Advise needed on reading stories at Arts Festivals

Sounds like a great opportunity.

I'd suggest learning the stories by heart rather than reading them. The bigger the audience, the less effective reading from text is, esp. to an audience of kids.

It doesn't matter if you tell the story word for word. Figure out where the highs and lows are, play on them. Think of your story as a piece of music, and your voice and body language as the conductor that delivers it.

Kids want drama, action, variety in tone and pace. Learn your stories, tell them aloud enough so you don't have to rely on the page in front of view, practise and get feedback.

Storytelling is a completely different form than writing. it's closer to acting, performance art. If you can use props, even better.

And have fun.

LP

It depends on the age of the audience, but for younger audiences, try to make the experience participatory. If you're reading about an oak tree, whenever the tree appears, have them raise their hands above their heads and make a circle to represent the tree. If you have a lion, they can roar whenever he comes on the scene. If you have peoplein your story, you can make up a movement based on their discription. For example if a mother has dingly-dangly ear rings, they can bounce their heads back and forth to mimic the dingly-dangly bit. A lot really depends on the age and size of the audience, but with younger kids, physical involvement helps keep them focused.

And congratulations on finding an agent who believes and who has gotten you this gig.

Hi and congrats! I couldn't help but feel your anxiousness. I remember the first time I was to present my children's book, and I'm a TEACHER! I was very nervous because I wanted it to be perfect. Unfortunately, (and I should know because of working with children), there's always something that comes up. You've gotten some great ideas above. Here are some things I have done too to maybe help you decide how you want to present; with my publisher's permission I had the pictures of the book blown up so all could see, when I start I usually state some rules in a fun kind of way (like look at all the quiet listeners we have today, I bet they never talk when someone else does, etc.) Then I begin with having an audience interaction and Q & A (ex. what do you think the story is about-cover is enlarged for them to see). I try to pull them into the story before we start, (my book is on bullying) so I may ask them to listen closely and raise their hands if my question "sounds" like them-"Who can ride a bike? Who likes to draw? Who is good at basketball? As each question is asked I ask them to look around the room to see what similarities and differences there may be. After a few minutes of that exercise, I remind them once again (because as you know children can become so excited about stories and guests) about some kindness rules in a positive way. Tone & drama flow naturally when you realize most are listening. You will see their attention increase when you add more drama. Sorry 'bout ramblin' on, but wanted to share some things to give you more examples. Good luck in your presentation.
Dana

Practice doing it out loud. Don't just read it to yourself in your head.

Read it out loud to your own reflection.

Read it to your spouse/significant other/best friend.

Read it to your dog (he'll love it).

Read it to your cat (he'll pretend he doesn't hear you).

The point is that reading things out loud will make you feel self-conscious at first. The only cure is to actually do it. You will discover nuances in your voice and story. Human listeners can give you feedback which will be helpful. Animal listeners can boost your confidence. (they love you no matter what.)

Congrats. This sounds like a great opportunity and a great agent too.

Great news. Glad to hear the reading went well. Sounds like you're a born storyteller! Weird about the jounalist. How hard can it be to find someone who writes for a national paper?

Congratulations. I am hoping to do readings next year when my YA comes out - great to hear your experience was such a positive one!