Click on highlighted links to watch and learn stories interspersed with fun tunes and action songs. Arrange an event with Shoshana by clicking here
Cats and Dogs: A fun, participatory story about how sworn enemies became furry friends by Shoshana. Video created for the Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival 2022.
The Magic Tree: A Musical Story
Elephant, cheetah and monkey can’t outwit slow moving tortoise, the only one who remembers a wise woman’s song you’ll never forget. Based on a tale told by the Xhosa and other Peoples of Southern Africa with original rhymes and melody by Shoshana and felt board figures by Lorraine Collett.
Huff: Explore the world with Huff, a feisty dragon who makes a very tasty choice, an original story by Shoshana . Video created for the Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival 2022.
Three Billy Goats Gruff & The Wide Mouthed Frog: Never underestimate the power of a classic fairy tale told with enthusiasm to engage children’s imaginations.
Margaret Read MacDonald Stories: This prolific childrens’ author provides fun, musical tales like “Little Crab’s Magic Eyes, “Little Bear’s Walk,” “The Squeaky Door” and “Monkeys in the Rain.”
Robert Munsch Stories: Classic Munsch tales, including Roar, Mud Puddle, Mortimer and the Paper Bag Princess, continue to enthrall young listeners.
Eric Litwin’s Musical Stories: This creative powerhouse enlivens spunky characters like “Pete the Cat” and “Groovy Joe” who playfully encourage literacy through song.
Abyoyo: A monstrous, musical tale from South Africa popularized by Pete Seeger that everyone can join in.
The Dragon’s Pearl: A classic Chinese fairy tale brought to life by a dragon puppet and an easy-to-sing tune by Shoshana. North American renditions include a picture book retold by Julie Lawson, “The Dragon Who Cried” in “Tales of Ancient China” collected and retold by Gary Chalk, and curator, Miriam Wells, on YouTube.
Gung Hey Fat Choy: An intriguing, interactive legend that explains why Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year) captivates the world with gusto.
Wings
When you hear the bell, look over your shoulder. You, too, may have sprouted wings. An original tale by Shoshana.
The Banza
A brave little goat and her fierce best friend will get you singing a wild song that will do your heart good. Based on a Haitian tale retold by Diane Wolkstein (zichrona l’bracha – may her memory be for blessing), Shoshana’s first storytelling teacher and the former chief storyteller of New York City.
Play the World Awake
Sing and dance for joy while you fly like a bird, leap like a frog, swim in a lake and toss the best skipping stones ever. Melody, choreography and lyrics by Shoshana. Story inspired by the Baal Shem Tov’s (1700-1760) “Parable of the Fiddler” in “Jewish Tales of Mystic Joy” by Yitzhak Buxbaum.
Can You Spy the Signs?
Poems, songs and treasure hunts celebrate walking to school year round. Artwork and lyrics by Miesje Taylor, lyrics and melodies by Shoshana, and graphic design by Sandra Jones.
The Spirit of the Colquitz
A spunky nature spirit learns how to heal her river in this ecological tale based on a story by Diane Edgecomb. Adapted by Shoshana in consultation with Songhees and Esquimalt Band Offices for the Strawberry Vale Watershed Festival.
The Noisy House
Everyone has a role to play in the greatest gift of all: contentment. Adapted from stories by Syd Lieberman and Margot Zemach highlighting Eastern European village life.
The Monk and the Fly
Gratitude rules in this brilliant Asian tale adapted from Margaret Read MacDonald.
Stop the Train
This upbeat action song provides a breathtaking segway for discussing active transportation (walking, bicycling, transit and train riding, carpooling, scootering, swimming, flying…)
When Wren Ruled the Birds
Brain trumps brawn in this spirited Irish myth collected by Gary Ferguson.