Iza Trapani – Author and Illustrator
Author visit
Harmonic blend of Irish stories, enhanced by music and song
James Bruchac was raised in the Adirondack foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York. A member of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, and eldest son of Abenaki and Adirondack storyteller Joseph Bruchac III, James grew up immersed in the natural world, storytelling and native culture.
James has both authored and co-authored books for all ages. Children’s books include How Chipmunk Got His Stripes, Turtle’s Race with Beaver, Rabbit’s Snow Dance, Raccoon’s Last Race, When the Chenoo Howls and Native American Games and Stories. General public titles include Scats and Tracks of the Northeast, Scats and Tracks of the Southeast, and Scats and Tracks of the Mid-Atlantic. James also co-authored The Girl Who Helped Thunder, an anthology of Native American tales. James is a member and former president of the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. Upcoming releases include Kids in the Woods, James Bruchac’s Animal Tracking Adventure Guide, James Bruchac’s Woodland Survival Tips and The Stories He Tells, the Story of Joseph Bruchac.
As a professional storyteller James has shared stories at hundreds of schools and libraries across the country. Whether telling an interactive animal story or a monster tale, he keeps listeners of all ages on the edge of their seats as well as part of the action. James has performed at many festivals, museums including the Smithsonian Discovery Theater (Washington DC), the Corn Island Storytelling Festival (KY), Noble Tales Festival and the Connor Prairie Museum (IN), Indian Summer and Riverbend Festivals (WI), The Boston Children’s Museum and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum (MA), the Hudson River Clearwater Festival, the Noteworthy Indian Museum, and The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake (NY). James and other members of his family were featured on the PBS special Adirondack Storytellers (WMHT/PBS).
As a naturalist and outdoor educator James has conducted tracking and wilderness survival-based research in all corners of the United States and Lower Canada. He has also traveled to places such as West Africa and Central America and continues his work with John Stokes and The Tracking Project in Corales, New Mexico. James is a graduate of the Tracking Project’s “Nurturing The Roots Community Mentor Program.” James’ tracking & wilderness programs include a variety of learning experiences: primitive and modern survival techniques, animal tracking, appreciation of the natural world, and Native uses of natural resources among other things.
I love to share with young people the process of illustrating books. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many schools with great responses and rave reviews. Teachers and students alike have said that my presentations are “inspiring, lively and engaging.”
Our concert program “Place” explores geographies, languages and musical /cultural traditions from all over the globe, featuring original and traditional music from our 5 pieced ensemble. West African dancing can also be added to the performance.
Theatre about: Learning to appreciate others who are different; Clarifying values and achieving goals; Body language and gestural communication.
Having toured professionally for over 24 years, including three performances at The White House, Jason and Matthew Tardy are living proof that education, hard work, and dedication are a direct path to a successful future.
Reportbullying.com -Building a safe school environment Anti-bullying/ character Presentation Programs
The Starlab, a portable planetarium, is
an interactive teaching tool disguised as a
“spacedome”. The visual impact in the
Starlab is guaranteed to capture the
attention and enthusiasm of students while
teaching them astronomy
A True Arts in Education program with the excellence of a Broadway production. Sylvia’s Encouraging and Inspirational program wrapped around the charm and comedy of ventriloquism will leave the children laughing and engaged in the topic at hand. A true production masterpiece with valuable instructional information? Doesn’t get any better than that.
Historical research based on family stories.