Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The Art of the Story-Teller

The Art of the Story-Teller

Written by Marie L. Shedlock

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
ChildrenChildren's storiesStorytellingChildren's literature

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"The Art of the Story-Teller" by Marie L. Shedlock is a guide on the craft of storytelling, likely written during the early 20th century. This work delves into the nuances of storytelling, emphasizing its importance in education and engaging the imagination of children. Shedlock aims to illuminate the artistic elements that can enhance storytelling effectiveness, providing insights for both educators and aspiring narrators. The opening of the book features a preface by Earl Barnes, praising Shedlock's storytelling prowess and her ability to convey the educational value of the art. It discusses the innate connection between storytelling and child development, outlining Shedlock's intention to share her observations and tips drawn from her experiences both in Britain and America. The introduction sets the stage for a series of chapters intended to explore the complexities and techniques of storytelling, including the challenges of maintaining engagement, the essentials of good storytelling, and the common pitfalls to avoid—all crucial for effective narrative delivery.

Read it with a club

Small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.

All clubs
A stack of paperbacks tied with a ribbon

News

  • 1 member
  • 1,813 discussions
  • Active 18h ago

Read The Art of the Story-Teller alongside people who are reading it too.

Open the club

Also here: News Bulletin, Just Joking....

Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.

See Prime

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Art of the Story-Teller, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • instructive
  • inspirational
  • educational

Marie L. Shedlock's "The Art of the Story-Teller" is a foundational guide from the early 20th century, exploring the profound craft of storytelling. It emphasizes storytelling's crucial role in child development, education, and fostering imagination. Shedlock, lauded by Earl Barnes in the preface, distills her extensive experience from both Britain and America into practical advice for educators and aspiring narrators. The book systematically unpacks the artistic elements necessary for effective narrative delivery, addressing challenges, essential techniques, and common pitfalls. Ultimately, it serves as a timeless treatise on transforming simple narration into a captivating and impactful art form.

“"The true storyteller does not merely recount tales but weaves worlds, breathing life into words that ignite the imagination."”

Key themes

The Art of Storytelling
This theme explores storytelling not merely as a skill but as a profound art form requiring dedication, intuition, and mastery. Shedlock delves into the nuanced techniques, emphasizing the storyteller's role in bringing narratives to life through voice, gesture, emotional resonance, and careful preparation. It's about transforming a simple tale into an immersive experience.
Education and Child Development
Shedlock positions storytelling as an essential component of education, particularly for children. The book explores how narratives can foster cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and moral understanding. It highlights storytelling's role in conveying lessons, sparking curiosity, and providing a foundation for literacy and critical thinking.
Imagination and Engagement
A core tenet of Shedlock's work is the power of storytelling to ignite and sustain imagination. The book likely details techniques for captivating an audience, ensuring their active mental participation, and transporting them into the world of the story. It emphasizes creating a vivid mental landscape for listeners, fostering creativity and emotional investment.

Worth discussing

How does Shedlock's emphasis on imagination in storytelling resonate with modern pedagogical approaches?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!