tell their own, as well as repeating many of your [stories]. My six-year-old can tell [The Goat from the Hills] and Mountains] nearly verbatim, with accents and all, and my four-year-old likes to try too. Often when we tell them they're not allowed to do something … they'll put on that goat voice and answer, "Eeeehhhhhh. Waddayadoinah? Don't you know who I am?" So from all of us, just want to say thanks for all the joy you bring to our little ones.
- Ken Davis and family, fans!

Simon. Thanks for your outstanding presentation today. I really enjoyed it and clearly the kids did too. Inspirational! I am sorry I did not get to meet you after.
- Erik Schickedanz, Title I Coordinator, Halifax School

"Thank you for giving us ... your engaging storytelling performance at Hartland elementary School. The kids and adults all seemed to thoroughly enjoy your performance."
- Jen Thygesen, Everybody Wins, Upper Valley Business and Education Partnership

"I just have to thank you for telling me about the Granite State Storytelling event in New London. You are kinetic, funny, charming, engaging, and you allow adults to be children, or should I say, it makes no difference what age one is when listening to you. It was really really good to hear and see you, and to observe your audience."
- Lynda Day-Martin, storytelling fan

"Another great night at the Story Cafe! Simon filled the space with his wit and talent. He is so at ease on stage and played with the audience along the way, offering us stories that spanned from seafaring tale, to an enchanted princess. I loved his version of The Piper's Revenge, peppered with just enough historical background to put some more meat on the bones. I heard so many complimentary comments from folks as they lingered for a bit after his performance."
-Karen Chace, organizer of Story Cafe, New Bedford, MA

"Simon - Thank you so much for the wonderful performance you gave December. Students and staff are still talking about it. Our principal even brought it up at the school board meeting! I have enclosed some dragons and the information I sent along to our generous funders (the Green Mountain Festival Series). We look forward to having you back in future years!"
- Jeanie Phillips, school librarian