Stories Alive! African and African-American Folktales

Toni Simmons is a former children's librarian and drama teacher who now tours the nation performing African and African-American folktales. With many children in today's disposable TV culture finding even Reading Rainbow too slow for their tastes, the opportunity to see how exciting the simple telling of a story can be when presented in the time-honored oral tradition is a welcome surprise. Using just her voice and body (no props or fancy sets), Simmons tells three classic folktales full of repetition and audience participation which quickly engage the viewer. Unfortunately, the shooting and editing of the program are very basic, static, and slow; more creative production values could have made this aural treat a much more enjoyable visual experience. Luckily, Simmons' charisma and talent shine through anyway. Recommended. Aud: K, E, I, P. (E. Gieschen)