by Kaye Ballintyne
I took my grandson to Faery Emma’s treasure hunt. From the moment we saw her, I knew we were in for a treat. It’s as though she had just stepped out of a fairyland storybook herself. The children were so excited to see her and being such a wonderful storyteller, she quickly engaged them (and even some the adults), into her magical imaginative narrative and adventure around the Coolart gardens.
Following closely behind Faery Emma, we went looking for hidden bookworms and also made our own bookworm bookmarks on the way. Staying in character throughout, Faery Emma’s joyful spontaneity and questions about books (such as The Hungry Caterpillar) or about the children’s own experience relative to the story being told – kept them happily engaged and participating.
Faery Emma listened intently to the children’s responses throughout the treasure hunt and in turn spoke to them in a kind and delightful way that brought smiles to their faces. All the while she was weaving what they said into the story with such joy. The children (and the adults) felt they were part of her adventure.
This was a delightful session, worth repeating.
