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Cover of The Art of Story-Telling, with nearly half a hundred stories

The Art of Story-Telling, with nearly half a hundred stories

Written by Julia Darrow Cowles

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Children's storiesStorytelling

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About this book

"The Art of Story-Telling" by Julia Darrow Cowles is a collection of instructional essays written in the early 20th century. This work aims to enhance the skills of story-telling among caregivers and educators, emphasizing both the artistic and ethical dimensions of sharing stories with children. It offers insights on how to select, tell, and utilize stories effectively in various settings, such as at home and in schools. The opening of the book introduces the concept of story-telling primarily in the home, where it serves not just to entertain but also to nurture character and strengthen the bond between mother and child. Cowles explains that stories told in a nurturing setting can leave lasting impressions on a child's development, shaping their moral foundation and literary taste. She encourages mothers to embrace the role of a storyteller, highlighting the profound impact that well-chosen and thoughtfully delivered tales can have on children. Additionally, she discusses how different types of stories—fairy tales, fables, or even biblical accounts—can be woven into daily life and tasks, enriching the child's world and facilitating their emotional and moral growth.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Art of Story-Telling, with nearly half a hundred stories, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Instructive
  • Nurturing
  • Reflective

Julia Darrow Cowles's "The Art of Story-Telling" is an early 20th-century instructional guide designed for caregivers and educators, emphasizing the profound impact of storytelling on child development. The work posits storytelling not merely as entertainment, but as a crucial tool for nurturing character, fostering moral growth, and strengthening familial bonds. Cowles meticulously outlines the artistic and ethical considerations involved in selecting, preparing, and delivering stories, from fairy tales to fables, ensuring they leave lasting positive impressions. By integrating nearly fifty illustrative stories, the book provides both theoretical frameworks and practical examples, encouraging adults to embrace their role as influential storytellers in shaping a child's literary taste and ethical foundation.

“The story-teller holds in her hand a power for good or ill that few other agencies possess.”

Key themes

The Transformative Power of Storytelling
This is the central theme, asserting that storytelling is not mere entertainment but a powerful force capable of shaping a child's character, moral compass, and emotional landscape. Cowles argues that stories leave indelible impressions, influencing development far more effectively than direct instruction.
Moral and Ethical Development Through Narrative
Cowles strongly advocates for storytelling as a primary means of instilling virtues, teaching right from wrong, and fostering ethical reasoning in children. Stories are presented as a gentle, indirect method of moral instruction, allowing children to absorb values through identification with characters and reflection on outcomes.
The Responsibility and Artistry of the Storyteller
This theme highlights the significant role and ethical duty of the adult storyteller. Cowles stresses that effective storytelling requires not only technical skill (artistry) but also a deep understanding of its purpose and impact (responsibility). The storyteller must be intentional, thoughtful, and empathetic.

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How do Cowles's views on the moral responsibility of storytelling compare with contemporary approaches to children's literature?

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