What is so special about telling stories? Unlike when reading from a book, you have your arms free to make gestures, use props — or give a tickle. And above all, you have eye contact, so you can observe and respond to your child’s reactions.

This collection of classic tales includes advice on how to tell stories to children: how to establish a routine and create a mood; how to involve children and personalise your stories. The stories are suitable for children aged from three to seven years old.

Many are old favourites that are regularly told in kindergartens, nurseries and schools — tales about magical creatures and exotic animals as well as stories from everyday life. Many people say they cannot tell stories, but Beatrys Lockie is a firm believer that everyone can; it just takes a little practice.

Stories include:

• The Little Jug
• The Mitten (Any Room for Me?)
• The Tomten
• The Star Child
• How the Zebra Got its Stripes
• King Grizzly Beard
• and Hans in Luck.

About the Author

Beatrys Lockie was born in Holland in 1927 and began to tell stories at an early age to anyone young or old who would listen. She moved to Scotland and was a class teacher at the Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School in which stories form an integral part of teaching in the early years. After retirement she founded and ran a succession of kindergartens. She now lives with her husband in the Scottish Borders.