Review: Torment and Triumph of the 1920s

“Karen’s strength was in reading her audience and varying her tone and engagement. She did an excellent job of using up the full hour and allowing participation from the children. I could see her excitement. She had songs incorporated into her stories with repeating, predictable phrases that the children could sing along to or say along with her. It was enchanting and meaningful for the children. When the children went home they all told their parents about Karen’s storytelling.” – Caroline Boddy, Forestburg School

“We were looking for a Canadian author or storyteller. Karen fit perfectly with what we were doing. Her book about Nose Hill connected with the students as this is one of our walking field trip sites.” – Jenn Goto, Librarian, Simon’s Valley School, Calgary

“Karen is a gifted artist and storyteller. I was looking for someone who would be able to reach all of the grades and ages in our school. Karen did a great job working with students from Kindergarten to grade 12. She had the students telling stories with string and helped one class pass the time before her presentation by dancing with them! Foremost School was privileged to have the chance to share some of her stories, drawings and history. I would rate Karen a 10 out of 10!” – Lisa Jetter, librarian at Foremost School and Foremost Public Library

“The presentation held the students’ attention by having just enough transitions. The kids also loved singing along with her and participating in the story. They really enjoyed seeing her process, looking at her journal and original drawings and paintings.” – Terisa Mora, Raymond School

“I got the opportunity to listen and help with Karen’s session at Plamondon Municipal Library. She is fantastic! I would definitely rate her a 10/10. She captures the audience’s attention with ease and grace. Karen tailors her presentations to her audience, meaning she always has 2 or 3 different stories to tell depending on the age of her audience. She has an amazing way of getting the audience to sing along or volunteer when needed that is amazing. The students at Plamondon felt comfortable enough to sing with her, and a few got up to participate without being picked by the teacher.  Overall she is a great presenter.” – Rebecca Hilligas, Plamondon School

“Top marks! Karen was very engaging, and pulled you right in to the story. We could tell the kids were enjoying the presentation and were really listening.

Everyone really enjoyed Karen, not just her stories but her personality. She has a unique ability to pull you in and make you care about the story she is telling. She also was very interested in her audiences and their stories, which made engaging with her very easy.” – Maureen Penn, Lac La Biche Library