Storyteller

By Mary Alice Garrett

This story originally appeared October 22, 2009 in The News Journal of Wilmington, Delaware.

ELSMERE -- At what age should a parent begin reading a nightly bedtime story to a young child?

As soon as the parent brings him or her home from the hospital, says storyteller Terry Colonna of Hockessin.

Colonna should know. She's been a storyteller for almost 30 years. She read "The Little Engine That Could" to her grandson when he was only 2 days old.

In 1980, Colonna began introducing books and fantasy to youngsters over the radio. "Terrytales" was produced by the University of Rochester, N.Y., in Colonna's hometown. Each tale included classical music appropriate to the story.

After moving to Delaware 27 years ago, Colonna segued into storytelling in libraries after being encouraged to do so by her mother. She's since expanded to museums, camps, churches, clubs, colleges, festivals and zoos. She has a repertoire of 270 stories, largely geared to 2- to 12-year-olds.

"I learn all the stories at home," she said. "I use a tape recorder. I practice out loud. I love to do voices -- witches, trolls, frogs. The kids love that too."

Colonna, a former schoolteacher, prefers books with simple plots. She often makes the stories interactive, assigning parts to the youngsters. She also has them sing along. Colonna has an expressive face, moving her eyes, brow and hands to emphasize points in a story. "Miss Terry" (as she is known) also wears colorful full-length caftans to heighten her allure to children.

Recently, Colonna incorporated craft activities into her storytelling. It's been a hit at New Castle County libraries, which promote them as Storybook Parties. Colonna keeps a large number of craft supplies in her basement.

On Sept. 28, a kindergarten class from Corpus Christi School plus four other children attended a storybook party at the Elsmere Library. Sporting blue school T-shirts, the 25 kindergartners walked to the library with their lunches in tow. After the party, they played on an adjacent playground and ate on nearby picnic tables.

"This is free, and it's a walk," said teacher Louise Lahm. "Transportation is expensive. We're going to be doing more of this now." Lahm noted that her school doesn't have a playground.

Colonna told three stories -- all about frogs. The first was "Frog and Toad" followed by "Wide Mouth Frog" and "The Princess and The Frog." "Frog and Toad" stressed willpower -- in their case having the willpower not to overeat. A singing song, "Wide Mouth Frog" was about a frog celebrating his birthday. And "The Princess and The Frog" was the story of a frog who does a good deed for a princess, turns into a prince and ultimately marries the princess. "And they lived happily ever after," said Colonna as the children chimed in, "the end." Most of the children liked "The Princess and The Frog" the best. Alaina Russo, 5, preferred "Wide Mouth Frog." Afterwards the kindergartners made cardboard frog hats and painted pictures of frogs.

Several grandmothers brought their grandchildren. Margie Comegys and 4-year-old Alex Comegys come for Storybook Parties regularly. Alex especially likes stories of dinosaurs. Both Comegys live in Klair Estates.

"I try to come every Monday," said Charlene Tetteh of Wilmington, who accompanied granddaughter Laylini Bindergrass, 3.

Colonna has had success even with "reluctant readers." The key is to tap into the child's interests. "Try to let the child pick the subject matter," she said. Often young boys like books only about athletes, she added. "Read to your child every night. I think that's the best thing you can do for a child."

"Every library I've worked in has recommended" Colonna, said Elsmere Library specialist Cheryl Clem. "She's very versatile. She can work with different age groups. It's very impressive the job she does."

"Storybook parties are popular throughout New Castle County," said Susan Eggert, administrator with the county Department of Community Services. "Some parents are going from library to library for them."

Telling Tales

Storyteller Terry Colonna offers tips and book recommendations for parents of newborns.

"Start reading to them the day you bring them home from the hospital. I'm really serious. It is a wonderful break for mom and dad during those stressful first days. Sit back, take a deep breath and read a book to your baby. It will make you both feel relaxed. The baby will enjoy hearing your voice even if he doesn't understand a word."

Besides "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper, Colonna suggests "Time for Bed" by Mem Fox; "Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown and "The Day You Were Born" by Debra Frasier. For older children , she likes classic fairy tales, such as "Beauty and the Beast."